World Cup Extra Time Rules: What Is Extra Time and How Does It Work?

Extra time only happens in the knockout rounds (now starting at the Round of 32 because the tournament expanded to 48 teams) and is a full 30 minutes — two 15‑minute halves — not sudden death.
FIFA tried the “Golden Goal” (sudden death) in 1998 and 2002 but dropped it; if teams are still tied after extra time the match goes to a penalty shootout.
Extra time and penalties have produced some classic finals (e.g., Argentina vs. France in 2022); the 2026 World Cup runs June 11–July 19 with the final in East Rutherford, New Jersey.