The World Cup’s knockout stages are set to feature penalty shootouts again, with a record five occurring in 2022 and the potential for more in 2026. Historically, Spain now holds the record for missed penalties, having failed all three in 2022, while Argentina boasts the highest success rate, winning six of seven shootouts. Players who shoot to the sides have a better success rate than those who go down the middle, and forwards score the most, at 75%. The order of penalty takers shows no significant advantage, though first kickers have the highest success rate.
