Why Harry Kane had to retake his England penalty vs Croatia, IFAB Law 14 explained

Harry Kane was given a second chance from the spot for England against Croatia because Dominik Livakovic broke the goalkeeper rule before saving his first penalty.

The incident came early in England’s 2026 World Cup opener in Arlington, Texas, after Noni Madueke won a penalty under a challenge from Luka Modric. Kane’s first effort was stopped, but VAR checked Livakovic’s position and the referee ordered a retake.

The Law 14 rule being applied at FIFA World Cup

Under IFAB Law 14, the goalkeeper must stay on the goal line, face the kicker, and remain between the posts until the ball is kicked. At that moment, at least part of one foot must be touching, in line with, or behind the goal line.

That detail decided the Kane incident. If the goalkeeper moves fully in front of the line and then prevents the ball from entering the goal, the penalty must be retaken.

Livakovic’s save was therefore cancelled because the offence affected the outcome. Kane had missed only because the goalkeeper made a save from an illegal position.

Why Harry Kane’s penalty retake counted

The law works differently if the penalty is scored. When the goalkeeper offends and the ball still goes in, the goal is awarded. The attacking team is not punished for the goalkeeper moving early.

That is why Kane’s retake counted once he converted. The first infringement gave England another penalty, but there was no reason to intervene after the second one went in.

This is separate from outfield player encroachment. Modern guidance says encroachment by players around the box is usually punished only when it clearly affects play.

The goalkeeper rule is stricter when the keeper saves. Kane was not handed a favour. The officials applied the law correctly.

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