Kick Your Way to Victory: 2026 Soccer Rules Practice Exam Extravaganza!

During a penalty shootout after a tied match, each team typically takes 5 penalty kicks. This format is designed to maintain balance and fairness in the shootout, giving both teams an equal opportunity to score.

If the score remains tied after the initial 5 kicks from each team, the shootout continues with additional penalty kicks taken one by one until the tie is broken. Each team alternates in taking these shots, allowing for a suspenseful and competitive resolution to the match.

Choosing a number less than 5, like 3, would not provide sufficient opportunities for both teams to fairly establish a winner. Opting for a higher number, such as 7 or 10, could lead to prolonged shootouts that would be impractical in most tournament formats. Therefore, 5 penalty kicks strike the right balance between fairness and efficiency in deciding the outcome of the match.