Extra Time and Penalties: How the Rules Work
The most nerve-shredding minutes of the knockout stage usually come after the 90. Extra time and penalty shoot-outs have produced some of the tournament's most unforgettable moments — and 2026 has already delivered matches decided from the spot.
Below we answer the rules of extra time and penalties, including the details people most often get wrong.
01 When and how is extra time played?
If a knockout match is level after 90 minutes, two 15-minute periods are played after a short break. Teams switch ends between the periods; there is no 'golden goal' — both periods are always completed regardless of who scores.
02 How does a penalty shoot-out work?
Each team takes 5 penalties, alternating kicks. If still level after 5, the shoot-out continues in sudden death — one kick each until one team scores and the other misses. Only players on the pitch at the final whistle may take part.
03 Can a team change its goalkeeper before the shoot-out?
Yes, if the team still has a substitution left, a keeper can be brought on before the shoot-out begins — 'penalty specialist' goalkeeper changes have happened repeatedly in tournament history. Once the shoot-out starts, a keeper may only be replaced if injured.
04 How many substitutions are allowed in a match?
Each team may make 5 substitutions in normal time, with one extra allowed if the match goes to extra time. To keep the game flowing, substitutions must be made within a maximum of three stoppages per team (half-time breaks not counted).
05 Do extra-time goals count in the Golden Boot race?
Yes — goals in extra time count both toward the result and the player's tournament tally. Shoot-out kicks, however, are not counted as goals; the official result records the score after extra time with the shoot-out result listed separately.
06 Why are shoot-out rules enforced so strictly?
Goalkeeper line violations, deceptive run-ups and kick order are closely monitored by the referee team and VAR. The keeper must keep at least one foot on the line until the ball is struck; if they move early and the kick is missed, the penalty can be retaken.