The sole exception to this sort of structure was the 1950 World Cup, which featured a last round-robin team of 4 groups; the decisive match of that group is usually considered the de facto closing of that Event, including by FIFA itself.[3] subject matter to selections created by the authorities

The highest eight overall progress on to the round of 16; sides finishing from ninth to 24th will contest the knockout round play-offs, Using the victors dealing with to the last 16. From then on It's really a straight go here knockout.