Soccer games go to penalty kicks when a match needs a winner and the teams are still tied after regulation time, and usually after extra time too. In knockout tournaments, that means 90 minutes plus stoppage time, then 30 minutes of extra time, and if it’s still tied, the game is decided by a shootout.

When it happens

  • League matches usually end in a draw, so they do not go to penalty kicks just to pick a winner.
  • Cup or knockout matches must produce a winner, so tied games can go to extra time and then penalties if still level.
  • Direct penalty kicks during play can also happen when a foul is committed inside the penalty area.

Shootout basics

  • Each team normally takes five kicks.
  • If they’re still tied after five, it goes to sudden death.
  • The team with more goals after the shootout wins.

Simple example

A World Cup knockout game tied 1-1 after 90 minutes goes to extra time. If it’s still 1-1 after extra time, it goes to penalty kicks.