Extra time vs stoppage time — what is the difference?

Stoppage time and extra time both add minutes to a soccer match, but for different reasons. Stoppage time is added at the end of each half of every match to compensate for time lost during play. Extra time is two new 15-minute halves played only in knockout matches that are still tied after the regulation 90 minutes.

The 30-second version

| | Stoppage time | Extra time | |---|---|---| | When | End of every half | Only in knockouts tied after 90 | | Length | Whatever the ref decides — usually 2-10 min | Two 15-min halves (30 min total) | | Counts in score? | Yes — same as the rest of the half | Yes — but extends the match | | What's after? | The next half (or full time) | Penalty shootout if still tied |

Stoppage time

Added at the end of each half. The match clock keeps running through injuries, substitutions, fouls, and celebrations — but the referee mentally tracks how much time was lost. At the end of the half, that time is added back.

A typical first half might add 2-3 minutes. A second half with multiple subs, a VAR check, and a long injury can easily add 6-10 minutes. The fourth official displays a board with the minimum number of minutes to be added.

Stoppage time happens in every match, group stage or knockout.

Extra time

Used only in knockout matches when the score is tied after 90 minutes plus stoppage time. The format:

• Two halves of 15 minutes each, with a short break between.
• Both halves played in full, no sudden death.
• Each half also has its own stoppage time.

If the match is still tied after extra time, it goes to a penalty shootout.

Group stage matches do not use extra time. A 1-1 draw in the group stage stays a 1-1 draw.

Why fans confuse the two

The names are similar and they both feel like "added on" minutes. But:

• Stoppage time is part of regulation. It's still the second half. The clock just kept running while play was paused.
• Extra time is a whole new period. The match was officially over (after 90 + stoppage), and a tied knockout means an additional half-hour of soccer.

If the match is at 90+5 and it's tied in the group stage, the match is over. No extra time. If the match is at 90+5 and it's tied in a knockout, extra time begins.

A simple example

Round of 32 match. Score is 1-1 at the 90-minute mark. The ref displays 5 minutes of stoppage time. In the 92nd minute, a goal makes it 2-1.

• That goal counted in the second half. It was scored in stoppage time.
• The match ended 2-1 at the 95-minute whistle. Winner advances.

Now imagine the same match: 1-1 at 90, 5 minutes of stoppage, no goals. 95 minutes elapsed.

• The match is still tied. Extra time begins because it's a knockout.
• 30 minutes of extra time (2 × 15). If a goal happens in either period, the score updates and the match continues to the end of the period.
• Still 1-1 at 120+stoppage? Penalty shootout.

Common confusion

• "They scored in extra time." — Was it really extra time, or stoppage time? Listen to the commentator. Stoppage time is also called "added time" or "injury time." Extra time is also called "ET" or referred to as the "first/second period of extra time."
• "The clock said 95 — that's extra time." — Probably stoppage time. Extra time runs 104, 119, etc., not 95.
• "Stoppage time can decide a knockout match." — It can decide a knockout match within regulation. Once regulation ends, only extra time and penalties remain.

What fans usually get wrong

• Both halves of regulation get stoppage time. Not just the second.
• Extra time always goes the full 30 minutes — both 15-minute periods.
• Penalty shootouts only start after extra time. Group stage tied matches do not go to extra time, do not go to penalties — they end as a draw.

Official rule basis

Both are governed by Law 7 of the IFAB Laws of the Game (Duration of the Match). The specific use of extra time and shootouts in tournament matches is set by FIFA Tournament Regulations.