World Cup Format and Tiebreaker Rules
How FIFA World Cup rules on extra – The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup kicks off on Thursday, but some of its most iconic scenes may unfold beyond the 90-minute mark. With a fiercely contested bracket, many matches could end in draws, particularly during the later stages of the competition. In 2022, for instance, Argentina triumphed over France 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 tie in extra time.
Extra Time and Tiebreaker Procedures
Standard matches span 90 minutes, divided into two 45-minute halves, with added time compensating for interruptions like injuries or video reviews. If a game remains tied after regulation, it proceeds to extra time, consisting of two 15-minute periods with a brief pause between them. Added time also applies to these segments.
Extra time will determine the outcome of knockout matches in the round of 32, round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, third-place match, and final. Group Stage games, however, can conclude in a draw. Should the score stay level after 30 minutes of extra time, a penalty shootout will decide the winner, with teams alternating kicks from the penalty mark. A coin toss determines which side begins.
Why the Golden Goal Is Gone
The golden goal—a rule where the first team to score in extra time wins immediately—was used in the 1998 World Cup (France) and 2002 World Cup (Japan/South Korea). It was removed in 2004 by the International Football Association Board due to criticism from coaches, referees, and players. Analysts noted it led to more defensive tactics as teams hesitated to take risks, undermining the goal of creating thrilling moments in extended play.
New Rules Introduced for 2026
Speeding Up Gameplay
The IFAB has approved changes to streamline the game. A five-second countdown will now apply to throw-ins and goal kicks, allowing referees to penalize delays. If the action doesn’t resume within the countdown, the opposing team earns a corner kick. Substitution rules have also been adjusted: players exiting the field must leave within 10 seconds of a substitution signal. If they delay, the substitute cannot enter until after a stoppage of one minute.
Player Conduct and Hydration
Additional guidelines address player behavior. Covering one’s mouth during a confrontation with an opponent can result in a red card to curb discriminatory remarks. Protests against a referee’s decision or team instructions now warrant a red card. If an entire team walks off the pitch in dissent, they forfeit the match.
FIFA also mandates three-minute hydration breaks in every match, occurring 22 minutes into each half regardless of weather. This replaces the previous system that required specific temperature conditions. The video assistant referee (VAR) will review more scenarios, including corner kicks and fouls, to ensure accurate decisions.
“The golden goal was abolished after feedback from coaches, referees, and players highlighted its impact on defensive strategies,”
— explained by the IFAB in 2004.
