Step 1
Decide pool sizes and qualifiers first
Tell teams how many advance from each pool before play begins. With two pools, the top two in each can feed two semifinals. A smaller or uneven pool may need different advancement rules, so show every qualifier path in the bracket.
Step 2
Write the tiebreak order
Standings can tie. Publish the order of tiebreakers, such as wins, head-to-head results and point difference, before the first game. The bracket should display a pool placing as a source until that placing is known.
Step 3
Plan the handoff to playoffs
Pool games must finish before their qualifiers start knockout games. Leave a realistic break for standings review, rest and any venue change. A bye should be labeled as advancement without a match, not drawn as an unexplained missing game.
Common questions
How do pool winners enter the bracket?
Each playoff slot can refer to a placing, such as first in Pool A. When the pool standings are final, that placing resolves to a team.
Can a pool qualifier receive a bye?
Yes. When the qualifier count does not fill a complete knockout round, some qualifiers advance directly to a later round. The bye should be visible.