A tie’s effect depends on the competition. In group stages, each team gets a point, and in knockout games extra time and penalties decide the winner.
Group stage
Each team gets 1 point for a draw (3 for a win).
Knockout stage
If tied after 90 minutes, extra time (2 x 15 minutes) is played. If still tied, penalty shootout.
Friendly
Ends as a draw.
Tiebreakers
Goal difference and goals scored in groups.
Fact
In World Cup knockouts, 120 minutes are played before penalties.
Tournament rules
In the World Cup group stage, a tie gives each team 1 point. Standings are decided by points, then goal difference, goals scored and head-to-head results, then fair play points and a draw if necessary, under FIFA tournament regulations. In knockout rounds, a drawn match goes to 30 minutes of extra time, then a penalty shootout if still level.
- Friendly matches may end in a draw with no extra time or penalties, or may use a shootout for the fans’ sake if agreed.
- Mexico and England have met a few times, including a 1966 World Cup group game won by England 2 to 0 at Wembley, and a 1986 friendly in Los Angeles that England won 3 to 0.
- A shootout has five kicks per team, followed by sudden death.
Format context
The 2026 World Cup expanded to 48 teams in 12 groups of four, with the top two in each group and the eight best third-placed teams reaching the round of 32. The tournament was hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico. Always check competition rules, since cup and league formats differ.
Tournament rules
What happens in a tie depends on the competition. In group stages a draw gives each team 1 point, and tie breakers use goal difference. In knockout rounds, 30 minutes of extra time and then a penalty shootout settle a match.
Format context
FIFA World Cup 2026 uses 48 teams with 12 groups. Check the official schedule for the specific match.
Group stage tie rules
In the World Cup group stage a draw simply gives each team 1 point. If teams finish level on points, FIFA applies tiebreakers in order: goal difference in all group matches, goals scored, head to head points among tied teams, head to head goal difference, then fair play points and a drawing of lots. Exact rules are set in each tournament’s regulations.
Knockout stage ties
In knockout rounds a draw after 90 minutes goes to 30 minutes of extra time in two halves of 15 minutes. If still level, a penalty shootout of five kicks per side decides, followed by sudden death. Friendlies end as a draw with no extra time unless agreed. Mexico and England have met only in friendlies and one 1966 World Cup group match, which England won 2 to 0, so any tie question depends on the competition format.
Based on data from FIFA regulations and the Football Association
