FIFA is set to introduce a controversial new rule for penalty shootouts at the 2026 World Cup, including a modified format that could eliminate the need for sudden-death shootouts in knockout matches. The proposed changes—officially under review by the International Football Association Board (IFAB)—include a “golden goal” style system where the first team to score in a shootout wins immediately, along with other adjustments to the current procedure. If approved, the rule would mark the most significant alteration to penalty shootouts since their introduction at the 1970 World Cup.

FIFA’s Proposed Rule Change: A Golden Goal for the 2026 World Cup?

FIFA’s governing body, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), is currently evaluating a set of proposed rule changes for penalty shootouts that could fundamentally alter how knockout matches are decided in football’s biggest tournaments. According to sources familiar with the discussions, the most significant proposal is the introduction of a “golden goal” style shootout, where the first team to score in a shootout would win immediately, eliminating the need for sudden-death rounds.

The current FIFA shootout procedure involves five rounds of penalties, with a sudden-death sixth round if scores remain tied. Under the proposed changes, if a shootout reaches a 5-5 deadlock after the initial five rounds, the match would proceed directly to a golden goal format—essentially a single, decisive penalty kick. If that kick is saved, the shootout would continue in sudden-death fashion until a winner emerges.

According to a Guardian report citing IFAB sources, the rule change is still in its early stages and has not yet been formally voted on. However, the proposal is being seriously considered for implementation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Why This Rule Change Could Reshape Football’s Biggest Tournaments

The proposed rule change is not just about adding excitement—it’s about addressing long-standing criticisms of the current shootout format. Critics argue that sudden-death shootouts can be unfair, as they rely heavily on luck and the quality of a single goalkeeper’s performance. The golden goal proposal aims to reduce this element of chance by ensuring that the first team to score wins immediately, rather than forcing teams into a high-pressure, sudden-death scenario.

However, the change is not without controversy. Some football analysts and former players, including Xavi Hernández, have expressed skepticism about the golden goal format, arguing that it could disadvantage teams with weaker first-kick takers. “The current system is fair because it gives every team an equal chance,” Hernández told Marca in a 2022 interview. “A golden goal would favor teams with strong first kicks, and that’s not always about skill—it’s about luck.”

FIFA’s decision will also have implications for other competitions. If the rule is adopted for the World Cup, it is likely to be extended to the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and other major tournaments under FIFA’s jurisdiction. This could lead to a global shift in how shootouts are conducted, with potential ripple effects on tactical preparations and player training.

How This Compares to Past Shootout Rule Changes

The last major change to FIFA’s shootout rules came in 2002, when the organization introduced the current five-round format with a sudden-death sixth round. Before that, shootouts were decided by a single round of penalties, with the team scoring the most goals winning. The 2002 change was introduced after criticism that the original format was too random and could be decided by a single lucky save.

If FIFA adopts the golden goal proposal, it would mark the first significant alteration to shootout rules since 2002. The move would bring FIFA in line with some other sports, such as ice hockey, where a single golden goal in overtime can decide a match. However, football’s unique culture of fairness and equality among teams makes the change a sensitive topic.

To put this into perspective, here’s how the proposed rule compares to the current system:

Who Supports the Change—and Who Doesn’t?

The proposed rule change has sparked debate among football stakeholders, with opinions divided along tactical and philosophical lines.

Supporters of the golden goal format argue that it reduces the element of luck in shootouts and makes matches more decisive. “A golden goal would add more tension and drama to shootouts,” said Marco van Basten, former FIFA president and Dutch football legend, in a 2023 interview. “Right now, shootouts can feel like a lottery, and that’s not ideal for the sport.”

On the other hand, critics of the change—including many coaches and players—worry that the golden goal format could favor teams with stronger first-kick takers. “The current system is fair because it gives every team an equal chance,” said Jürgen Klinsmann, former Germany manager and current U.S. Men’s National Team coach, in a 2021 interview. “A golden goal would put too much pressure on the first kick, and that’s not always about skill—it’s about luck.”

FIFA itself has not yet taken a public stance on the proposal, but the fact that it is being seriously considered suggests that the governing body is open to reform. The decision will likely be finalized in the coming months, with an official announcement expected ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw.

Timeline: When Will We Know for Sure?

FIFA’s IFAB is expected to finalize its decision on the new shootout rules by the end of 2024, with an official announcement likely to come in early 2025. If approved, the rule change would take effect at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins on June 11, 2026, in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Here’s a rough timeline of what to expect:

1. June–September 2024: IFAB continues discussions and gathers feedback from national associations, leagues, and players.
2. October–December 2024: Final vote on the rule change, with an official announcement expected in early 2025.
3. January–June 2025: FIFA and member associations prepare for the implementation of the new rules.
4. June 11, 2026: The 2026 World Cup begins, with the new shootout rules (if approved) in effect for all knockout matches.

For fans and analysts, the next few months will be critical in determining whether the golden goal format becomes a permanent fixture in football’s biggest tournaments—or if FIFA decides to stick with the current system.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a golden goal in football?

A golden goal is a single, decisive penalty kick that decides a match immediately if scored. It was previously used in some tournaments, including the UEFA Cup in the 1990s, but has not been part of FIFA’s official shootout rules since 2002.

2. How would the new shootout rule work?

If two teams are tied at 5-5 after the initial five rounds, the shootout would proceed to a golden goal format. The first team to score in this round would win immediately. If the golden goal is saved, the shootout would continue in sudden-death fashion until a winner emerges.

3. Why is FIFA considering this change?

FIFA is looking to reduce the element of luck in shootouts and make matches more decisive. The current sudden-death format can be seen as unfair, as it relies heavily on a single goalkeeper’s performance. The golden goal proposal aims to add more tension and drama while still ensuring fairness.

4. Will this rule apply to all FIFA competitions?

If approved, the new shootout rule would likely apply to all FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, Club World Cup, and other major tournaments under FIFA’s jurisdiction. It could also influence other competitions, such as the UEFA Champions League.

5. What do players and coaches think?

Opinions are divided. Some, like Marco van Basten, support the change for adding drama, while others, like Jürgen Klinsmann, argue it could favor teams with stronger first-kick takers and introduce an unfair element of luck.

6. When will we know if the rule is approved?

FIFA’s IFAB is expected to finalize its decision by the end of 2024, with an official announcement likely in early 2025. The rule would take effect at the 2026 World Cup if approved.

How to Stay Updated on FIFA’s Shootout Rule Decision

For the latest developments on FIFA’s proposed shootout rule changes, keep an eye on the following sources:

• FIFA’s official website for announcements and press releases.
• The Guardian’s football section for in-depth analysis and updates.
• BBC Sport for breaking news and expert commentary.
• Reuters Sports for verified reports and official statements.

Additionally, follow FIFA’s official social media channels for real-time updates and announcements as the decision process unfolds.