World Cup 2026 extra time and penalty shootout rules as drama awaits

With the World Cup knockout phase underway, the possibility of extra-time and penalties has arrived.

The most intense moments at the tournament come after 120 minutes of gruelling play, such as Argentina beating France on penalties in the 2022 final.

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There have already been instances of late-game drama with shocks for two European heavyweights as Germany and the Netherlands were dumped out on spot kicks.

There was emotions of disbelief as Paraguay smashed home a decisive penalty to upset the four-time champions Germany after the tie had finished 1-1 after extra-time.

Just three hours later, the Dutch faced the same fate after Morocco came from behind to prevail 3-2 on penalties.

Switzerland also needed penalties to see off Colombia in the Round of 16.

And England’s quarter-final clash with Norway needed the extra period after finishing 1-1 in normal time.

Extra-time rules at the World Cup

If a clash between nations remains level after the allocated 90 minutes, it goes to an added period.

It consists of two 15-minute halves, which add up to 30 minutes in total with a short break in between.

There are no hydration breaks beyond the regular 90 minutes, but each team is granted an extra substitution.

The game will continue if one team scores, as there is no ‘golden goal’ or ‘sudden death’ format this year.

The golden goal rule was previously used at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, with four players scoring a decisive winner, including France’s Laurent Blanc.

Penalty shoot-out rules at the World Cup

If the game remains level after 120 minutes, it will inevitably proceed to a penalty shootout, a system first introduced at the 1978 World Cup.

Two separate coin tosses are required to decide who shoots first and which end of the stadium the kicks will be held at.

A penalty shootout consists of five spot-kicks each, with the two teams alternating takers.

Only players who stayed on the pitch and were not substituted are allowed to take part.

Every single player must take a penalty, including both goalkeepers, before anyone can take a second.

If a winner has not emerged after the initial five penalties, the shootout turns into sudden-death.

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There are no rebounds allowed, meaning players can’t follow up their effort once it’s saved, and the goalkeeper cannot be off his line prior to the penalty being struck.

Croatia fell victim to this rule after Dominik Livakovic was penalised for moving too early, allowing Harry Kane to retake his saved penalty.

England historically hold a poor record for penalty shootouts on the international stage, only winning one against Colombia in 2018.