Overview
- The World Cup final, set for Sunday at MetLife Stadium, goes to 30 minutes of extra time made up of two 15‑minute halves if the score is level after 90 minutes and will go to a penalty shootout if still tied.
- If the match reaches a shootout each team takes five alternating kicks with sudden death if needed and only the players on the pitch at the end of extra time may take penalties.
- Teams are allowed five substitutions across three windows during regulation and receive a sixth substitution if the game goes into extra time to refresh tired players before a shootout.
- FIFA has placed lead and backup VAR officials inside the stadium for the semifinals and final so referees can get immediate on‑site review if communications with the Dallas hub fail.
- A strict time‑wasting substitution rule forces the departing player to leave within 10 seconds of the board being raised or the replacement must wait one minute to enter and the team plays temporarily with 10 men, a measure meant to deter deliberate delays.