The World Cup’s head-to-head tiebreaker has taken the sting out of the group stage but there’s a much bigger problem with the new format

Kai Havertz of Germany score the first goal during International Friendly match between United States and Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, United States on June 6, 2026. .

Germany are through to the round of 32 at the World Cup. They’ll play at Gillette Stadium on Monday, June 29 for the right to move on to Philadelphia in the round of 16 on July 4.

There’s nothing wrong with that on the face of it but Germany still have a group stage match to play. Their points total can’t be matched by opponents Ecuador but a win for the South Americans would leave the door open for Ivory Coast to join Germany on six points.