FIFA are considering changing penalty shoot-out rules at the 2026 World Cup ahead of the knockout rounds, as per reports.
Under the current rules, the captain of both teams participates in two coin tosses, with the first deciding the end of the pitch where the penalties will be taken and the second determining which team goes first.
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According to a report from The Times, the rule could be changed to a single toss before the knockout rounds of the 2026 World Cup, as FIFA have held discussions with IFAB, football’s laws-making body, about modifying it.
It is said that the winner of the coin toss will get to choose either taking the first spot-kick or taking the penalties in front of their own fans. The other side will decide the option that the winning team does not choose.
It is believed that the move will allow for a ‘fairer’ penalty-taking decision, as two coin tosses mean that a team could be handed two advantages when it comes to deciding penalty shoot-outs. The report adds that a decision is expected to be made ahead of the first World Cup knockout match, which takes place on Sunday.
Paris Saint-Germain were major beneficiaries of the two coin tosses in the Champions League final against Arsenal. The Ligue 1 side were able to play first in front of their fans after winning both coin tosses against the Gunners.
Former Arsenal chairman David Dein, who later sat on the FIFA and UEFA competition committees, unveiled plans in 2023 to have penalty shoot-outs taken at both ends. He said in his book ‘Calling the Shots: How to Win in Football and Life by David Dein’ that it was ‘unfair’ for players to take their spot-kicks in front of the opposing fans.
2026 FIFA World Cup sees introduction of new rules
The 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada has seen a host of new rules introduced into the game. While some have proven to be controversial, the governing body said they are designed to speed up and improve the game.
The hydration breaks have been the most talked about so far at the 2026 World Cup, with many left frustrated when the game pauses mid-way between each half, suggesting that it kills the excitement in games. However, it was not observed in the second half of France’s 3-0 win against Iraq after adverse weather conditions caused a delay of more than two hours.
The ‘Vinicius Law’ saw its first implementation in the Paraguay vs Turkey game as Miguel Almiron became the first player to be sent off for covering his mouth while speaking. Other notable rules include red cards for players leaving the pitch over a referee decision, injured players to remain off the pitch for one minute, among others.
Edited by Ezekiel Olamide