Three Teams Eliminated Early Due to Rule Change

Three teams have already been eliminated from contention for the next stage of the World Cup. Haiti, Turkey, and Tunisia are set to finish last in their respective groups, a fate sealed after just their first two matches.

The reason for their early exit is a recent rule change. The primary tie-breaker for teams with equal points is now the head-to-head result, rather than goal difference, which was previously the standard.

Consequently, Haiti cannot overtake Scotland, who hold a three-point advantage. The British side secured a 1-0 victory in their direct encounter in Group C. Turkey, meanwhile, suffered defeats to both Paraguay and Australia, who each have three points. Tunisia's chances would have been slim even under the old goal difference rule, as the African team endured two heavy losses against Sweden and Japan.