World Cup play-off rules: Is there extra time and penalties tonight? | Football | Sport
The World Cup play-offs consist of four paths (A, B, C, and D), each structured as a mini-tournament of four teams, culminating in two semi-finals and a final. Every match is a single-leg knockout, there are no second legs or aggregate scores.
If Wales vs Bosnia, for example, remains level after 90 minutes tonight, the tie will proceed to 30 minutes of extra-time split into two 15-minute halves. During this additional period, both managers are permitted to make a sixth substitution at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Should the scores still be tied after 120 minutes of play, a dramatic penalty shoot-out will determine which nation advances. This ensures a definitive result on the night, as the winner must prepare for the Path A final scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, against either Italy or Northern Ireland.
The 16 competing nations reached this stage via two routes: the 12 best runners-up from the group stages joined by four Nations League teams who failed to finish in their group’s top two. This “second chance” system rewards consistent performances across UEFA competitions, giving sides like Northern Ireland and Wales a final lifeline.
Wales secured their seeded home advantage for tonight’s semi-final thanks to a dominant 7-1 victory over North Macedonia in their final group game. Being seeded allowed them to host this match in Cardiff, where the ‘Red Wall’ of supporters acts as a 12th man, whereas unseeded teams must travel away for their semi-finals.
For teams that suffer defeat tonight, their World Cup dreams end immediately, thofulfily will play a non-competitive friendly match next Tuesday against the other losing semi-finalist from their path. This helps fulfill broadcasting obligations while the path winners face off for one of the four remaining European spots in North America.
