FIFA is considering making revolutionary changes to the format of the World Cup, according to The Athletic.
The organization is considering introducing a penalty shoot-out at the group stage of the tournament already at the 2026 World Cup.
This intention is due to the fact that 48 teams will compete for the first time at the next World Cup. At the group stage, all participants in the tournament will be divided into 16 teams - 3 teams each. With this format of the competition, it is highly likely that teams will finish in their groups with the same performance.
FIFA plans to avoid such difficulties with the help of a penalty shoot-out for matches that will end in a draw. At the same time, a draw will remain the result of the meeting (both teams will receive one point each), but the winner in the penalty shoot-out will receive an additional bonus, which will be taken into account in case of equality in the final standings of the group.