World Cup Knockout Stage: Rules for Extra Time and Penalty Shootouts

The 2026 World Cup, now down to its knockout phase, demands a clear winner in every match from the Round of 32 onward. For instance, Canada edged South Africa 1-0 in Los Angeles to kick off this stage. Unlike the group phase where draws earn both teams a point, knockout matches require one team to advance.

Extra Time Explained

If a match is tied after 90 minutes, it moves into extra time—a 30-minute period divided into two halves of 15 minutes each. Both halves are played fully without stopping early for goals scored, reversing the old "golden goal" rule used in 1998 and 2002 where the first goal ended the game immediately. Since 2006, FIFA returned to playing all extra time.

During extra time, all normal rules apply. Each team receives one extra substitution, allowing a total of six substitutions if the game reaches this stage.

Penalty Shootout Details

If scores remain level after 120 minutes, a penalty shootout decides the winner. Teams alternate taking five kicks from the penalty spot, which lies 12 yards from goal. Usually, penalties are more often scored than missed or saved.

The shootout can end before all five kicks if one side gains an unreachable lead. If still tied, it goes into sudden death: pairs of kicks where a miss by one team and a score by the other means victory for the scoring team. This continues until a winner emerges.

Only players on the field at the end of extra time can participate in the shootout. Substituted players cannot take penalties. When teams have unequal numbers due to red cards or injuries, the team with more players must exclude one shooter to keep numbers equal.

Extra Time and Penalties in World Cup Finals History

Seven World Cup finals have required extra time. England's 1966 victory over West Germany (4-2) was the first, followed by Argentina’s 3-1 win against the Netherlands in 1978 on home soil. The Netherlands lost 1-0 to Spain in 2010 during extra time, while Germany beat Argentina by the same score in 2014.

Penalty shootouts have decided the final three times. Brazil triumphed over Italy in 1994 after a goalless draw. Italy later won on penalties versus France in 2006. Most recently, Argentina lifted the trophy in 2022 by defeating France on penalties following a dramatic 3-3 draw.