Argentina Lead the World in World Cup Penalty Shootouts

Argentina has taken part in more FIFA World Cup penalty shootouts than any other nation, winning six of its seven spot-kick ties.

The South Americans first won a World Cup shootout at Italy 1990, beating Yugoslavia 3-2 in the quarterfinals after a goalless draw. They then defeated hosts Italy 4-3 on penalties in the semifinals following a 1-1 draw.

At France 1998, Argentina eliminated England 4-3 from the spot after another 2-2 draw in the round of 16. In Brazil 2014, they beat the Netherlands 4-2 on penalties after a scoreless semifinal.

Argentina added two more shootout wins during their title-winning run at Qatar 2022 — defeating the Netherlands 4-3 in the quarterfinals and France 4-2 in the final, after draws of 2-2 and 3-3 respectively.

Their only shootout defeat came at Germany 2006, losing 4-2 to the hosts in the quarterfinals after a 1-1 draw.

Germany and Croatia share the best World Cup shootout record, having won all four of their appearances. Germany beat France (1982), Mexico (1986), England (1990) and Argentina (2006). Croatia won four consecutive shootouts across 2018 and 2022, eliminating Denmark, Russia, Japan and Brazil.

Brazil have won three of five World Cup shootouts. France have won two and lost three. Spain, England, Italy and the Netherlands have each won one from four attempts.

In total, 35 World Cup matches have been settled by penalty shootouts. Five of them came at Qatar 2022, with Argentina winning twice on their way to the title.

Ten nations have never won a World Cup shootout: Yugoslavia, Ghana, Switzerland, Chile, Greece, Colombia, Denmark, Japan, Romania and Mexico.