World Cup 2018: Group Stage

I'm getting a handle on how the World Cup is played!

World Cup soccer lasts for one month and has two stages: Group and Knockout, followed of course by the final game to determine the world champions. The first stage of the World Cup is called the Group Stage, where four teams each play each other one time and wins are worth 3 points, draws are worth 1 point. The top two teams advance. Here's a fantastic explanation from soccerhelp.com.

In the first stage (the "Group Stage"), the 32 teams are placed into eight groups of four teams each...Each group plays a round-robin tournament, guaranteeing that every team will play at least three matches. The last round of matches of each group is held simultaneously to prevent collusion between nations. Three points are awarded for a win, one for a draw and none for a loss. The top two teams from each group advance to the second stage (the 'Knockout Stage'). If two or more teams finish even on points, tie-breakers are used: the first is 'goal differential' then total goals scored, then head-to-head results, and finally drawing of lots. In the Group Phase, games may end in a draw.

If you'd like to see some nice pictures and read a little fun fact blurb, see this link at FIFA's website.