FIFA eye major rule change before World Cup knockouts

Jun 23, 2026 - 18:45

FIFA have asked the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to introduce a new penalty shootout rule at the World Cup.

The change would be introduced for the knockout stage of this summer’s tournament.

Lionel Messi and Virgil van Dijk look on as the referee tosses the coin before the penalty shootout between Argentina and the Netherlands — FIFA have asked IFAB to change the rules on coin tosses before World Cup penalty shootouts

However, the governing body only have until Sunday to confirm the law change before the start of the round of 32.

According to The Times, FIFA want to amend the number of coin tosses before shootouts.

At present, two separate tosses take place to determine which team takes the first penalty and at which end the spot-kicks are taken.

Under the proposed change, one toss would occur, with the winning captain having the choice between taking first or picking the end.

It is understood FIFA view the change as a way to make shootouts fairer, with teams unable to choose to take first and do so in front of their own fans.

Arsenal recently lost both coin tosses before their penalty defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.

The French giants were subsequently able to go first at their end of the Puskas Arena in Budapest.

FIFA have asked IFAB to change the law ahead of the start of the knockout stage.

The last 32 will begin on Sunday at 8pm with a clash between the runners-up in Groups A and B.

Matches from the round of 32 onwards will see matches decided by extra-time and penalties if they are level after 90 minutes.

Japan's Maya Yoshida and Croatia's Luka Modric watch as the coin toss takes place before their World Cup penalty shootout — FIFA are keen for only one coin toss to take place before penalty shootouts

The 2022 final was decided by spot-kicks in Qatar.

Argentina claimed their third World Cup triumph by beating France from 12 yards following a 2-2 draw.

Who could England play in last 32?

England could have to contend with the potential rule change next week if they confirm their progression from Group L.

After beating Croatia, the Three Lions will advance by beating Ghana on Tuesday night.

The two sides meet at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, with kick-off at 9pm live on talkSPORT.

An England win paired with Croatia avoiding defeat against Panama would also confirm their status as group winners.

Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane celebrate a goal in England's World Cup win over Croatia — England will book their place in the last 32 with a win over Ghana on Tuesday

The winner of Group L will face one of the eight best third-placed sides in the round of 32.

That match would be played in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 1, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm.

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