World Cup Penalty Shootouts: Rules, Records, and Best Takers

World Cup 2026 Analysis | Updated 2026-06-04

How a Penalty Shootout Works

Each team nominates 5 penalty takers. Teams alternate kicks from the penalty spot (12 yards). The team scoring more wins.

If tied after 5 kicks each, the shootout moves to sudden death: each team takes one kick, and the first team to score while the other misses wins.

Goalkeepers must stand on the goal line until the ball is kicked. They can move laterally to anticipate direction.

Teams shooting second win slightly more often — approximately 52% vs 48%.

Germany have won all four of their World Cup shootouts. Argentina have won four out of five.

England lost four of their first five major tournament shootouts before finally winning against Colombia in 2018.

Coaches typically choose five confident players in advance. Top scorers, not necessarily forwards, tend to convert at higher rates.

Short, direct run-ups tend to outperform long, elaborate approaches. Placing the ball into the bottom corner is statistically optimal.

Country	WC Shootouts	Won	Lost	Win Rate
Germany	4	4	0	100%
Argentina	5	4	1	80%
France	3	2	1	67%
Brazil	4	2	2	50%
England	5	2	3	40%
Italy	4	1	3	25%

How long is a World Cup penalty shootout?

A standard shootout lasts until one team wins after 5 kicks each, then continues in sudden death. There is no fixed time limit.

Who takes penalties in a World Cup shootout?

Teams nominate any five outfield players plus the goalkeeper. Substituted players cannot take part.

Can the goalkeeper take a penalty?

Yes — a goalkeeper can take a penalty kick, though it is very rare in practice.

Which country has the best World Cup penalty record?

Germany have won all four of their World Cup shootouts, giving them a perfect 100% record.