3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw. Mexico and Brazil both have 4 points, with Brazil having the better goal difference and is therefore in first place currently, and Mexico are second.

On Edit: There are 32 teams, divided into 8 groups of 4. Each team plays the other 3 in their group once, getting 3 points for a victory, 1 point for a draw. In case of two teams having equal points, goal difference (the sum total of goals scored minus the number of goals scored against) is the first tie-breaker. The second tie-breaker is total goals scored.

After the opening round, the 16 remaining teams play single round elimination matches. In case of a draw at the end of regulation time, there will be two 15 minute overtimes. If still drawn at the end, the game will be settled by penalty kicks. Each team takes 5 penalties. If still drawn, it's sudden death penalties one at a time. The first time one team scores their penalty and the other team does not, the match is decided.

It may sound like a bizarre way to settle a match (and it is), but a penalty series is one of the most exciting things in international sports because of the immense pressure on the penalty takers.

I may have to re-read this a couple dozen times before I get it but at least I have a layout. Thanks for taking time to educate this novide.

I forgot to explicitly mention that out of each group of 4, the top two finishers go on to the next round.

The top finisher in the Brazil/Mexico/Croatia/Cameroon group will face the number two from the Spain/Holland/Chile/Australia group.

A Brazil - Spain matchup looks quite possible, which will eliminate one of the favourites for the title very early in the tournament.

I hope that all makes sense.

I thought I knew soccer but World cup is a whole different ball game!

I have this bookmarked...thanks, again!