when do penalties start in world cup

Penalties in the World Cup start after extra time in knockout matches, if the score is still tied after 90 minutes plus 30 minutes of extra time. In the 2026 World Cup knockout stage, that means a match goes to penalties after 120 minutes if neither team has won.

How it works

• Group stage: no penalty shootout to decide a winner; draws are allowed.
• Knockout stage: if tied after regulation, teams play two 15-minute periods of extra time.
• Still tied after extra time: the match goes to a penalty shootout.
• Each team usually takes five penalties first, then sudden death if needed.

Quick example

If a Round of 32 match is 1-1 after 90 minutes and stays 1-1 after extra time, it goes to penalties.

When fans usually notice it

This is why people often say a World Cup match “went to penalties” only after a long, tense finish rather than right at full time.