Penalty kicks happen when a defending team commits a direct-free-kick foul inside its own penalty area, so the attacking team gets a shot from the penalty spot. They can also happen in a penalty shootout if a knockout match is still tied after regulation and extra time.

In regular play

A penalty is usually awarded for fouls like tripping, pushing, holding, handball, or other direct-free-kick offenses inside the box. The ball is placed on the penalty spot, and the kicker shoots one-on-one against the goalkeeper.

In a shootout

If a tournament match cannot end in a draw, teams take alternating penalty kicks after extra time. The shootout usually starts with five kicks per team, and it can end early if one side becomes unreachable.

Simple example

If a defender fouls an attacker inside the box during open play, that is a penalty kick. If the score is still tied after extra time in a knockout game, the match may be decided by a penalty shootout.