World Cup 2026: Extra Time and Penalty Shootout Rules Set the Stage for Drama
The knockout stage of the World Cup 2026 has already produced heart-stopping moments, with extra time and penalty shootouts deciding who advances. Two major European teams, Germany and the Netherlands, exited the tournament after nerve-wracking spot-kick shootouts.
Paraguay stunned the four-time champions Germany by scoring the winning penalty after a 1-1 draw through extra time. Just hours later, Morocco overcame the Dutch team, prevailing 3-2 on penalties after coming from behind.
How Extra Time Works in the World Cup
If teams are tied after the standard 90 minutes, the match extends into extra time: two halves of 15 minutes each. There's a brief pause between halves but no hydration breaks like those during regular play. Teams get one additional substitution during this period.
Scoring in extra time doesn’t immediately end the game; the golden goal rule is no longer in effect. That rule, which ended matches as soon as a goal was scored in extra time, was used only at the 1998 and 2002 tournaments.
Penalty Shootout Details
When scores remain even after 120 minutes, the match moves to penalties. Introduced in the 1978 World Cup, the shootout involves five kicks per side, alternating between teams. Two coin tosses decide who shoots first and which goal will be used.
Only players still on the field can take part, and everyone must shoot once before anyone takes a second shot, including goalkeepers. No rebounds are allowed if a shot is saved, and goalkeepers cannot leave their line early—a rule that recently affected Croatia when goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic moved prematurely, allowing Harry Kane to retake his penalty.
Reactions to Early Exits
Zlatan Ibrahimovic commented on the Netherlands loss, saying, "This is on Ronald Koeman because I didn’t recognise this Dutch team, and he lost with an identity that is not the Dutch identity, and that makes me angry."
Thierry Henry agreed, criticizing Koeman's approach as defensive rather than proactive.
Koeman defended his tactics, stating, "If I had to do it again, I would do it the same way. When you are the Dutch head coach, when the equaliser is scored, I am going to be scolded by the fact I had five defenders. But I believe that to be necessary. I discussed it with the team, and they also felt that way."
Germany's defeat sparked strong reactions in their homeland. The German newspaper Bild described their performance as "disastrous" and "another German football nightmare," highlighting the slow and lethargic play in their first knockout match since winning in 2014.
The shockwaves extended beyond these nations. Italian fans congratulated Paraguay, while French media called Germany's exit the biggest surprise of the tournament so far.
