SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Little League is tweaking its World Series tournament by switching from pool play to a double-elimination format in the first round.

Little League president Stephen Keener said Wednesday the change eliminates the need for tiebreakers to determine which squads move on to the quarterfinals.

All teams would still play at least three games even if they lose their first two. Those teams would play a game against an eliminated team from the opposing bracket, meaning more games between U.S. and international squads.

Sixteen teams qualify for the Little League World Series — eight from the United States and eight from the rest of the world.