2026 World Cup Round of 32: Extra‑Time and Penalty Rules Explained

The group stage has concluded and the tournament moves into the single‑elimination phase. In the round of 32, teams will play a 30‑minute extra‑time split into two 15‑minute halves after the standard 90 minutes.

If the deadlock persists, the match proceeds directly to a penalty shoot‑out. The rule preserves the competition’s classic format while heightening drama.