In total, there are 495 distinct combinations determining which eight nations will progress to the knockout stage. For each of these combinations, FIFA has defined a fixed sequence that governs the tournament's progression and, among other things, prevents sides meeting again in the early knockout rounds if they have already faced each other in the group stage. The draw procedure is ultimately calculated by a computer programmed to account for every possible scenario.
That is why the official bracket lists multiple possible opponents for each third-placed team, to be drawn against the eight group winners. For Germany, these are the third-placed finishers from Groups A, B, C, D and F. As a result, the probabilities vary. In fact, the DFB side is far more likely to meet the third-placed finisher from Group C or D in the round of 32 than the one from Group A, B or F.
The table below summarises these probabilities for Germany's potential opponents. In the next section, we outline the likely round-of-32 fixtures based on the current standings...
That is why the official bracket lists multiple possible opponents for each third-placed team, to be drawn against the eight group winners. For Germany, these are the third-placed finishers from Groups A, B, C, D and F. As a result, the probabilities vary. In fact, the DFB side is far more likely to meet the third-placed finisher from Group C or D in the round of 32 than the one from Group A, B or F.
The table below summarises these probabilities for Germany's potential opponents. In the next section, we outline the likely round-of-32 fixtures based on the current standings...
