As the 2026 FIFA World Cup moves into the knockout rounds, there's one major difference from the group stage.
Each match needs a winner to determine which nation advances. So if a match is tied at the end of regulation play, stoppage time and extra time, it goes to a penalty kick shootout.
The penalty kick is perhaps the most dramatic, exciting, do-or-die moment in soccer. Add to that the impact of an entire nation's fate resting on the foot of one player.
Here's how a penalty kick shootout will work in this year's World Cup.
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World Cup penalty kick shootout rules
Unlike during the group stage, matches in the knockout rounds that are tied at the end of regulation will play an extra 30 minutes (two 15-minute halves) to try and determine a winner.
If the match remains tied at the end of that 30-minute period, it goes to penalty kicks.
Penalty kick process
- The penalty kick shootout begins with each team picking five players, who alternate kicks against the opposing goalkeeper.
- The team with the most goals wins and advances.
- If the teams remain tied after five penalty kicks, the tiebreaker goes to sudden death.
- The teams then continue taking turns shooting until one scores and the other misses.
Note: Only players who are on the field at the conclusion of extra time are eligible to take penalties. If the shootout goes beyond 11 rounds, then the order restarts.
Source: USA Today
