World Cup final penalty shootouts: FIFA championship matches decided on penalties

It is difficult to imagine a more pressure-filled situation in professional football than a penalty shootout to decide a World Cup final.

It has only happened on two previous occasions in the history of FIFA’s men’s tournament, which is about to wrap up its 22nd edition in Qatar.

But there is every chance that Argentina and France could be facing that dreaded scenario at the end of their decisive meeting on Sunday.

So, what does history tell us about those situations? Here, we find out more.

World Cup final penalty shootouts

Italy have been involved in both the World Cup final penalty shootouts we have seen so far, winning one and losing one.

Their victory came against France, which could well play on Les Bleus’ mind should they end up in that situation against Argentina.

World Cup finals decided on penalties

Here’s a breakdown of how the two finals’ penalty shootouts went. 

2006: Italy 1-1 France (5-3 pens)

Italy (5)

• Pirlo (scored)
• Materazzi (scored) 
• De Rossi (scored)
• Del Piero (scored)
• Grosso (scored)

France (3)

• Wiltord (scored)
• Trezeguet (hit crossbar)
• Abidal (scored)
• Sagnol (scored) 

David Trezeguet: “The last time I cried was when Diego (Maradona) died. The day I missed the penalty in the final vs. Italy (2006 World Cup), he came to speak with me at the hotel… He told me missing is for those who have personality and not to hide.” Via Lucila Rossi Sport. pic.twitter.com/6SwMCpTFA3

— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) March 25, 2022

1994: Brazil 0-0 Italy (3-2 pens)

Brazil (3)

• Marcio Santos (saved)
• Romario (scored)
• Branco (scored)
• Dunga (scored)

Italy (2)

• Baresi (over crossbar)
• Albertini (scored)
• Evani (scored)
• Massaro (saved)
• Baggio (over)

#OnThisDay 1994, Roberto Baggio missed the decisive penalty as #Italy lost the #WorldCup final to #Brazil. https://t.co/G1Hj3KESLj #Azzurri pic.twitter.com/7IFYYg7zbm

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) July 17, 2017