The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached the knockout rounds, with an expanded field of 48 teams. The knockout stage begins with a Round of 32, and the field will narrow down to the final two teams over the next few weeks.

Extra Time Rules

Matches that remain tied following the full 90 minutes and any stoppage time added at the end of the second half will advance to extra time. In the knockout rounds, there are 30 minutes of extra time added, consisting of two 15-minute halves. There will be potential stoppage time added at the end of each 15-minute half.

If a team scores early in the first half of extra time, the full 30 minutes will be played, plus any additional stoppage time that is added at the end of each extra half. If the match remains level at the end of the extra time, the match will go to penalties. Five players from each side alternate taking penalty kicks. If the match remains tied after the first five penalties, then the penalty shootout becomes “sudden death,” meaning the first team to score with a penalty when the opponent does not wins the match.

Substitution Rules

Each team is given five substitutes during a match. If a match heads to extra time, additional substitutions are possible. If a team has not used the maximum of substitutes and/or substitution opportunities, any unused substitutes or substitution opportunities carry over to extra time and may be used. In addition, teams may use one additional substitute and gain an additional substitution opportunity.

Regarding substitution opportunities, FIFA increased the number of allowed substitutes from three to five during the COVID-19 pandemic and decided to keep that number for all future competitions. However, in a move to keep the same pace of play, FIFA implemented the idea of “substitution opportunities,” keeping that number at three.

Original reporting: All Sports Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.