World Cup 2026: The Complete Guide to Extra Time & Penalty Shootout Rules

The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage begins with the Round of 32 on June 28 — and from that point, every match must produce a winner. When scores are level after 90 minutes, extra time and potentially penalties decide who advances. Here is the complete guide to how it works.

How Extra Time Works

If a knockout match is level after 90 minutes of normal time, an additional 30 minutes of extra time is played — divided into two 15-minute periods with a short break between them. There is no sudden death or golden goal rule; if a team scores in extra time, play continues until the end of that 15-minute period. Teams switch ends at halftime of extra time. The team that leads at the end of all 30 minutes of extra time advances. If still level after 120 minutes, a penalty shootout decides the winner.

Substitutions in Extra Time

Each team is allowed a maximum of four substitutions during a 2026 World Cup knockout match — up from three in normal play. However, the fourth substitution can only be used during extra time. Teams who have used all three regular substitutions by the end of 90 minutes can make one additional change before extra time begins. This rule was introduced to manage player welfare across extended matches and gives coaches one final tactical adjustment before the shootout.

How the Penalty Shootout Works

The penalty shootout begins after 120 minutes if the match is still level. The referee tosses a coin — the winning team chooses whether to shoot first or second. Each team nominates five players to take penalties alternately. If after five penalties each the scores are level, the shootout proceeds to sudden death — teams alternate single kicks until one team scores and the other misses. Any outfield player or the goalkeeper can take a penalty; there is no restriction on who kicks.

New 2026 Rule: The ABBA Format

The 2026 World Cup introduces the ABBA penalty format in a pilot for selected early knockout rounds — a system where the order alternates differently to eliminate the psychological disadvantage of shooting second. Under ABBA: Team A shoots first, Team B shoots twice, Team A shoots twice, and so on — ensuring both teams experience shooting first and second equally. The format has been trialled in other competitions and FIFA is assessing its effectiveness in reducing the first-shooter advantage before potential full adoption.

The Statistics: Who Has the Best Penalty Record?

Germany lead the World Cup penalty shootout record with four wins from four — a perfect record built on meticulous preparation and psychological composure. Argentina have won three of four. England have lost six of seven major tournament shootouts across World Cups and European Championships. In the 2026 knockout bracket, the teams with the best shootout records entering the tournament are: Germany (100%), Argentina (75%), France (won their last two), and Brazil (variable record historically). England, Spain, and Italy all carry the psychological weight of previous shootout trauma — a weight that their sports psychology teams will be working overtime to manage in North America.