How each Group A team can make the Round of 16

A look at every possible permutation of results that could decide Group A and determine each team's progression, except for the already-eliminated Qatar.

L-R: Memphis Depay (Netherlands), Jhegson Mendez (Ecuador), and Ismaila Sarr (Senegal) in action. Source: Getty.

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Netherlands and Ecuador will progress if...

• Netherlands win and Ecuador draw
• Both teams win - Ecuador top group if they pass Netherlands on goal difference, goals scored, or fair play
• Both teams draw - Ecuador top group if they score more goals than Netherlands or catch up on fair play
• Netherlands draw and Ecuador win - Ecuador top group
• Netherlands lose and Ecuador win - Ecuador top group
• Netherlands lose and Ecuador draw - Senegal qualify if Netherlands fall behind on goal difference and goals scored

Netherlands and Senegal will progress if...

• Both teams win
• Netherlands draw and Senegal win - Senegal top group
• Netherlands lose and Senegal win - Senegal top group; Ecuador qualify if they pass Netherlands on goal difference, goals scored, or fair play

Ecuador and Senegal will progress if...

• Both teams draw and Netherlands lose - Netherlands qualify if they remain ahead of Senegal on goal difference and goals scored
• Netherlands lose and Senegal win - Senegal top group; Netherlands qualify if they overtake Ecuador on goal difference, goals scored, or fair play

The consensus

Every team in Group A can still qualify for the last 16, except Qatar who have already been eliminated.

The Netherlands will secure a play-offs berth with a win or draw against the host nation and can still qualify with a loss, granted they do not fall behind Senegal on goal difference.

Ecuador are guaranteed to qualify with a win or draw against Senegal. If they lose, they can still make the last 16 if the Netherlands also lose and fall behind the South Americans on goal difference.

Senegal are guaranteed entry into the round of 16 if they beat Ecuador. A draw will only be enough if the Netherlands lose and fall behind them on goal difference.

How to watch the final Group A matches LIVE and FREE on SBS

Wednesday, November 30

Netherlands v Qatar

1:30am - 4:30am (AEDT) - kickoff at 02.00am

LIVE on SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand

Ecuador v Senegal

1:30am - 4:30am (AEDT) - kickoff at 02.00am

LIVE on SBS and SBS On Demand

Note: The first team mentioned assumes top position in the group in each scenario, unless noted otherwise.