When a knock-out match is level after extra time (or after 90 minutes in some competitions), it is decided by kicks from the penalty mark, better known as a penalty shoot-out.

The basic format

  • The referee chooses the goal and tosses a coin; the winning captain decides whether to kick first or second.
  • Each team takes five kicks, alternating.
  • If one team has scored more than the other could reach with its remaining kicks, the shoot-out ends early.
  • If the scores are level after five kicks each, the shoot-out continues in sudden death: one kick each until one team scores and the other misses.

Who can take a kick

Only players on the pitch, or temporarily off it for injury or equipment, at the end of the match are eligible. If one team has more players than the other, it must reduce its number to match the opponents before the shoot-out. Every eligible player, including the goalkeeper, must take a kick before anyone takes a second one.

Goalkeeper rules

The defending goalkeeper must stay on the goal line, between the posts and facing the kicker, until the ball is kicked. At the moment of the kick, at least part of one foot must be touching or in line with the goal line. If the keeper moves off the line early and the kick is missed or saved, the kick is retaken; the keeper is cautioned for repeat offences.

The kicker

The ball must be kicked forward from the penalty mark. Feinting during the run-up is allowed, but stopping to feint once the run-up is completed is not. The ball can only be played once: rebounds do not count.

Does a shoot-out count as a win?

In statistics, a match decided on penalties is recorded as a draw, with the shoot-out winner noted separately. That is how we count them on SSFA Online. In FIFA's world ranking, however, the shoot-out winner gets slightly more points than for a draw; see how the FIFA ranking works.

Shoot-outs in African football

Many of Africa's greatest moments were decided from the spot, including several Africa Cup of Nations finals. See every AFCON penalty shoot-out and our data study on which African teams win shoot-outs.