A team could advance from the group stage of the World Cup for the first time ever by having their name drawn out of a hat. With results and standings in six of the eight groups being so close, a number of teams in each section could all finish level on points, goal difference and goals scored as well as matches between themselves.

The provision for a team to advance by the luck of drawing lots is buried away in Article 39 near the end of FIFA's book of World Cup regulations and has never been activated.

FIFA spokesman Nicolas Maingot told reporters Groups A, C, D, F, G and H could yet be decided by the drawing of lots.

"The possibility still exists in six groups out of the eight," he told reporters.

Any draw would take place at Soccer City at 7:00pm local time after the last group matches and would be conducted by a member of the World Cup Organising Committee.