The group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has reached its decisive stages, and the question that arises is: What measures will be taken in the event that two or more teams are tied on points at the end of this stage?
The third and final round of the group stage in the tournament being held in Morocco will begin today, Monday, after the end of the first and second rounds, which lasted for 10 days.
So far, only 3 teams have guaranteed qualification for the knockout stages before playing the third round of the group stage, namely: “Egypt”, “Algeria”, and “Nigeria”, while the final round will determine the identity of another 13 teams.
The top two teams in each group qualify for the round of 16, in addition to the best 4 teams that finish in third place.
The knockout stage matches will begin next Saturday, noting that the tournament will continue until next January 18.
To view the group standings before the third round (click here).
## What do the regulations state in the event of a tie between two teams?
Article 14 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations stipulates that in the event that two teams are tied on points at the end of the group stage matches, the teams shall be ranked according to the following criteria, taking into account the order shown below:
1- The greater number of points obtained in the matches played between the teams concerned (head-to-head).
2- Goal difference in all group stage matches.
3- Greater number of goals scored in all group stage matches.
4- Drawing of lots by the organizing committee.
## What do the regulations state in the event of a tie between more than two teams?
According to the same article, in the event that more than two teams are tied on points at the end of the group stage matches, the teams shall be ranked according to the following criteria, in the order shown below:
1- The greater number of points obtained in the matches played between the teams concerned.
2- Better goal difference in the matches played between the teams concerned.
3- Greater number of goals scored in the matches played between the teams concerned.
4- If two teams remain tied after applying these criteria, the same criteria shall be reapplied to the matches played between the two teams concerned only to determine their final ranking.
If these procedures do not lead to breaking the tie, the following criteria shall be considered in order:
1- Goal difference in all group stage matches.
2- Greater number of goals scored in all group stage matches.
3- Drawing of lots by the organizing committee.
