The FIFA World Cup has always been defined by unforgettable moments, many of which have emerged during extra time. When a match cannot be decided in the regulation 90 minutes, football enters a different phase: tension rises, physical exhaustion becomes decisive, and a single detail can change history.

In the 2026 edition, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will continue to feature extra time in the knockout rounds. This means that if a match is tied after regulation time, extra time will be played before a potential penalty shootout.

The system is clear: two additional periods of 15 minutes each will be played, adding 30 minutes in total. If the draw persists after that, the winner will be decided by penalties.

The origin of extra time in World Cups

This rule is not new. In fact, extra time has been part of World Cup history for nearly a century. It was during the 1934 World Cup that FIFA officially introduced the possibility of extra time in knockout matches.

The first World Cup match to require extra time was the clash between Austria and France. That match ended 3–2 in favor of the Austrians after the additional 30 minutes, marking the beginning of a tradition that would become one of the most dramatic elements of the tournament.

That same 1934 edition also featured the first World Cup final decided in extra time. Italy were crowned champions after defeating Czechoslovakia 2–1, with a goal from Angelo Schiavio in the 95th minute, after a 1–1 draw in regular time.

The most iconic extra-time match in World Cup history

Among all matches decided in extra time, one stands above the rest. It is the legendary “Game of the Century,” played in the 1970 World Cup semifinal between Italy and West Germany.

After a 1–1 draw in regular time, both national teams produced a historic extra-time period. In just 30 minutes, five goals were scored in a constant exchange of emotion, comebacks, and drama.

Italy eventually won 4–3 at the Estadio Azteca, advancing to the final after one of the most spectacular matches ever seen in a FIFA World Cup.

Historic World Cup finals decided in extra time

Throughout history, several World Cup finals have required extra time to determine a champion.

In 1966, England defeated West Germany at Wembley thanks to Geoff Hurst’s controversial goal during extra time, winning 4–2 in a match still debated today.

In 1978, Argentina claimed their first title after defeating the Netherlands 3–1 in extra time, with Mario Kempes as the tournament’s standout player.

In 2010, Spain won their first World Cup thanks to an extra-time goal by Andrés Iniesta in the 116th minute against the Netherlands, one of the most iconic moments in modern football.

In 2014, Germany defeated Argentina 1–0 with a late extra-time goal from Mario Götze, securing their fourth World Cup title.

How extra time will work in 2026

For the 2026 tournament, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will maintain the traditional format:

Two extra periods of 15 minutes each will be played. A short break will take place between both halves of extra time. Each team will be allowed one additional substitution during extra time. If the score remains level, the match will be decided by penalties.

This extra substitution has become a key tactical tool in modern football, allowing teams such as Argentina, France, or Brazil to manage fatigue and adjust strategies during high-pressure moments.

Extra time often produces unforgettable matches because it forces national teams to perform under extreme pressure, with fatigue and emotion playing decisive roles.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is expected to deliver intense knockout matches and closely contested games. With more teams and a new format, it is highly likely that several matches will once again require extra time.

The big question remains: how many games will go beyond 90 minutes to define their destiny in 2026?

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