World Cup final can head to extra time and penalties on July 19

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With the 2026 World Cup final set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, it's worth a reminder of what actually happens if the biggest match of the tournament is still level after 90 minutes. Not many games have gone beyond regulation time at this tournament, but the nature of World Cup finals, where everyone is frightened of losing, means the scores are often level even after an hour and a half. Here's how extra time and penalties work if the final, or any knockout match, can't be settled in regulation.