THE World Cup is heading for a dramatic climax in North America!

Just eight nations remain in the hunt for global glory as the arrive.

FBL-WC-2026-MATCH92-MEX-ENGEngland are still in the hunt for their first World Cup triumph since 1966 Credit: AFP FIFA World Cup 2026 Play-Off Tournament and European Play-Off DrawThe knockout stages of the World Cup have got off to a thrilling start Credit: Getty

, , and were among the pre-tournament favourites and are still major contenders.

As the knockout stages progress, fans want to know if extra-time is in play if matches end as a draw.

Do World Cup quarter-final ties go to extra-time or straight to penalties if a draw?

In knockout matches at the , a winner must be decided.

Unlike the group stage, where games end in a draw if they are level after 90 minutes, during the knockouts, it’s win or go home.

With that being said, if the score is level at the end of normal time, the match goes to extra-time.

Extra-time is a 30-minute period consisting of two 15-minute halves.

If nothing separates the two teams after the additional spell, a penalty shoot-out will take place to decide which team will progress to the next round.

Key dates for knockout stages

Here are all the dates for the remaining knockout rounds:

  • Quarter-finals: July 9-11
  • Semi-finals: July 14-15
  • Third-place play-off: July 18
  • Final: July 19