World Cup 2026 qualifiers: How to separate Senegal and DR Congo if they finish level? | OneFootball

How to separate Senegal and DR Congo if level on points

Senegal/@senego

Senegal and DR Congo could end up tied in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

The Lions are leading the way in Group B with 18 points, holding a two-point advantage over the Leopards.

Here are the 8 FIFA criteria used to separate Senegal and DR Congo if they finish level on points:

1. Overall goal difference: The best goal difference across all group matches.

2. Number of goals scored: The highest number of goals scored in all group matches.

3. Head-to-head: The results of matches played between the teams in question, following the same logic.

4. Head-to-head goal difference: The goal difference from matches played between the tied teams.

5. Number of goals scored in head-to-head: The highest number of goals scored in matches between the tied teams.

6. Number of away goals scored: Specifically if only two teams are tied.

7. Fair Play ranking: A points system is used to penalize cards:

Yellow card: -1 point

Second yellow card/indirect red: -3 points

Direct red card: -4 points

Yellow card then direct red card: -5 points

8. Drawing of lots: As a last resort, if the tie still hasn’t been broken after all previous criteria.