World Cup penalty shootouts return with insights from past tournaments
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 28, 2026, 9:38 AM
Last updated Jun 28, 2026
As the World Cup enters its knockout stage, teams prepare for potential penalty shootouts, a critical phase seen in previous tournaments. The 2022 World Cup featured five shootouts, setting a record, and the upcoming tournament could exceed that with an additional knockout round. Statistics reveal Argentina has the best track record, winning six out of seven shootouts, while Spain has now missed nine penalties across shootouts. Insights from a review of 320 attempts since 1982 highlight key trends, including the successful strategies of shooters and keepers. Players generally find greater success by targeting corners, while central shots yield the lowest scoring percentage. The analysis aims to guide teams in optimizing their strategies for the forthcoming challenges.
- •Argentina has won six of seven World Cup shootouts.
- •Spain has missed nine penalties in shootouts, more than any other team.
- •Players score more often by targeting sides rather than the center.
- •The next World Cup has an additional knockout round for shootouts.
- •Historically, forwards have the best success rate in penalty shootouts.
- 9:38 AMYahoo Sports — How to win a World Cup penalty shootout
- 9:38 AMBBC Sport — How to win a World Cup penalty shootout
"We have a look at what can be learned from every World Cup penalty taken in a shootout ever.
"We have a look at what can be learned from every World Cup penalty taken in a shootout ever.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 28, 2026, 9:38 AMHow to win a World Cup penalty shootout
We have a look at what can be learned from every World Cup penalty taken in a shootout ever.
- BBC SportJun 28, 2026, 9:38 AMHow to win a World Cup penalty shootout
We have a look at what can be learned from every World Cup penalty taken in a shootout ever.
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