knockoutstage

Knockout stage refers to the portion of a tournament in which teams are eliminated after a defeat, advancing only the winner of each match or tie. It follows a preceding phase such as a group stage or league format, where teams earn advancement based on performance. In the knockout stage, a loss typically ends a team’s participation, while a win moves it closer to the championship.

Format and structure vary by competition, but common designs use a bracket that progresses through rounds such as the round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final. The number of teams is usually a power of two to produce a single champion. Some tournaments employ two-legged ties in one or more rounds, with each team hosting one match and the aggregate score determining the winner.

Tiebreakers for knockout matches are designed to produce a winner in a single pairing. Regular-time draws are typically resolved by extra time and, if needed, a penalty shootout. In the past, the away goals rule was used in many two-legged ties, but its use has diminished or been removed in various competitions.

Examples include the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup, which use single-match eliminations after the group phase, and continental or club competitions such as the UEFA Champions League, where several rounds can involve two-legged ties. The knockout stage concentrates high-stakes matches and often shapes the overall outcome of the tournament.

Overall, knockout stages are a defining feature of many tournaments, providing decisive, revenue-generating, and spectator-attracting contests as teams vie for the title.