Groups + Knockout Fixture Generator
8 teams split into 2 groups of 4 (12 group fixtures), then the top finishers advance to a 4-team knockout playoff (3 matches). This is the format most cups actually use — everyone gets group games, then it's win-or-go-home.
8
Teams (example)
2 × 4
Groups
12
Group fixtures
4 teams
Playoff size
Teams · 8
GROUP STAGE
Group A
- Team 1
- Team 3
- Team 5
- Team 7
Group B
- Team 2
- Team 4
- Team 6
- Team 8
PLAYOFF (top 2 per group advance)
SEMI-FINALS
Group A · Winner
Group B · Runner-up
Group B · Winner
Group A · Runner-up
FINAL
TBD
TBD
FREQUENTLY ASKED
How does seeding into the knockout work?
Group standings (points, then goal difference, then goals for, then head-to-head) decide who advances — the same automatic standings logic Matchday uses for real tournaments.
How many groups do I need?
Matchday picks a group count so that 2 × groups is always a valid bracket size and groups land around 4 teams each. For 8 teams that's 2 groups of 4.
How many matches in total?
For 8 teams: 12 group-stage fixtures plus 3 knockout matches.
Can I change the number of teams or groups?
Yes — start a full tournament to set an exact team count and tweak groups/advance rules in the editor.