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Beyond 90 Mins: Deciding the 2026 World Cup Final
19 Jul
Summary
- World Cup finals can extend to 30 minutes of extra time if scores are tied.
- Teams receive an additional substitution if a match reaches extra time.
- Penalty shootouts occur if extra time fails to determine a winner.
The 2026 World Cup final, set to take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, has defined procedures for matches that remain undecided after regulation time. If the score is level after 90 minutes, the game will not end in a draw; instead, it will proceed to extra time.
Extra time consists of two 15-minute halves, totaling 30 minutes. A brief interval separates these halves, during which teams switch ends. A notable rule change for extra time allows teams an additional substitution, bringing their total to six, to help manage player fatigue.
If the score remains tied even after the full 30 minutes of extra time, the World Cup final will be decided by a penalty shootout. This format involves each team taking five alternating penalties. Should the scores still be level, the shootout moves to sudden death, with teams taking one penalty each round until a winner emerges.
