How Extra Time Works in the 2026 World Cup: New Rules Explained

The 2026 World Cup expands to 48 nations and brings rule tweaks to the tournament. In group play, a draw stands as the final result, while knockout matches tied after regulation move to a 30‑minute extra‑time period.

This period is split into two 15‑minute halves and the former golden‑goal rule has been abolished. Should the deadlock persist, the winner is decided by a penalty shoot‑out.