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.