As is the norm for major competitions, there will be a group stage before the heat is turned up in the knockout stage.

Here's how tie-breakers will be handled in the group stage, if need be, to determine which teams advance to the quarter-finals.

How do teams qualify for the quarterfinals?

With 16 teams in the group stages, it's fairly easy to trim the field down to eight for the quarter-finals.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockouts, but if there are sides that finish tied on points there are tie-breaking regulations laid out by CONMEBOL.

• 1. Greater goal difference in all group matches of the teams that are tied for the position. The goal difference is obtained by subtracting the goals conceded from the goals scored.
• 2. Higher number of goals scored in all the matches in the group of the teams that are tied for the position.
• 3. Direct confrontation, considering only those matches played in the group stage between the teams that are tied for the position, to be defined in favor of the team with:
  • i. Higher number of points obtained in the group stage matches played among the teams in question;
  • ii. Greater goal difference from the group stage matches played among the teams in question. The goal difference is obtained by subtracting the goals conceded from the goals scored;
  • iii. Higher number of goals scored in the group stage matches between the teams in question
• 4. Fewest red cards.
• 5. Fewest yellow cards.
• 6. By random draw.