Does the World Cup final go to extra time or penalties?

ARGENTINA are hoping to defend their World Cup crown TONIGHT against Spain! Lautaro Martinez’s late header saw the reigning champions dump England out during their blockbuster semi-final. Argentina knocked England out in a thrilling final four contest Credit: Alamy Spain beat France in the semi-finals Credit: Alamy While Spain pulled off a comfortable 2-0 win over favourites France in the other final four encounter. And many are anticipating that tonight’s final will not be settled within 90 minutes… but is there extra-time and penalties available if required? Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Does the World Cup final go to extra-time or penalties? In knockout matches at the World Cup, including the final, a winner must be decided. Unlike the group stage, where games end in a draw if they are level after 90 minutes, during the knockouts, it’s win or lose. If the score is level at the end of normal time, the match goes to extra-time. Extra-time is a 30-minute period consisting of two 15-minute halves. If nothing separates the two teams after the additional spell, a penalty shootout will take place to decide which team will progress to the next round. Comment now