As the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, FIFA is considering a major change to the penalty shootout procedure.
According to reports by the British newspaper The Times, world football's governing body has begun discussions with the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the guardian of the Laws of the Game, to revise the coin-toss system used before penalty shootouts.
Under the current rules, two coin tosses are conducted: the first determines which goal will be used for the shootout, while the second decides which team will take the first penalty. The proposed reform would simplify the process by introducing a single coin toss. The captain who wins the toss would then choose either the goal or the order of kicks, with the opposing team receiving the remaining option.
According to FIFA, this change would help create a fairer contest by reducing the possibility of one team gaining multiple advantages from winning both coin tosses. Taking the first penalty while also benefiting from the support of fans positioned behind the selected goal is widely regarded as a significant psychological advantage.
The issue has recently regained attention following several high-profile matches in which the circumstances surrounding penalty shootouts sparked debate. This season's UEFA Champions League final, won by Paris Saint-Germain against Arsenal, notably fueled discussions after PSG benefited from winning both coin tosses before the decisive shootout.
The IFAB is expected to examine the proposal in the coming weeks. If approved, the new rule could come into effect as early as the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a significant change to one of football's most dramatic and controversial moments.
