MLS Multiplex Showdown: FIFA’s proposed NASL style PKs for the World Cup

In the debut edition of the MLS Multiplex Showdown two writers voice their opinions both for and against the latest proposal for World Cup 2026.

Welcome to the MLS Multiplex Showdown, where two writers defend the case for or against a proposed change, new development, or hot question at the time. In this first edition, the focus is on a radical new rule that may be proposed for World Cup 2026.

In a recent interview, Marco Van Basten, the chief officer for technical development for FIFA, stated, “Shootouts could be an option for tournaments with groups of three in which you play against two opponents. A [traditional] penalty is over for him after a second, but he has several options in a [NASL-style] shootout. He can dribble, shoot, wait how the goalie reacts.”

Penalties for World Cup group matches? PKs where the players have to run farther and dribble? To the arguments.

The Argument Against

Rubio: I can say from the start, don’t fix something that isn’t broken. Marco Van Basten and Gianni Infantino, FIFA executives, are doing just that. Van Basten recently proposed that FIFA bring in old run up shootouts when FIFA WC 2026 games end in a draw in the 3 team group stage.

Yes, FIFA wrongly changed the number of teams to 48 and furthermore it adds all these questions on changing traditional soccer. Back in the days of the NASL in the 70s, and even mid 90’s MLS, these shootouts were used after every draw and American soccer was ridiculed for it.

Now, Van Basten proposes we bring them back so collaboration between teams in these 3 team WC groups don’t happen with the purpose of a draw so that the two teams advance and leave an odd team out. That in itself is a mouthful, an unnecessary mouthful.

The WC format as is currently is frankly fine and does not pose these collaboration problems like the change in format does. That is why I am against the proposal to change the penalties, and furthermore Van Basten is also proposing things like abolishing the offside rule… that in itself should tell you enough about these crazy ideas.

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 The Argument For

Hanson: I am in favor of the proposed penalty shootout changes. Current penalty shootouts can still be exciting, especially depending on the circumstances, but the novelty wears of a bit once you’ve seen enough penalty shootouts where seven out of ten kicks are converted, while only a few are saved.

These proposed changes would not only make penalties more exciting, but would reward the more skilled players. In the case where current penalty shootouts last a while, we have CBs and GKs converting penalties because chances are they just have to get the strike on frame.

The new rules would favor the technically skilled players, and the marksman, while converting a penalty would no longer be an easy accomplishment. I get that it’s not soccer in it’s “purest form”, and sure, Europeans would freak out about the changes, but it would definitely make things more exciting.

Voice Your Opinion

There you have two takes on the proposed rule. Now send us your thoughts in the comment section below.