Penalty shootouts at the World Cup are used to determine a winner when a knockout match ends level after normal time and any added time. The process involves each team taking turns taking penalty kicks from the spot, with the opposing goalkeeper allowed to defend the goal. All kicks are taken from the same distance and are taken in sequence, with the teams alternating attempts.
A match does not require every player to kick in order to decide a winner. Instead, teams continue taking penalty kicks for a set number of rounds. If one team gains an insurmountable lead before the scheduled number of kicks is completed, the shootout ends early. If the score remains level after the initial rounds, the shootout proceeds to sudden-death penalties, where each kick is taken until one team scores and the other misses.
The shootout rules also specify that only players eligible to take penalties can step up, and the goalkeeper defending the goal can be changed only within the constraints of match regulations. The outcome is recorded as a draw after regular and extra time, with the shootout result used only to determine advancement in knockout play.
