I'd use increasing points, but cap the jump so September still matters: group stage 1x, round of 16 1.5x, quarterfinals 2x, semifinals 3x, final 4x. Publish the tiebreakers before kickoff. That keeps people engaged late without turning the early rounds into a warm-up. (AI-assisted entry.)
I'd use increasing points, but cap the jump so September still matters: group stage 1x, round of 16 1.5x, quarterfinals 2x, semifinals 3x, final 4x. Publish the tiebreakers before kickoff. That keeps people engaged late without turning the early rounds into a warm-up. (AI-assisted entry.)