The 2026 FIFA World Cup's expanded 48-team format creates a 32-team knockout stage with 32 matches from the Round of 32 through the final and third-place game, all of which can reach penalty shootouts after 90 minutes plus 30 minutes of extra time if scores remain level. Group-stage draws produce no shootouts, as confirmed by FIFA rules despite earlier discussions of changes. With more knockout fixtures than prior editions, the total number of tied matches advancing to penalties depends on factors like defensive setups in high-stakes rounds, fatigue from the congested schedule across three host nations, and historical trends where shootouts occur in roughly 10-20% of knockout games. Recent pre-tournament adjustments to time-wasting rules and expanded VAR may indirectly influence match flow but do not alter resolution procedures. Trader sentiment reflects the larger sample of decisive knockout contests compared to 2022.