World Cup 2026 sees consistent second‑team advantage in penalty shootouts

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup, every knockout‑stage match that has reached a penalty shootout was won by the team taking the second set of kicks. Opta data shows that all four shootouts so far this tournament have followed the historical pattern where 13 of the last 15 World Cup shootouts (86.7%) were decided in favour of the team shooting second. Across the 39 kicks taken so far, 23 have found the net, with the Morocco‑Netherlands tie seeing five misses out of ten attempts.

Analysts note that while the overall World Cup record (39 shootouts since 1930) gives a 56 % win rate to second‑shooting teams, the recent cluster of four consecutive second‑team victories revives discussion of a possible psychological edge. The next round begins with France versus Morocco.

Off the field, several quarter‑finalists have become fashion icons. Spain’s teenage star Lamine Yamal attracts attention from Chanel and Hermès, France’s Kylian Mbappé serves as a Dior ambassador, and Norway’s Erling Haaland is noted for his sneaker collection and limited‑edition Hermès accessories. Their on‑pitch performances and off‑pitch style are drawing both sports and fashion media interest.