how long is a soccer match in the world cup

A World Cup soccer match is 90 minutes of regulation time, split into two 45-minute halves, plus halftime.

In practice, it usually runs longer because the referee adds stoppage time at the end of each half.

What to expect

• Group-stage matches can end after regulation time, even if tied.

• Knockout matches can go to extra time, which adds 30 more minutes in two 15-minute halves.

• If still tied after extra time, the match is decided by penalties.

Typical total time

Most matches take about two hours from start to finish, and knockout games can stretch past two and a half hours if they go deep into extra time and penalties.

<meta description: A World Cup soccer match is usually 90 minutes of regulation time, with stoppage time, possible extra time, and penalties in knockout rounds.> TL;DR: 90 minutes on paper, usually about 2 hours in real life, and longer in knockout matches if extra time or penalties are needed.