Teams alternate five kicks each. If tied, they continue one kick each until one side leads after both have taken the same number.

The Kirin Cup on October 1 and 5 is a four-team knockout tournament involving Japan, Ecuador, New Zealand and Panama. JFA rules send a match level after 90 minutes straight to penalties, without extra time. That route is not the same in every competition.

Competition rules decide whether extra time comes first

A knockout tournament needs a winner to determine who advances. At this Kirin Cup, a level match goes directly from normal time to penalties; viewers should not assume another 30 minutes must follow.

A 3–0 lead can end the shootout after three rounds

If both sides have taken three kicks and the score is 3–0, it is over: two remaining kicks cannot close the gap.

Compare equal numbers of kicks after the first five

At 5–5, scoring the sixth kick first does not immediately win the shootout. The other side still takes its sixth kick.

No repeat taker until everyone has kicked; no rebound shot

Every eligible player must take a kick before anyone takes another. The taker may not deliberately play the ball twice during a shootout, including following up a goalkeeper’s save.

Read the score together with the remaining chances

To follow the finish, track kicks taken and chances remaining alongside the score. During the first five, ask whether a team can still draw level; afterwards, compare equal numbers of kicks. This helps distinguish a decisive miss from one that still leaves a route back.

Sources & context

Based on JFA’s 2026 Kirin Cup regulations and the IFAB Laws. Scorelines illustrate the rules and do not report a match result.

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