FIFA Want to Change Rule For World Cup Penalty Shootouts

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His passion for sports extends further than football, as he has covered several sports for GMS, including Boxing, Tennis, and Wrestling. Sign in to your GiveMeSport account Just days before the knockout rounds of the 2026 World Cup, FIFA have launched a mission to change a significant rule for penalty shootouts.

The first post-group-stage matches will take place on Sunday, so a final decision will need to be made before then. It's a significant development considering the 2022 version of the tournament was decided by spot kicks.

Argentina defeated France in that Qatar showdown, with Lionel Messi's side also similarly getting past the Netherlands. Ahead of the Round of 32 this year, FIFA are desperately trying to make a change to how it works.

It seems a rather simple alteration to the current rules, but could prove to make things fairer. FIFA have asked the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to change the pre-penalty routine according to The Times.

The governing body of world football want to remove one of the two coin tosses that currently take place. These are used to decide which goal is used for the shootout, and which team takes the first spot kick.

On paper, it looks as though both nations can still finish third in their respective groups - but a rule change has ensured that's no longer possible.

Under the new rule, there would only be one. The winner would choose whether they want to take the first kick or decide the goal.

Lionel Messi and Harry Kane have already missed from 12 yards out in this summer's competition - although the latter got a second chance - proving just how the pressure of a penalty can get to the very best players.

The 2026 World Cup being hosted in the United States of America, Mexico and Canada, has brought many new eyes to football. Therefore, some fans will experience their first-ever penalty shootout during the knockout rounds of the competition.

Before even reaching that stage, two teams must be tied at the end of 90 minutes. They then must be unable to find a winner in an extra 30-minute window.

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Under FIFA's proposed law change, one coin toss will decide whose fans the penalties are taken in front of and which team will take first. Each team will then have five kicks each. Whoever scores the most wins. If they still can't be separated after the first five spot kicks, then a sudden death scenario comes into play. If one team misses and the other scores, the game will end.