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IFAB Rejects FIFA Coin-Toss Change for 2026 Knockouts

6/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

IFAB rejected FIFA's plan to replace the two coin tosses with a single toss for the 2026 World Cup knockout stage.
The winner would have chosen to kick first or pick the goal, with the loser getting the other option.
IFAB said the change could not be fast-tracked before the knockout rounds that began June 28, 2026, leaving two-toss system in place.
Studies show teams shooting first win about 60 % of shootouts.

History

Historical Context

In 1993 FIFA, with UEFA support, added the golden-goal rule to extra time, ending matches as soon as a goal was scored. The rule was used in World Cups until it was abolished in 2004. In 2026 IFAB rejected a proposal to replace the traditional coin-toss kickoff method for knockout stages, citing lack of testing. This shows governing bodies’ caution in altering decisive mechanisms.

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Story summary

IFAB rejected FIFA's plan to replace the two coin tosses with a single toss for the 2026 World Cup knockout stage.
The winner would have chosen to kick first or pick the goal, with the loser getting the other option.
IFAB said the change could not be fast-tracked before the knockout rounds that began June 28, 2026, leaving two-toss system in place.
Studies show teams shooting first win about 60 % of shootouts.

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