World Cup 2026 Penalty Shootout History

The Greatest World Cup Shootouts

The penalty shootout has been part of World Cup knockout football since 1982, but it was only from 1986 onwards that it became the primary tiebreaker. Since then, it has produced some of the most agonising and euphoric moments in sporting history.

Italy vs France in the 2006 final remains the most-watched shootout of all time — Zinedine Zidane's headbutt sending him off before the penalties, with Fabio Grosso converting the winning spot kick in Berlin. Argentina's 2022 victory over France in Qatar matched that drama, with Emiliano Martinez turning in a legendary goalkeeping performance.

• 1994 Final — Brazil 0-0 Italy (Brazil win 3-2): Roberto Baggio's miss ended Italy's dream
• 1998 QF — France 0-0 Italy (France win 4-3): Dino Zoff's Italy knocked out at the hands of the hosts
• 2006 Final — Italy 1-1 France (Italy win 5-3): Fabio Grosso's winner sealed Italy's fourth title
• 2018 R16 — Croatia 1-1 Denmark (Croatia win 3-2): Subašić saved three, Rakitić converted the winner
• 2022 Final — Argentina 3-3 France (Argentina win 4-2): Martinez's saves gave Messi the ultimate prize

Roberto Baggio and the Curse of the Miss

No single moment encapsulates shootout heartbreak more than Roberto Baggio's skied penalty in the 1994 final at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena. Italy's greatest player, who had carried his nation to the final almost single-handedly, blasted over the bar to hand Brazil the trophy.

England have their own long history of shootout misery — losing to West Germany in 1990, Argentina in 1998, Portugal in 2006, and Germany again in 1996 at Euro level. Their 2018 victory over Colombia in Moscow was the first time England ever won a World Cup penalty shootout.

• England's penalty record: won 2, lost 6 across World Cups and Euros before 2018
• Germany's record: won 7 out of 8 major tournament shootouts — the most clinical nation
• Argentina: won all three World Cup shootouts they have contested (1990, 2006, 2022)
• France: mixed record — beaten in 1982 (their first), but winners in 1998 and 2006

Emiliano Martinez: The Shootout Specialist

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez redefined what a goalkeeper can contribute to a shootout in Qatar 2022. Against the Netherlands in the quarter-final and France in the final, Martinez's psychological warfare — his celebrations, his delays, his stare-downs — unnerved opposing penalty takers and saved crucial spot kicks.

His save from Kingsley Coman in the final and the stop from Randal Kolo Muani's penalty in extra time were decisive moments. Martinez understood that goalkeeping in a shootout is as much mental as physical. He will likely face similar high-pressure scenarios at World Cup 2026.

• Martinez saved 3 penalties across Argentina's 2022 shootout victories
• His psychological tactics drew complaints but were entirely legal
• Aston Villa's No.1 has been one of the world's best keepers since 2021
• Likely to start for Argentina at 2026 despite competition from younger options

Who Is Best Placed for 2026?

The 2026 World Cup's expanded 48-team format means more knockout games and therefore more opportunities for shootouts. With three host nations and matches played across 16 venues, high-altitude or humid conditions at some stadiums could tire players — making the toss of a coin feel more significant than ever.

Germany remain the gold standard historically. France have elite penalty takers in Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann. England, under whatever manager follows Gareth Southgate, are attempting to build a new shootout culture. Brazil's record is surprisingly patchy for a nation of their talent.

• Germany: strongest historic record, technically excellent penalty takers
• Argentina: back-to-back shootout wins in 2022, Martinez still the best in the business
• France: Mbappe and Griezmann are ice-cold from the spot
• England: finally building shootout resilience after decades of trauma
• Brazil: underperform in shootouts relative to their overall talent level

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