Extra Time vs Stoppage Time — What's the Difference?

They are not the same thing. Stoppage time is added to every half of every match. Extra time is a separate 30-minute period that only exists in knockout competitions when the score is tied after 90 minutes. Confusing them is one of the most common mistakes for new fans.

| | Stoppage Time | Extra Time | |---|---|---| | When played | End of every half | Only in knockout matches | | Triggered by | Delays during the half | Tied score after 90 minutes | | Length | A few added minutes (varies) | 2×15 minutes | | Applies to | Every match, every competition | Knockout rounds only |

What is stoppage time?

Stoppage time — also called injury time or added time — is the extra minutes the referee adds to the end of each 45-minute half to compensate for time lost during the half. Time is lost due to injuries, substitutions, VAR checks, goal celebrations, time-wasting, and other stoppages.

The fourth official displays a minimum number on a board near the touchline. The referee decides the exact moment to blow the final whistle, usually once the indicated time has elapsed or a natural break occurs. Since 2022, FIFA and IFAB have pushed referees to add more time — matches regularly see 8–12 minutes of stoppage time now.

Stoppage time happens in every match, at the end of both halves, regardless of the competition or the scoreline.

What is extra time?

Extra time is an entirely separate period of play. It is only used in knockout competitions — cup competitions, World Cup knockout rounds, Champions League knockouts — when the score is level after 90 minutes (including stoppage time). A league match that ends in a draw after 90 minutes simply ends; there is no extra time.

Extra time runs for 30 minutes, split into two halves of 15 minutes each. There is a short break between the two halves. Stoppage time can also be added at the end of each 15-minute half, so the total duration may exceed 30 minutes.

Substitution rules during extra time vary by competition. In most major tournaments, teams are allowed an additional substitution during extra time if they have not used all their permitted substitutions.

Can a match end in extra time with a draw?

No. In knockout competitions, extra time exists specifically to find a winner. If the score remains level after 30 minutes of extra time, the match proceeds to a penalty shootout.

There is one historical exception — some competitions have used a "golden goal" rule (first goal in extra time wins immediately), but this has not been used in major competitions for many years.

Learn more about stoppage time, extra time, and what happens in a penalty shootout.