World Cup 2026: FIFA keeps existing penalty shootout rules after rethinking proposed change

FIFA has decided against introducing a major change to penalty shootout procedures during the 2026 World Cup after discussions over a revised system ended without immediate approval.

Football’s world governing body had explored the possibility of simplifying the pre-shootout process by replacing the current two-coin-toss procedure with a single toss.

However, the proposal will not be introduced during the tournament, meaning teams will continue to follow the existing format for the remainder of the competition.

The discussions were held with the International Football Association Board (IFAB), but the idea was ultimately set aside, ensuring no mid-tournament changes to one of football’s most decisive moments.

FIFA explored a new penalty shootout procedure

Penalty shootouts have long been the subject of debate, particularly over whether the current process provides an unintended advantage to one of the teams.

Single coin toss was proposed

FIFA considered replacing the existing two-step coin toss with a single draw between the captains before a penalty shootout.

Under the proposal, the captain winning the toss would have been given a choice: either decide which team would take the first penalty or choose the goal at which the shootout would be held.

The objective was to prevent one team from benefiting twice under the existing system, where separate coin tosses determine both the order of penalties and the end of the pitch where the shootout takes place.

The proposal formed part of wider discussions aimed at examining whether the process could be made fairer without changing the penalty shootout itself.

IFAB opts against mid-tournament rule change

Despite FIFA’s discussions, the proposal will not be introduced during the current World Cup.

Existing format remains in place

According to The Athletic, IFAB was open to considering the single-toss concept as a future trial but did not support implementing such a change during an ongoing tournament.

As a result, the current procedure remains unchanged.

Before every penalty shootout, one coin toss determines which team takes the opening penalty, while a second toss decides the goal where the kicks will be taken.

Teams competing in the knockout stages will therefore continue to follow the same process that has been used throughout the tournament.

Penalty shootout fairness continues to be debated

The discussion reflects the continuing debate over competitive balance during penalty shootouts.

Previous finals save sparked debate

Questions surrounding fairness have resurfaced after several major international matches.

One example came during the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, when Argentina defeated France in a penalty shootout.

Argentina took their penalties in front of their own supporters after France had won the second coin toss, which allowed them to shoot first.

The circumstances renewed discussion over whether the existing system can unintentionally favour one side in high-pressure situations.

Although FIFA examined a possible alternative ahead of the latter stages of the 2026 World Cup, the governing body has decided that the tournament will continue under the current regulations.

The proposal may return for consideration in the future, but any potential trial will take place outside the ongoing competition.

For now, teams preparing for knockout matches know that the long-established two-coin-toss procedure will remain in force until the end of the tournament.