After a football game ends, the players usually shake hands, the referee and officials finish the paperwork, and teams move into post-game routines like interviews, recovery, and reviewing the match. In many competitions, if the game is tied and a winner is required, the next step can be extra time or a penalty shootout.

What usually happens

  • Players cool down, hydrate, and head to the locker room.
  • Coaches talk through key moments and tactical decisions.
  • Medical staff check on any injuries.
  • Broadcasters capture post-match reactions and highlights.

If the game needs a winner

  • Some matches end as a draw.
  • Others use extra time, then penalties if needed.
  • The exact rule depends on the competition.

A small football detail

If you meant the actual match ball , it is often collected by officials after the game and may be reused, stored, or sometimes given away depending on the club or competition.

Quick note

There are also current football-related news reports about serious injuries after a game incident, but that is a separate topic from the normal end-of- match routine. Would you like a version for soccer, American football, or the match ball specifically?