LAHORE – The 2026 FIFA World Cup, expanded to 48 teams, has introduced a redesigned knockout format along with revised group-stage ranking criteria aimed at refining qualification pathways and reducing reliance on goal difference.

Knockout phase format:

Under the new structure, the top two teams from each of the 12 groups will automatically qualify for the knockout stage, joined by the eight best third-placed teams.

This expansion has introduced a Round of 32, marking the first time the World Cup knockout phase begins with this stage.

The progression is as follows:

• Group stage: June 11 to June 27
• Round of 32: June 28 to July 3
• Round of 16: July 4 to July 7
• Quarterfinals: July 9 to July 11
• Semifinals: July 14 to July 15
• Third-place match: July 18
• Final: July 19

Updated tiebreaking system

FIFA has altered its ranking methodology for teams finishing level on points, placing head-to-head results above goal difference for the first time in World Cup history.

The criteria are applied in order:

Head-to-head comparisons:

• Points among tied teams
• Goal difference among tied teams
• Goals scored among tied teams

Overall group metrics:

• Goal difference in all matches
• Goals scored in all matches
• Fair play points (disciplinary record)

Final resolution:

FIFA world rankings, if required

The same framework is used to determine the eight best third-placed teams across all groups.

Teams that have qualified so far

Three sides have already booked their place in the Round of 32:

• Mexico (Group A): The co-hosts topped the group after a narrow 1-0 win over South Korea, following an opening victory against South Africa.
• United States (Group D): The Americans progressed after a 2-0 win over Australia, having earlier defeated Paraguay 4-1.
• Germany (Group E): Germany advanced with a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast after opening their campaign with a dominant 7-1 result against Curacao.

Early eliminations

Three teams have already been knocked out of the tournament after failing to accumulate sufficient points to remain in contention:

• Haiti (Group C): Eliminated after defeats to Scotland and Brazil.
• Turkiye (Group D): Exited following losses to Australia and Paraguay.
• Tunisia (Group F): Knocked out after heavy defeats to Sweden and Japan.

MONTERREY – Japan produced a dominant display to defeat Tunisia 4-0 in their Group F fixture on Saturday, with Ayase Ueda scoring twice as the North Africans became the latest team to be eliminated from the World Cup.

The victory came in the tournament’s 1,000th match and lifted Japan to four points from two games, alongside the Netherlands, who earlier defeated Sweden 5-1.

Japan made a dream start, taking the lead in the fourth minute after a flowing team move. Keito Nakamura cut the ball back from the left for Daichi Kamada, who finished comfortably to put Hajime Moriyasu’s side ahead.

Tunisia, who suffered a heavy defeat to Sweden in their opening match and were playing under newly appointed coach Herve Renard, struggled to deal with Japan’s high pressing and quick passing throughout the contest.

Japan came close to doubling their advantage shortly afterwards before Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen produced a crucial save from a corner, with goal-line technology confirming the ball had not crossed the line.

The second goal arrived in the 31st minute when Ueda advanced towards the edge of the penalty area and fired a low effort into the far corner, giving Dahmen little chance.

Tunisia rarely threatened in attack and Japan continued to control possession after the break. Their third goal came in the 69th minute when Kamada’s through ball split the Tunisian defence and Junya Ito raced clear before calmly finishing past Dahmen.

Ueda completed the scoring six minutes from time, meeting Kaishu Sano’s far-post delivery with a powerful header into the top corner.

The result made Japan the first Asian side to score four goals in a World Cup match and left Tunisia without a point from their opening two games.

Tunisia became the third team to be eliminated from the tournament after Haiti and Turkiye.

LAHORE – Hotshot Esports has emerged as the champions of the Game Now FFWS Pakistan 2025, defeating the nation’s strongest teams and securing their spot at the FFWS Global Finals 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

● Hotshot Esports claims the crown at Free Fire World Series Pakistan 2025, after a thrilling Battle Royale Grand Final in the iconic NASTP, Karachi

● Outperformed top rivals RZX Esports and Raptr Legacy with clutch plays

● Secured PKR 1 Million Prizepool and advances to FFWS Global Finals as Pakistan’s representative

A Clash of Generations
FFWS PK 2025 stood out for its unique mix of veteran squads and rising teams. Established teams such as Demons Pride and Raptr Legacy demonstrated their trademark experience and composure, while emerging lineups like Team Tez injected fresh energy and innovative strategies into the competition.

Amidst this diverse field, Hotshot Esports showcased adaptability and consistency, overcoming both seasoned rivals and ambitious newcomers to emerge as Pakistan’s finest.

FFWS PK 2025 Grand Finals recap
The Grand Finals brought together Pakistan’s top 12 teams at NASTP, Karachi, where more than 500 fans gathered to witness the nation’s best Free Fire action. Teams clashed across iconic maps, including Bermuda, Kalahari, and Solara.

● Hotshot Esports secured 3 Booyahs and a grand total of 141 points, finishing ahead of runners-up Demons Pride by a margin of 32 points.

● The tournament’s MVP, Hotshot Esports’s Action, stood out with a total of 33 eliminations and 16141 damage, delivering decisive performances when it mattered most.

● Collectively, Hotshot Esports posted 84 kills, demonstrating a balance of aggressive gameplay and consistent positioning.

This commanding performance reinforced their status as worthy champions and solidified their place as Pakistan’s representatives on the global stage.

Present at the event, Head of Gaming at Jazz, Arsalan Qamar, commented, “At Jazz, we believe gaming and Esports as more than just entertainment – they are a powerful driver of culture, community, and digital innovation in Pakistan. With GameNow, we are proud to partner with Garena’s Free Fire World Series 2025 to give our youth the stage to showcase their talent globally. Through exclusive Free Fire bundles and our one-stop platform, GameNow, we are making gaming more accessible than ever. This partnership marks a milestone in Jazz’s mission to empower Pakistan’s digital generation and lead the charge in shaping the future of gaming in the country.”

Representing Pakistan on the Global Stage
With this victory, Hotshot Esports not only claimed the 1,000,000 PKR prize pool but also earned the honor of representing Pakistan at the FFWS Global Finals 2025 in November 2025. In Jakarta, they will compete against 17 top Free Fire squads from powerhouse regions including Thailand, Indonesia, and Brazil.

Carrying the pride of Pakistan’s esports community, Hotshot Esports now prepares to showcase its skill and determination on one of the most prestigious stages in competitive gaming.

Missed the action for FFWS Pakistan 2025? Don’t Worry!
Fans can revisit the excitement of the FFWS Pakistan 2025 (Group Stage, Clash Squad Tournament, and Grand Finals) by tuning into live broadcasts on multiple streaming platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok. All broadcast commentary will be available in Urdu.