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What is Penalty Shootout? Football Definition & Meaning

Definition

A tiebreaker method in knockout rounds where teams take turns shooting from the penalty spot.

World Cup 2026 Rules & Context

Five players from each team take shots alternately. If one team gains an insurmountable lead, the shootout ends. If tied after five rounds, it goes to sudden death where teams shoot one-by-one until a winner is determined.

Practical Example

Argentina famously defeated France in a penalty shootout to win the 2022 World Cup Final.

FAQ: Understanding Penalty Shootout