World Cup Knockout Stage: How Extra Time and Penalty Shootouts Work
The 2026 World Cup, now featuring a knockout phase with 32 teams, demands a clear winner in every match. If the score remains tied after the standard 90 minutes, the match proceeds to extra time.
Extra time consists of two halves, each lasting 15 minutes, played fully regardless of any goals scored. This format replaced the old "golden goal" rule used in 1998 and 2002, where the game ended immediately after a goal in extra time. Since 2006, FIFA has returned to this full extra time approach.
Teams retain all regulation rules during this period and gain one additional substitution, allowing for a total of six substitutions if the match extends into extra time.
Penalty Shootouts Decide If Still Tied
If the deadlock persists after 120 minutes, the winner is determined through a penalty shootout. Each team alternates taking five shots from the penalty spot, 12 yards from goal, aiming to outscore the other.
The shootout concludes early if one team achieves an unassailable lead within those five attempts. If still tied, it moves to sudden death rounds, where each pair of shots can decide the outcome instantly if one team scores and the other misses.
Should the score remain level after all eligible players have taken penalties, the rotation begins again, still under sudden death rules. Only players on the field at the end of extra time can participate; substitutes or sent-off players cannot take part. When one side has fewer players due to red cards or injuries, the opposing team must reduce their shooters to match.
Historical Context: Finals With Extra Time and Penalties
The World Cup final has entered extra time seven times. England's 1966 victory over West Germany (4-2) was the first, followed by Argentina's 1978 win against the Netherlands (3-1). The Netherlands experienced extra time heartbreak in 2010, losing 1-0 to Spain, while Germany claimed a 1-0 extra time victory over Argentina in 2014.
Penalty shootouts have decided the final on three occasions. Brazil defeated Italy in 1994 after a goalless draw. Italy later triumphed over France in 2006 on penalties, and in 2022, Argentina won against France following an intense 3-3 draw.
