World Cup Knockout Rules: Extra Time and Penalty Shootouts Explained
The 2026 World Cup has moved into its knockout phase, where every match must produce a winner. Unlike the group stage, where a draw after 90 minutes gives both teams a point, knockout games demand a clear victor to advance.
Understanding Extra Time
If teams are level after the regular 90 minutes, they proceed to extra time. This period lasts 30 minutes, divided into two halves of 15 minutes each, and it is always played in full regardless of goals scored.
Earlier editions of the World Cup, specifically in 1998 and 2002, used the "golden goal" rule, which ended the match immediately once a goal was scored in extra time. FIFA abandoned this in 2006, returning to the traditional format where the entire extra time is played out.
Teams also get one additional substitution during extra time, allowing a total of six substitutions across the whole match.
Penalty Shootout Procedure
If no winner emerges after 120 minutes, the outcome is decided by a penalty shootout. Each side alternates taking five penalty kicks from 12 yards. Typically, penalties favor the shooter, but misses or saves do occur.
The shootout can end early if one team gains an unbeatable lead before all five kicks are taken. Otherwise, if scores remain tied, it moves into sudden death rounds. Here, pairs of kicks continue until one team scores while the other misses, deciding the winner.
Should all 11 players have kicked without a winner, the order repeats with the same players under sudden death rules. Only players on the field at the end of extra time can participate in the shootout. Substituted or sent-off players cannot take penalties. If a team has fewer players due to red cards or injuries, the opposing team must reduce their number of shooters to match.
Extra Time and Penalties in World Cup Finals History
Seven World Cup finals have extended into extra time. England’s 1966 victory over West Germany, Argentina’s 1978 win against the Netherlands, Spain’s 2010 triumph over the Netherlands, and Germany’s 2014 success against Argentina all required extra periods.
The final has been settled by penalties three times. The first was in 1994, when Brazil defeated Italy after a goalless draw. Italy won a shootout against France in 2006, and most recently, Argentina beat France in 2022 following a thrilling 3-3 tie.
