what percent of world cup games end in 2-1 or 1-2?

The most common World Cup scoreline is 2-1, and one source says it accounts for about 16% of all World Cup matches historically; 1-2 is not usually listed separately because it is the same scoreline with the winner reversed, so the combined share for “2-1 or 1-2” is about 16% as a score pattern.

Quick math

• 2-1 and 1-2 are mirror versions of the same final score.
• So if you mean “matches that end with three total goals and a one-goal margin,” the answer is roughly 16% of World Cup games.

Important caveat

That percentage is based on historical World Cup data up to the tournament covered in the source, so the exact figure can shift as more matches are played. A more recent World Cup facts article still says 2-1 remains the second-most common result globally.

Would you like the same answer broken down for group stage only or all World Cup matches ever?