Japan replace draws with shootouts and hope to avoid paying World Cup penalty

Guardian Sport

by John Duerden

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Japan’s J.League has introduced a new rule replacing draws with penalty shootouts in an effort to avoid the pitfalls of previous World Cup heartbreaks. This temporary adjustment, made during the league’s transition to a European-style schedule, could prove beneficial for the national team as they prepare for crucial matches against US, Canada, and Mexico this summer. The move aims to address Japan’s historical struggles in penalty shootouts, which have often led to disappointing exits from the World Cup. The decision comes after Japan’s consistent failure to advance beyond the quarter-finals in recent tournaments. Notably, two of their last four exits were decided by shootout defeats. The 2022 World Cup was particularly harsh, with Japan losing 3-1 to Croatia despite dominating regular time. This new approach could help build confidence and adaptability for the national team as they aim to reach the quarter-finals this summer. The change is a direct response to the psychological and strategic challenges of penalty shootouts, which have been a recurring issue for Japanese footballers. By eliminating draws and forcing decisive outcomes through shootouts during league matches, players can gain more experience in high-pressure situations. This could translate into better performance on the international stage, where such scenarios often decide matches. For sports fans and World Cup enthusiasts, this shift is significant because it highlights Japan’s proactive approach to overcoming their historical weaknesses. The league’s decision to implement shootouts not only adds excitement to domestic games but also aligns with the national team’s goal of improving their chances in high-stakes international competitions. As the summer tournaments approach, all eyes will be on whether this new strategy pays off for Japan. Ultimately, this change reflects a strategic adjustment in Japanese football, aiming to turn past disappointments into future successes. By embracing shootouts as a tool for growth, Japan hopes to rewrite their World Cup narrative and achieve their target of reaching the quarter-finals this summer.

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/19/2026