A penalty kick (PK) is one of the most intense and high-stakes moments in soccer, offering a near-certain goal as long as the player stays calm and outsmarts the goalkeeper. But what exactly is a penalty kick, and how is it awarded? Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, here's a breakdown of the penalty kick rules you should know.
What Is a Penalty Kick?
A penalty kick is a one-on-one showdown between a player and a goalkeeper. The player is tasked with attempting to score a goal by kicking the ball from the penalty spot, which is located 12 yards from the goal line. It is considered a direct free kick, meaning the ball doesn’t have to touch another player before entering the goal.
When Is a Penalty Kick Awarded?
A penalty kick is given when a player commits a foul inside the penalty area. These fouls can include actions such as tripping, pushing, or handling the ball within the 18-yard box that extends from the goal line into the field of play. The penalty box is 44 yards wide. A penalty can be awarded either during regular play or after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.
Who Takes the Penalty Kick?
The designated penalty taker is usually chosen based on their skill and history of successful penalty conversions. For instance, Harry Kane, the current leading goalscorer for England, is often the designated penalty taker for his national team. The choice is typically made based on a player’s consistency and reliability from the penalty spot.
Penalty Kick Rules for the Taker
The player taking the penalty kick has some leeway in terms of their approach to the ball. However, there are important rules to follow:
The player is not allowed to feint or perform any "fancy" tricks to deceive the goalkeeper while running up to strike the ball.
The ball must not be touched more than once during the attempt.
If a player illegally feints, they will receive a caution, and an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team. Additionally, if the player makes contact with the ball more than once, the penalty kick will be retaken, or if it is unsuccessful, it will be deemed a miss.
Penalty Kick Rules for the Goalkeeper
Goalkeepers also have a set of rules they must follow during a penalty:
They must remain on the goal line until the ball is kicked, with at least one foot on or above the line.
They cannot touch the goalposts, crossbar, or netting as a form of intimidation.
Trash-talking or other forms of psychological tactics are also prohibited.
If the goalkeeper steps off the line before the ball is kicked and the penalty is missed, the kick will be retaken. However, if the penalty is converted into a goal, the kick stands.
How Often Are Penalty Kicks Awarded?
Penalty kicks are fairly common in top-level soccer, with 23 penalty kicks awarded during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. This was six fewer than the 2018 tournament. Argentina led all teams with five penalty attempts, and their designated taker, Lionel Messi, converted every single one. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, we can expect even more high-pressure moments in penalty shootouts and regular play alike.
