# 2026 World Cup Shock: Why Quarterfinal Ties Could Be Decided by a ‘Golden Goal’ Rule Change
FIFA is considering a radical rule change for the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals. The ‘golden goal’—sudden death in extra time—may return. This would mark the first use of the rule in a men’s World Cup since 1998.
The core seed ‘world cup extra time rules’ is under review. Knockout soccer demands a winner. The current framework may not survive the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is the golden goal rule in soccer?
- A: The golden goal rule, also known as sudden death, ends a match immediately when a team scores during extra time, with that team declared the winner.
- Q: Why is FIFA considering the golden goal for the 2026 World Cup?
- A: FIFA is reviewing the rule to add excitement and decisiveness to knockout matches, especially with the tournament expanding to 48 teams, which increases the number of extra-time periods.