Argentina have become the undisputed kings of World Cup penalty shootouts over the years, while Spain have really struggled when it has come to converting spot kicks under pressure from 12 yards.

Argentina’s incredible World Cup penalty shootout record

In the history of the tournament, La Albiceleste have been involved in seven penalty shootouts and have prevailed in six of them. The most high-profile of them, of course, was the 2022 World Cup final, in which Argentina defeated France 4-2 on penalties after an enthralling 3-3 draw in Lusail, Qatar.

The only time Argentina have failed to win a World Cup shootout was in 2006, when they were beaten by Germany in the quarterfinals in Berlin.

Spain’s penalty shootout struggles continue

By contrast, Spain have only won one of the five shootouts they have taken part in at World Cups.

Their sole victory came against the Republic of Ireland in the round of 16 in 2002. Ironically, they were then eliminated in a shootout in the very next round by co-hosts South Korea.

La Roja’s troubles from the spot can be summed up by the fact they have been eliminated from the last two World Cups on penalties. In 2018, Spain were beaten by host nation Russia in the last 16, the same round in which they lost to Morocco in a shootout four years later.

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