World Cup Includes NHL-style 'shootout' for draws

FIFA going about with their 48-team World Cup plan

Now working as FIFA's chief officer for technical development, former Dutch footballer Marco van Basten has proposed an hockey-style 'shootout' that could be a method of winning a tied game during the 2026 World Cup group stages.

With the 48-team format already proposed, those at FIFA are looking for ways in which it would be easier to differentiate between winning records.

"Every team would have five attempts to score," Van Basten told Sport Bild.

"The footballer would run 25 metres towards the box, and they must have an attempt within eight seconds.

"This is spectacular for the fans and for the players.

"With penalties, everything is done in a second; in the shootouts, there are many possibilities: I could dribble, shoot, or wait for the reaction of the goalkeeper.

"It resembles more the situation of a game."

Something similar has already been seen in the NASL, the North American Soccer League.

Van Basten's recommendations would resolve games that are tied after 90 minutes during the group stage, and the president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, has already suggested eliminating draws in the new World Cup format.

The new idea, which would see 48 teams split into 16 three-team groups, is looking to avoid draws in the group stages as it would make it easier to see who is advancing to the knockout rounds.

Additionally, there is talk of eliminating yellow cards and introducing a temporary exit from the pitch, similar to what is seen in rugby.