The biggest ripple effect is that more teams can now clinch qualification—and even win their group—before matchday three.
Previously, a side had to be four points clear after two games to lock up top spot, which was uncommon because it meant both of the other early fixtures had to end in draws.
Under the new setup, a three-point lead can be enough to seal first place after two matches.
There are a few ways this can happen: either the other two games finish level, or the team in first has already beaten the rival(s) sitting three points behind.
We’ve already seen this in Group A.
Mexico won their first two matches and have six points—three ahead of South Korea, with the Czech Republic and South Africa on one each.
Because Mexico have already defeated South Korea, they can’t be overtaken even if both end on six points. Mexico are confirmed as group winners.
They also know they’ll play a last-32 match in Mexico City against a third-placed team.
There’s another consequence.
With nothing riding on their meeting with the Czech Republic next Wednesday, Mexico could rotate and rest players.
That might tilt the balance toward the Czechs, though they’ll only qualify automatically if South Korea lose to South Africa.
In a tournament where some third-placed teams advance, that could prove crucial.
This system is also used at the European Championship, where the best third-placed teams progress.