Fifa’s large concept is to arrange the perfect probability of blockbuster ties within the latter phases of the World Cup.

So for the primary time it’s giving particular seeding standing to the highest 4 on the planet rankings – Spain, Argentina, France and England.

Crucially, this standing will solely apply if the international locations win their teams.

Let’s check out the way it will work, utilizing England as our instance.

Every of the 4 international locations might be drawn into a gaggle in a distinct colored quadrant of the bracket, as proven within the picture beneath.

Spain (ranked 1) and Argentina (2) have to be in reverse halves and can’t meet till the ultimate, likewise France (3) and England (4).

France and England wouldn’t be capable of meet both Spain or Argentina till the semi-finals.

As an instance that France come out first and go into Group C, putting them into the inexperienced quadrant on the best facet of the draw. Which means England can solely go into the blue or turquoise quadrants on the left facet, teams E, F, G, H or I.

If Argentina then drop into the blue quadrant, that additional restricts England solely to turquoise – teams G or H.

Are the 4 seeds being given a straightforward trip? Not essentially.

Every quadrant has a possible last-16 tie between two group winners. As an illustration, the blue quadrant has a gathering of the winners of Group E and Group I. Which means a seeded workforce might meet one other pot one facet, to illustrate maybe Brazil.

Being drawn into teams C, F, H or J appears to be like doubtlessly extra beneficial, as it’s not potential to play one other group winner till the quarter-finals.

If one of many 4 seeded groups finishes as group runners-up, then they lose the rating privilege.

So if England have been to complete second in Group H, they might transfer out of turquoise and into purple – maybe assembly Spain, Argentina or France because the winners of Group J within the first knockout spherical.