World Cup 2026 Penalty Rules Explained
Penalties decide more World Cups than fans remember — from in-game spot kicks reviewed by VAR to shootouts after extra time. World Cup 2026 penalty rules follow IFAB Laws of the Game with FIFA tournament protocols for knockouts from the Round of 32 to the MetLife final.
Free prediction tool → World Cup 2026 Simulator
Two Types of Penalties at World Cup 2026
| Type | When | Review |
|---|---|---|
| In-game penalty | Foul/handball in box during 90 or 120 min | VAR checks validity |
| Penalty shootout | Knockout tied after extra time | No VAR on kick — only goalkeeper line |
In-Game Penalty Rules (IFAB)
A penalty is awarded when:
- Direct free kick offence occurs inside the penalty area (foul, handball, holding)
- Goalkeeper holds ball >6 seconds (indirect — rare at World Cup level)
- VAR recommends review for clear errors in the box
VAR protocol:
- Referee may review on-pitch monitor (Riva)
- Encroachment at penalties checked — retakes possible
- Goalkeeper must stay on line until kick is taken
See VAR rules guide.
Penalty Shootout Format
When knockout matches are tied after 120 minutes:
- Coin toss — winner chooses kick first or second
- Best of five — alternating kicks (Team A, B, A, B, A, B...)
- Sudden death if still tied after five each
- All 11 players eligible — must use different kickers until everyone has taken one
- Cannot repeat kicker until all outfield players have kicked
Not ABBA format — FIFA uses standard ABAB alternation (ABBA was trialled but not adopted permanently).
Goalkeeper Rules on Shootouts
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Line | At least one foot on/above goal line when kick taken |
| Movement | Lateral along line allowed; forward movement restricted |
| Yellow card | Warned for encroachment; repeat = caution |
2022 World Cup saw multiple retakes for goalkeeper encroachment — expect strict enforcement in 2026.
Most Penalty Shootouts in World Cup History
| Tournament | Shootouts |
|---|---|
| 2022 Qatar | 4 |
| 2014 Brazil | 3 |
| 2006 Germany | 4 |
Browse dramatic penalty shootouts — Italy, England and Argentina feature heavily.
Penalties & the 2026 Knockout Bracket
The Round of 32 adds 16 extra knockout matches — statistically more shootouts than any previous World Cup format:
- 32 teams exit via knockout — tight margins increase ET + pens
- Third-place match also uses shootouts if tied after ET
- Final at MetLife — 2022 proved finals go to pens (Argentina 4-2 France)
Extra time rules → then penalties.
Teams With Shootout Pedigree
| Team | Shootout record (notable) |
|---|---|
| Germany | Historically strong |
| England | Historically weak — lost 4 of 5 |
| Argentina | Won 2022 final shootout |
| Italy | Shootout specialists |
England fans search this topic heavily — see England squad.
Simulator: Penalty Variance
The World Cup 2026 simulator models shootout outcomes as probabilistic — roughly 50/50 between evenly matched teams, adjusted for historical conversion rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do penalty shootouts work?
Best of five, then sudden death. Alternating kicks.
Does VAR review penalty shootouts?
No — only goalkeeper encroachment and line violations monitored.
Can the same player take two penalties in a shootout?
Only after all eligible outfield players have taken one.
What if a team has fewer than 11 on the pitch?
Numerical advantage continues — shootout continues with available players.
Essential 2026 Links
- World Cup 2026 simulator — predict groups and champion
- All squads hub
- Groups A–L
- Schedule
- FIFA World Cup hub