Understanding the Format
Teams are divided into groups (typically 4 per group). Within each group, everyone plays everyone (round-robin). Top 2 from each group advance to knockout rounds.
Step 1: Plan Your Groups
With 16 teams: 4 groups of 4. Each group plays 6 matches (3 per team). That's 24 group matches total. Then 8 teams advance to quarter-finals, semi-finals, final (7 more matches).
Step 2: Create Group Draw
Use seeded pots for fairness. Put best 4 teams in Pot 1, next 4 in Pot 2, etc. Draw one team from each pot into each group. This spreads strength evenly.
For casual events, random group draws work fine.
Step 3: Configure Group Rules
Set points (3-1-0 is standard), tiebreakers (head-to-head, goal difference, goals scored). Define how many teams advance (usually top 2).
Step 4: Set Up Knockout Bracket
Define knockout pairings: 1A vs 2B, 1B vs 2A, etc. This ensures group winners don't meet teams from their own group until later rounds.
Step 5: Run Groups First
Complete all group matches before starting knockouts. Tables update live. When groups finish, qualifiers auto-populate the knockout bracket.
Step 6: Knockout to Final
Run single elimination knockouts. Enable third-place playoff if desired. Crown your champion!