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Stutter-step penalty kicks gain popularity at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 10, 2026, 5:19 PM

Last updated Jul 10, 2026

Stutter-step penalty kicks gain popularity at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Summary

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has featured a notable rise in stutter-step penalty kicks, with players attempting to outsmart goalkeepers. This technique allows kickers to read the keeper's movements before shooting, potentially leading to successful conversions. Neymar successfully used the method in Brazil's match against Norway, while Kylian Mbappé's attempt against Morocco did not yield the same success. The effectiveness of this technique remains debated, with mixed outcomes so far during the tournament. Teams continue to evaluate its advantages and drawbacks as matches progress.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•The 2026 FIFA World Cup has showcased unique penalty kick styles.
•Neymar successfully executed a stutter-step penalty against Norway.
•Kylian Mbappé failed to convert a stutter-step penalty against Morocco.
•Players use the stutter-step to gauge goalkeeper reactions.
•Mixed success rates spark ongoing discussions about the technique.

Latest Updates

5:19 PMYahoo Sports — Why are stutter-step penalty kicks so popular at the 2026 World Cup?

What they're saying

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup has brought many unique penalty kick styles, but the stutter-step approach is a hot topic and we broke it down in detail.
— Yahoo Sports

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