The 2022 FIFA World Cup set the record for the most knockout round matches decided on penalties.
Five knockout round matches, including Argentina vs France in the final, produced a winner via spot kicks.
Dating back to 1982, 35 World Cup matches have finished via a penalty shootout. In terms of a percentage, the figure comes in at 27% of the 161 matches between 1982 and 2022.
Penalty kicks have become an increasing occurrence at recent World Cups. Of the 35 knockout matches that went to penalty kicks, 13 happened from 2014-2022.
Over the initial timeframe, three World Cup finals went to penalty kicks: 2022, 2006 and 1994. Argentina beat France in 2022, Italy beat France in 2006 and Brazil beat Italy in 1994.
World Cup Penalty Shootouts by Year
| Year | Penalty Shootouts |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2006 | 4 |
| 2002 | 2 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1990 | 4 |
| 1986 | 3 |
| 1982 | 1 |
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