The Roar
The Roar


All the World Cup qualification scenarios at a glance

Brazil's Neymar. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Roar Guru
25th June, 2018

With all countries in the World Cup having played two matches, a fascinating last round is in store for at least six of the eight groups, with only two pools knowing the two countries who will be progressing to the round of 16.

Here’s a look at what could happen as we head into final pool matches tonight.

Group A
Russia and Uruguay are through and play each other for first place. Egypt and Saudi Arabia are out.

Group B
One of Portugal and Spain will definitely go through. Iran will need to beat Portugal to upset an Iberian clean sweep. If Spain and Portugal both lose their last games, we would go to goal difference to decide who would join unlikely group winners Iran. Draws for both Spain and Portugal would be enough to see them progress, with goal difference deciding the group winner.

Morocco are out.

Group C
France are already through. Denmark can grab top spot by beating the French, although all Australian hearts will hope that the French beat the Danes to give the Socceroos a chance of snatching second spot. To do this, Australia must beat Peru, who are out of contention.

A 1-0 win to both France and Australia would be enough for a Socceroos round of 16 appearance. A result of any kind for Denmark will knock out the Australians.

Group D
Croatia are through, but all three other nations still retain realistic qualification hopes. If Nigeria beat Argentina, they will go through (they would need a five-goal swing to get past Croatia for top spot). If Iceland beat Croatia and Argentina beat Nigeria, goal difference will be needed to decide if Iceland or Argentina progress.

A draw in the Nigeria-Argentina game would eliminate the South Americans but Iceland would need a three-goal win over Croatia to knock out the Nigerians.

Luka Modric


Group E
While Costa Rica are going home, Brazil, Switzerland and Serbia could all still fill the top two spots. Serbia would need to upset the Brazilians to progress, though that wouldn’t automatically knock Brazil out if Costa Rica upset Switzerland. Serbia could also get through with a draw if the Swiss drop their bundle, but both Switzerland and Brazil only need a point each to progress.

Group F
Mathematically, even last-placed South Korea retain a chance to progress, but that would take at least a mighty three-goal win over Germany and a Mexico win over Sweden.

Despite already winning twice, the Mexicans aren’t assured of a berth in the Round of 16 if they lose to Sweden by two or more goals and Germany beat South Korea by two or more. However, the Mexicans only need a draw to wrap up top spot.

Group G
England and Belgium are through and will play off for top spot. A draw of any kind between them would mean a yellow and red card countback to find a group winner as they have identical goal differences of 8-2. Tunisia and Panama are out.

Group H
Japan and Senegal are locked in equal top spot with identical goal differences, having drawn 2-2 in their pool game. Wins for any of Japan, Colombia and Senegal will see the victors progress. A draw for Colombia would see them in with a chance of qualification thanks to their superior goal while sending Senegal through. In such a situation, Colombia would require Japan to lose to the already-eliminated Poland.

A point or more for the Samurai Blue will seal progression to the Round of 16, but should Japan lose they’ll need to rely on Senegal getting a win to progress. Likewise if Senegal can’t get a result, they’ll need Colombian win and hope goal difference is in their favour to qualify at the expense of Japan.