How do extra time and penalty shootouts work at WC2026?
Knockout matches level after 90 minutes go to 30 minutes of extra time (two 15-minute halves). Still level → penalty shootout, best of 5 alternating kicks, then sudden death.
All knockout matches — Round of 32 onwards — must produce a winner on the night. If the match is level after the regulation 90 minutes plus stoppage time, the teams play extra time: two halves of 15 minutes each, no golden goal rule. The team with more goals after extra time wins.
If extra time also ends level, the match goes to a penalty shootout. The shootout starts with 5 alternating kicks per team, taken by 5 different players nominated from those on the field at the end of extra time. Whoever has scored more after 5 kicks each wins.
If the shootout is still level after 5 kicks each, it goes to sudden death: each team takes one more kick, and the first team to lead after equal kicks wins. Any player who hasn't shot yet — including the goalkeeper — must shoot before any player can take a second kick.
Substitutions in extra time: FIFA allows one additional substitution per team during extra time on top of the five already permitted during regulation. Squad rules also let coaches name 26 players for the tournament (up from 23 pre-2022) — more depth for the busy knockout stretch.
Related questions
- How are group stage tiebreakers decided at WC2026?In order: points, goal difference, goals scored, head-to-head record, head-to-head goal difference, head-to-head goals, then FIFA-prescribed criteria like disciplinary points and finally drawing of lots.
- How does VAR work at the 2026 World Cup?VAR officials review goals, penalty decisions, direct red cards and mistaken identity. Referees can be called to a pitchside monitor for a final look before changing a decision.
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