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

David Lynch

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

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

Prior to Qatar 2022, it had only happened on two previous occasions in the history of FIFA's men's tournament.

Argentina and France, however, added their name to this list after a thrilling finish to the 2022 final. 

The Sporting News looks at how penalty shootouts in World Cup finals have panned out. 

MORE: Why 2022 World Cup final was one of the greatest ever games

World Cup final penalty shootouts

Italy and France have both been involved in two World Cup final penalty shootouts with Les Bleus losing on both occasions. 

Brazil and Argentina have only featured once to date but triumphed when forced to go to the spot

Edition Final score Pen score Winner
2022 Argentina 3-3 France (a.e.t.) 4-2 Argentina
2006 Brazil 0-0 Italy (a.e.t) 3-2 Brazil
1994 Italy 1-1 France (a.e.t) 5-3 Italy

World Cup finals decided on penalties

Here's a breakdown of how the three penalty shootouts went. 

2022: Argentina 3-3 France (4-2 pens)

Argentina (4)

  • Messi (scored)
  • Dybala (scored)
  • Paredes (scored)
  • Montiel (scored)

France (2)

  • Mbappe (scored)
  • Coman (saved)
  • Tchouameni (missed)
  • Kolo (scored)

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) 

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)

David Lynch

David Lynch Photo

David Lynch is a freelance football journalist primarily covering Liverpool FC. He has reported on the the Reds for over a decade for publications such as the Sunday Mirror and Evening Standard, carving out a reputation as a trusted voice on all things Anfield in the process. Having followed Liverpool across England and Europe over the course of his career, David has filed from illustrious venues such as Camp Nou, the Allianz Arena and the Estadio do Dragao, as well as from multiple Champions League finals.