World Cup 2026: Rules for Extra Time and Penalty Shootouts as Drama Unfolds

Shock Exits in Round of 32 Highlight Penalty Drama

The knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup has already produced intense moments beyond the regular 90 minutes. Germany and the Netherlands were both eliminated in the Round of 32 after dramatic penalty shootouts, surprising many fans and experts alike.

Paraguay stunned the four-time champions Germany, sealing their victory with a decisive penalty after the match ended 1-1 following extra time. Hours later, Morocco came from behind to beat the Dutch, winning 3-2 on penalties.

How Extra Time Works at the World Cup

If a match is tied after 90 minutes, the teams play two halves of 15 minutes each, totaling 30 minutes of extra time. There is a brief break between these halves but no additional hydration breaks beyond those during normal time. Each team may make one more substitution during extra time.

Unlike previous tournaments, there is no golden goal rule this year, meaning the match continues until both periods end regardless of scoring. The golden goal, which decided some matches in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, is no longer in effect.

Penalty Shootout Procedure

If the score remains level after 120 minutes, the contest moves to penalties. This method has been used since the 1978 World Cup to settle ties. Two coin tosses decide which team shoots first and which goal will be used.

Each side takes five shots alternately. Only players still on the field at the end of extra time are allowed to participate. Every player, including goalkeepers, must take a penalty before anyone repeats.

Shootouts then enter sudden-death if scores remain tied after five kicks each. No rebounds are permitted, so once a shot is saved or misses, the player cannot attempt another on that play. Goalkeepers must stay on their line until the ball is kicked; any premature movement can lead to retakes, as happened with Croatia's Dominik Livakovic allowing Harry Kane a second chance.

Emotions and Reactions After Penalty Defeats

England has struggled historically in penalty shootouts, with their only recent success coming against Colombia in 2018. The exits of Germany and the Netherlands sparked strong responses.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic criticized Ronald Koeman, saying he didn’t recognize the Dutch side and blamed Koeman for losing with a style that lacked Dutch identity.

Thierry Henry echoed this sentiment, suggesting Koeman focused more on avoiding defeat than seeking victory.

Koeman defended his cautious approach, stating he would make the same choices again and believed his defensive setup was necessary, even though it drew criticism.

Germany’s coach Julian Nagelsmann faced harsh media backlash after his team’s performance in Boston. German outlet Bild described the match as a "disastrous performance," labeling it a nightmare for German football in their first knockout game since 2014.

The surprise results caught attention internationally. Italian media congratulated Paraguay, while French outlets called Germany’s exit the biggest shock of the tournament so far.