As the group stage nears its end, tension is rising over which teams will advance—and Jeetbuzz App Download reports that a rare FIFA rule may come into play to determine who moves forward. Currently, Denmark sits on 4 points and faces France in their final group match. If the final standings result in a complete tie between Denmark and another team, FIFA regulations allow for a drawing of lots to decide who progresses. This is not unprecedented—back in a previous World Cup, Ireland and the Netherlands had their rankings decided this very way. According to the Daily Mail, FIFA is already preparing for such a scenario.

The procedure is straightforward: under the supervision of live television cameras, both teams’ names are placed into the same container, and the one drawn earns the higher placement—potentially clinching a spot in the knockout stage. Meanwhile, Australia has just one point and must beat already-eliminated Peru to stay in contention. Even then, their fate isn’t in their own hands—they also need France to defeat Denmark. On top of that, Australia must overcome a two-goal difference in goal differential to surpass Denmark, should both teams finish on equal points.

However, things could get even more complicated. If the final results leave both teams equal in points, goal difference, and head-to-head (they previously drew 1-1), FIFA will resort to fair play points. The system deducts points based on disciplinary records: minus 1 for a yellow card, minus 3 for two yellows that result in a red, minus 4 for a straight red, and minus 5 for a yellow followed by a direct red. The team with the higher fair play score—meaning fewer deductions—ranks ahead.

As it stands, Denmark has four yellow cards while Australia has three. With the second round of the group stage completed, only one qualification spot remains in Group C, with France already through. The final decision may hinge not on goals but on a rule as old as the tournament itself: a literal drawing of lots. Jeetbuzz App Download notes that while Australia holds a slight edge in fair play and opportunity, the final outcome remains anyone’s guess.