Menu
Inshorts
For the best experience use inshorts app on your smartphone
inshortsinshorts
Why are final group matches in FIFA World Cup played at the same time?
short by Anmol Sharma / on Thursday, 25 June, 2026
The final group matches in FIFA World Cup have been played simultaneously since 1986 to avoid any suspicion of an advantage. The decision came after West Germany defeated Austria 1-0 by colluding to eliminate debutants Algeria on goal difference in 1982. Algeria had played their last group game a day before West Germany-Austria match and later lodged an official complaint.
read more at FIFA