World Cup Final: How Penalty Shootouts Determine the Trophy

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will turn to penalties if the match is locked after 90 minutes and two halves of extra time. This scenario, while dramatic, has settled only three championships in tournament history, each leaving an indelible mark on football lore.

Brazil lifted the title on spot‑kicks in 1994, beating Italy 3‑2 after a goalless draw. Italy returned the favor in 2006, edging France 5‑3 following a 1‑1 stalemate. The most recent nail‑biter came in 2022 when Argentina triumphed 4‑2 over France after a thrilling 3‑3 draw.

When a Final Moves to a Penalty Shootout

The path to a shootout begins once the clock strikes 90 minutes and the game remains tied. Teams then play two 15‑minute halves of extra time; if the scores stay level, the trophy is decided by kicks from the spot.

This method, though rare, has become the ultimate test of nerves and skill. Three World Cup finals have been settled in this manner, turning sudden death into legendary moments.

How the Shootout Unfolds

After extra time, the referee tosses a coin to pick which goal will be used for the shootout. A second flip decides which side takes the opening penalty.

Each squad lines up for five alternating shots; the shoot‑out can end early if one team builds an unassailable lead. Should the first five rounds end in a tie, sudden death begins, with the first team to outscore the other on consecutive attempts declared the winner.

Key Details on Kicks and Scoring

Initially, ten penalties are scheduled—five per side—but fewer may be needed. If a team leads by a margin that the opponent cannot close after a few rounds, the match stops.

The longest World Cup shootout involved 24 kicks, when South Korea bested Spain 5‑3 in the 2002 quarterfinals after a goalless draw. Only players on the field at the end of extra time may take a penalty, and both sides must have an equal number of eligible takers.

Shootout goals are recorded separately from regular match statistics, ensuring clarity in official records. This distinction keeps the tournament’s primary scoring lines clean while highlighting the drama of the shootout.

What It Means for Future Finals

Understanding these rules adds depth to viewing any championship that stretches beyond regulation time. As the 2026 tournament approaches, fans can anticipate the possibility of another historic showdown under the bright lights of a penalty shoot‑out.

Whether it’s a clutch save by a goalkeeper or a calm finish from a forward, the next World Cup final could become another chapter in the shootout legacy.