The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in July 2026 finished 0-0 after 90 minutes, then went to extra time – a situation that raises a common question for fans: what happens when a knockout match is level? Unlike the group stage, where draws are allowed, every knockout game must produce a winner. The rules are straightforward but often misunderstood.
In the World Cup, the group stage consists of 48 matches where teams play three games each. If a group match ends in a draw, both sides get one point and move on. But once the knockout rounds begin, it is win or go home. If the score is level after 90 minutes of normal time, the match proceeds to extra time: two 15-minute halves, for a total of 30 additional minutes. If the teams are still tied after that, a penalty shootout decides the winner. This format has been in place for decades and applies to every knockout match, from the round of 16 to the final.
“How World Cup knockout matches work: extra time, penalties, red card rules and the new mouth-covering regulation.”
Extra time is not used in group games because the tournament needs to fit a fixed number of matches into a schedule, and draws are acceptable. In the knockout stages, however, a decisive result is required to advance to the next round. The penalty shootout is the ultimate tiebreaker: five kicks each, then sudden death if still level. The shootout rules have remained consistent since their introduction in the 1970s.
Red cards and yellow cards also have specific consequences in knockout matches. A player who receives a red card is ejected from the game, and his team must play the remainder of the match with one fewer player. In the 2026 final, Argentina's Enzo Fernandez was shown a second yellow card – the first was for dissent – and sent off with minutes remaining in extra time. That left Argentina with 10 men for the rest of the game. Red cards also carry suspensions: a player sent off automatically misses the next match, though the exact length of suspension is determined by FIFA's disciplinary committee.
A newer rule introduced at the 2026 World Cup concerns players covering their mouths when speaking to opponents. FIFA implemented the rule to combat racism and prevent players from making offensive comments without being seen. If a player covers his mouth while talking to an opponent, the referee can consider it a violation. In the final, Lionel Messi pointed out to the referee that Spain's Marc Cucurella had partially covered his mouth during a conversation, hoping to get Cucurella penalised. The referee did not take action, but the incident highlighted how the rule can be used tactically.
For UK readers watching the World Cup, understanding these rules is essential because they affect the flow of the game and the strategy of teams. Extra time often sees more cautious play as players tire and risks increase. Red cards can dramatically shift momentum, as Argentina experienced when they had to defend with 10 men. The mouth-covering rule has sparked debate: some see it as necessary for fairness, while others, like pundit Wayne Rooney, have criticised players for using it to try to get opponents sent off.
Q: Does the World Cup final go to extra time if it's level after 90 minutes? Yes. In knockout matches, including the final, a winner must be decided. If the score is tied after 90 minutes, the match goes to extra time, which consists of two 15-minute halves. If still level after that, a penalty shootout takes place.
Q: What happens if a player gets a red card in a World Cup knockout match? The player is immediately sent off and cannot be replaced. Their team must play the remainder of the match with one fewer player. The player also serves a suspension for the next match, if applicable.
Q: What is the new mouth-covering rule at the World Cup? A FIFA regulation introduced to prevent players from making racist or offensive remarks. Players are not allowed to speak to opponents with their mouths covered. If they do, the referee can take disciplinary action, such as a yellow card or even a red card depending on the severity.
As for the current tournament, the rules remain the same for all knockout matches, including the final. Future tournaments may tweak the format, but for now, extra time and penalties are the tried-and-tested methods to ensure a winner is crowned.