Ever since France midfielder Alain Giresse struck the World Cup's first shootout penalty in 1982, a total of 342 players have stepped up to face the goalkeeper for the most nerve-wracking test in football. This gallery captures the agony and ecstasy of those moments.
The First Shootout: France vs West Germany, 1982
In the semi-final on 8 July 1982, France's Alain Giresse sent West Germany goalkeeper Harald Schumacher the wrong way to score the first penalty in a World Cup shootout. Giresse later said: 'It's no longer a matter for your legs or feet. It's your head.' West Germany's Uli Stielike was the sixth taker and the first to miss, his spot-kick saved by Jean-Luc Ettori. After Didier Six missed, France's Maxime Bossis saw his weak shot saved by Schumacher, and Horst Hrubesch scored to eliminate France.
Brazil vs France, 1986: Redemption for Les Bleus
In the quarter-final on 21 June 1986, France eliminated a Brazil team featuring Zico, Socrates, and Careca. Captain Michel Platini embraced Luis Fernandez after he scored the decisive penalty.
Republic of Ireland vs Romania, 1990: O'Leary's Decisive Kick
David O'Leary scored the decisive spot-kick in Genoa to put Ireland into their first World Cup quarter-final. Manager Jack Charlton said: 'I didn't realise he was the last taker … I'm not the greatest believer in centre-backs taking penalties.'
Maradona's Miss, 1990
In the quarter-final on 30 June 1990, Diego Maradona saw his poor effort saved by Tomislav Ivkovic, but Yugoslavia missed three times, allowing Argentina to prevail 3-2.
England's Heartbreak, 1990
In the semi-final on 4 July 1990, Stuart Pearce missed and Chris Waddle ballooned his penalty over the bar as England lost to West Germany.
Brazil vs Italy, 1994: Baggio's Miss
In the final on 17 July 1994, Italy's Franco Baresi fired the first penalty over the bar. Roberto Baggio also sent his kick over, giving Brazil their first World Cup since 1970. Baggio recalled: 'It affected me for years. I still dream about it. If I could erase a moment from my career, it would be that one.'
England vs Argentina, 1998: Batty's Save
In the last 16 on 30 June 1998, David Batty saw his effort saved by Carlos Roa as England lost 4-3 on penalties.
Italy's Di Biagio, 1998
In the quarter-final on 3 July 1998, Luigi Di Biagio's penalty cannoned off the bar, condemning Italy to a shootout defeat. He admitted he had never taken a penalty before in his life.
Brazil vs Netherlands, 1998
In the semi-final on 7 July 1998, Brazil prevailed 4-2 after Philip Cocu missed for the Netherlands.
South Korea's Win, 2002
In the quarter-final on 22 June 2002, Hong Myung-bo scored the decisive penalty to give co-hosts South Korea a victory over Spain. Hong later managed the 2026 team but failed to advance from the group stage.
Portugal vs England, 2006
Cristiano Ronaldo scored the decisive penalty as Portugal beat England in the quarter-final on 1 July 2006.
Italy vs France, 2006: Trezeguet's Miss
In the final on 9 July 2006, David Trezeguet smashed his effort against the bar, and Fabio Grosso scored the winner to give Italy their fourth World Cup.
Uruguay vs Ghana, 2010: Suárez Handball
In the quarter-final on 2 July 2010, Ghana's Asamoah Gyan missed a penalty after Luis Suárez's handball. Uruguay won the shootout and reached their first semi-final since 1970.
Argentina vs Netherlands, 2014
Maxi Rodríguez scored the winning penalty as Argentina beat the Netherlands in the semi-final on 9 July 2014, after Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder missed.
England's First Shootout Win, 2018
Eric Dier slotted home the final spot-kick as England beat Colombia in the last 16 on 3 July 2018, their first major tournament shootout win.
Argentina vs Netherlands, 2022: Battle of Lusail
In the quarter-final on 9 December 2022, Argentina goaded their opponents after Lautaro Martínez scored the winning spot-kick in a match with 17 yellow cards and one red.
Argentina vs France, 2022 Final
Gonzalo Montiel scored the winning penalty for Argentina in the final on 18 December 2022, as France's Kingsley Coman and Aurélien Tchouaméni missed. Argentina lifted their third World Cup.
2026 Shootouts
Germany lost to Paraguay in the last 32 on 29 June 2026 after Nick Woltemade's poor penalty was saved. Australia lost to Egypt on 3 July 2026 after Harry Souttar's penalty sailed over the bar. Switzerland beat Colombia on 7 July 2026 as Ruben Vargas scored the winning penalty past Camilo Vargas.
