Groups and knockouts are two connected phases. Teams first earn positions in group tables; those positions fill places in the bracket.
Why organisers use it
The format provides guaranteed group games before a clear route to a final.
Start with the number of teams
Eight teams can form two groups of four: 12 group matches, two semi-finals and one final, for 15 matches total. Twelve teams in three groups can require cross-group runner-up rules to produce a clean bracket.
Write tiebreak rules first
- Points.
- Goal difference.
- Goals scored.
- Head-to-head or another stated criterion.
- A final competition-specific method.
Cross the groups
- Semi-final 1: 1st Group A v 2nd Group B.
- Semi-final 2: 1st Group B v 2nd Group A.
Store qualifier relationships
Create bracket places as qualifier references. Manual re-entry risks the wrong team, a stale public bracket and extra work at the busiest time.
Wait until the position is decided
A team leading an unfinished group is not necessarily qualified. Progression should wait until the configured rules determine the position.
Protect transition time
Leave enough time to confirm the last result, settle standings and move teams before the first knockout match.