Piratas de Quebradillas 90:105 Aguada Santeros 
San German 98:96 Capitanes de Arecibo 
Mets de Guaynabo 102:129 Criollos de Caguas 
Leones De Ponce 81:77 Vaqueros de Bayamon 
Indiana Fever W 111:87 Los Angeles Sparks W 
Metros de Santiago 97:98 Caneros 
Vancouver Bandits 94:88 Winnipeg Sea Bears 
Seattle Storm W 105:90 Atlanta Dream W 
The Sharks 79:70 Arturo Prat San Felipe 
Woodville Warriors W 85:87 North Adelaide Rockets W 
Melbourne Tigers W 80:70 Dandenong Rangers W 
Sandringham W 106:65 Bendigo Braves W 
North Gold Coast Seahawks W 84:91 Logan Thunder W 
Canterbury Rams 93:77 Bay Hawks 
Nunawading W 77:74 Mt. Gambier W 
Manly W. W 93:56 Bankstown Bruins W 
Newcastle Falcons W 86:36 Penrith P. W 
Sturt Sabres W 111:51 Eastern Mavericks W 
South Adelaide Panthers W 98:68 Central Districts Lions W 
West Adelaide Bearcats W 105:57 Southern Tigers W 
Woodville Warriors 114:112 North Adelaide Rockets 
Melbourne Tigers 99:76 Dandenong 
Sandringham Sabres 110:102 Bendigo Braves 
North Gold Coast Seahawks 85:105 Logan Thunder 
Nunawading 110:100 Mt Gambier 
Manly W. 92:84 Bankstown Bruins 
Newcastle Falcons 84:70 Penrith P. 
Sturt Sabres 115:79 Eastern Mavericks 
Forestville Eagles W 62:72 Norwood Flames W 
West Adelaide Bearcats 121:94 Southern Tigers 
When a World Cup match ends in a tie after extra time, the winner is decided by a penalty shootout. It’s one of the most nerve-wracking moments in sports. By looking back at every penalty shootout in World Cup history, we can spot patterns that might help teams in the 2026 tournament.
How Players Handle the Pressure
Penalty kicks are as much about mental strength as they are about skill. Studies of past shootouts show that players who take a deep breath and stick to a routine are more likely to score. On the flip side, those who rush or change their mind at the last second often miss.
- Players who look confident and take their time succeed about 80% of the time.
- Goalkeepers who study the shooter’s habits before the game have a better chance of guessing the right direction.
- Teams that practice shootouts regularly in training tend to perform better under pressure.
Common Mistakes That Cost Teams the Win
Even the best players can slip up during a shootout. Some of the most common errors include shooting too softly, aiming for the middle of the goal, or trying a fancy trick instead of a solid strike. History shows that simple, well-placed shots are usually the most effective.
- Shots aimed low and to the corners are hardest for goalkeepers to save.
- Missing the target entirely happens more often when players are tired or nervous.
- Teams that score first in a shootout win about 70% of the time.
What This Means for the 2026 World Cup
As the 2026 tournament moves to a 48-team format with a last-32 knockout round, more matches could go to penalties. Coaches and players can use lessons from past shootouts to prepare. Staying calm, practicing regularly, and keeping shots simple are the best ways to come out on top when the pressure is highest.