In knockout football, winning a single match and advancing to the next round are not always the same thing. To Qualify and Winning Method are two markets built specifically for these situations — the first asks who progresses through the tie, the second asks how the winner is ultimately determined. Both markets are unavailable for standard league fixtures.
What does "To Qualify" mean in betting?
To Qualify is a market for two-legged knockout ties or single-game cup matches where the relevant question is who advances to the next round, not who wins a single 90-minute match. The settlement is based on the outcome of the full tie — including extra time and penalties if needed — not just one leg.
If a team loses the second leg but wins on aggregate, or wins on penalties after a drawn aggregate, they qualify — and the To Qualify selection on that team wins.
Example: England vs France in a World Cup quarter-final. If England lose the second leg 1-0 but won the first leg 2-0, England qualify on aggregate (2-1). A "To Qualify: England" bet wins even though France won that particular 90-minute match 1-0.
In a single-game knockout (no first leg), To Qualify includes extra time and penalties — a 1X2 in the same match typically does not.
To Qualify vs 1X2: what is the difference?
| Market | Settlement basis | Includes extra time? | Includes penalties? | |--------|-----------------|---------------------|---------------------| | 1X2 | 90 minutes + stoppage time (single match) | No | No | | To Qualify | Full tie result — who advances | Yes | Yes |
For a two-legged tie, the 1X2 applies to each leg individually. To Qualify looks at the aggregate outcome. For a single knockout match, the 1X2 settles at 90 minutes regardless of what happens next; To Qualify settles when a team is confirmed as the one that advances.
What is Winning Method in betting?
Winning Method asks how the match is ultimately decided, not just who wins. It is only available for knockout matches where extra time and a penalty shootout are possible outcomes.
The standard set of Winning Method outcomes:
- Regular Time — one team leads at the end of 90 minutes (plus stoppage time); no extra time is needed
- Extra Time — the teams are level after 90 minutes and a winner is found during the 30-minute extra time period
- Penalty Shootout — the teams are still level after extra time and the tie is decided on penalties
Some bookmakers split the market further into team-specific outcomes: Home/Regular Time, Away/Regular Time, Home/Extra Time, Away/Extra Time, Home/Penalties, Away/Penalties.
Winning Method: worked examples
Argentina vs Australia (World Cup round of 16): 90 minutes — 2-1 Argentina. No extra time needed. Settlement: Argentina / Regular Time.
France vs Switzerland (World Cup round of 16): 3-3 after 90 minutes; France win 5-4 on penalties. Settlement: France / Penalty Shootout.
Spain vs Germany (hypothetical): 1-1 after 90 minutes; Spain win 2-1 in extra time. Settlement: Spain / Extra Time.
How Winning Method differs from the 1X2 market
In a standard 1X2 market, a match that is level after 90 minutes settles as X (draw). In Winning Method, a "draw" as a final result does not exist — someone must eventually win the match through one of the three methods. The market is only settled once a winner is confirmed.
Winning Method also tells you nothing useful for league matches — if a winner must be decided, the method is always Regular Time (league matches do not go to extra time).
World Cup and Champions League applications
To Qualify and Winning Method markets are most commonly offered in:
- Champions League — round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final
- World Cup — round of 16 onwards
- FA Cup — from the rounds where replays or single-match eliminations apply
- Domestic cup knockouts — varies by competition and round
In group-stage matches or any match where a draw is a valid final result, Winning Method is not applicable and will not be offered.
For a broader view of football markets, see Football Betting Markets Explained.
Frequently asked questions
Does To Qualify include extra time? Yes. The bet settles on who actually advances, however the tie is decided. If a team qualifies through extra time goals or a penalty shootout, a To Qualify bet on that team wins.
If I back a team on 1X2 and they lose on penalties, do I lose? Yes. A standard 90-minute 1X2 settles at 90 minutes plus stoppage time. If the match is level after 90 minutes, the 1X2 settles as a draw (X) regardless of what happens in extra time or the penalty shootout. The penalties result has no bearing on a 90-minute 1X2 bet.
Can I bet Winning Method on a league match? No. Winning Method only applies when a winner must be decided — knockout-format matches. Regular league matches do not go to extra time, so the concept of "won in extra time" or "won on penalties" does not exist in that context.