Fifa alters how World Cup tables work - it changes everything

Fifa alters how World Cup tables work - it changes everythingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Mexico could choose to rest players against the Czech Republic with top spot securedByDale JohnsonFootball issues correspondentPublished2 minutes agoCommentsThere has a been subtle change in the way Fifa is determining league tables for the 2026 World Cup - and it might have a huge impact on the final group matches.For the first time at a World Cup, Fifa is using head-to-head records instead of group goal difference as the primary tiebreaker for teams level on points.Until 1966 goal ratio was used to separate teams - this involved dividing a team's goals scored by goals conceded. In 1970, Fifa moved to goal difference - until now.It brings Fifa into line with Uefa, which has always given priority to the results between teams.The logic is that assessing the direct performance of two teams is fairer, because it removes freak results - such as Germany's 7-1 win over Curacao.Others say that taking overall goal difference is better as that compares the total record in the group.Fifa first introduced it at last year's Club World Cup, where Flamengo won Group D ahead of eventual tournament winners Chelsea after two matches.Here's how it changes things at this World Cup.Why Mexico know they have won the groupThe main knock-on effect is a greater chance of teams not only advancing but winning the group before matchday three. Under the old format, a team would need to be four points clear of second to lock top spot after two games.That was rare because it required the other two fixtures of the first two rounds in the group to both be draws.Now it is possible to be three points clear and get first place in the bag.It can happen a few ways. It requires either two draws, or first place to have beaten the team(s) on three points.We have already seen it in Group A.Mexico won their first two games and sit on six points - three points clear of South Korea, with t...