FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 rules: Penalty shootouts explained

The 2022 World Cup is just over a week away, and it is the first time that the tournament will be held during the winter. This was done to keep up with the extreme temperatures in Qatar, which will be lower during the final month of the year. 

The squads for the competition are now being released, and the rules have also been confirmed by FIFA. As usual, the group stage will progress in the league format with three points for a win and one for a draw. 

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 penalty rules 

The first thing to note is that penalties scored during a shootout will not contribute to the overall goalscoring stats of a player during the World Cup. Moreover, only players that are on the field prior to full-time will be able to take the penalties during the shootout. 

After extra time is completed, the teams must go forth with the players that were already on the pitch. Teams will be allowed to change goalkeepers if they have a change left. Otherwise, an outfield player needs to step up to the role. 

If after five penalties each, the scores are still tied, the shootout will move to sudden death where the first to miss will lose. If a team has a player sent off, then the other team must also shoot with ten players. Lastly, no player will be allowed to repeat in the penalty shootout until the entire team has had their chance.