We’ve reached the business end of World Cup 2026. There are no second chances now. From here on in, you either win or you go home.
Knock-out football is unlike anything else. Players will put everything on the line to stay alive. Heroes will be made, hearts will be broken, and every match will have a winner – no matter how long it takes.
Games that are level after 90 minutes and stoppage time will go to extra time, and if that is not enough to settle it, then it’ll be time for the dreaded penalty shoot-out.
But what are the extra-time and penalty shoot-out rules at World Cup 2026?
Radio Times brings you all the details about the World Cup 2026 extra-time and penalties rules.
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If games in the knockout stages of World Cup 2026 are not settled after 90 minutes, then there will be a period of extra-time in an attempt to decide which team progresses.
In total, there will be 30 minutes of extra-time, split into 15-minute halves.
A maximum of five substitutes spread over three blocks of changes are permitted during the 90 minutes, although managers will be allowed an additional substitution if the game goes to extra time.
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World Cup 2026 penalty shoot-out rules
If a World Cup 2026 knockout tie is level after 90 minutes and extra-time, the winner will be decided via a penalty shoot-out.
Players from each team will take turns taking penalties. The team that scores more of their five penalties wins.
If the scores are level after five spot kicks each, the shootout will go to sudden death. At that point, if one team misses followed by the opposition scoring – or vice versa – then it will be over.
Penalties can be taken by any player who finished the game, including goalkeepers, meaning unused substitutes or players who have been subbed off cannot take part.
The referee can order a retake if a keeper is deemed to have come off their goal line before the penalty is taken.
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Authors
Ned is a sports writer at RadioTimes.com. He has covered a host of sports from EFL football, international cricket and golf all the way through to bike polo and triathlon.
