Soccer goes to penalty kicks when a match must have a winner and it is still tied after regulation time and extra time. In most knockout games, that means 90 minutes plus stoppage time, then 30 minutes of extra time, and if it’s still level, a shootout decides it.

When it happens

  • Knockout tournaments: If a match can’t end in a draw, penalty kicks are used after extra time if the score is still tied.
  • League matches: Usually no penalty shootout is used; a draw just stands unless the competition has special rules.

How it works

  • Each team takes turns shooting from the penalty spot.
  • The usual format is five kicks per team.
  • If it’s still tied after five, it goes to sudden death.

Simple example

A World Cup knockout game ends 1-1 after 90 minutes, then stays 1-1 after extra time. At that point, the referee starts a penalty shootout to decide who advances.

Rule of thumb

If the competition needs a winner and the score is still tied after extra time, expect penalties.