Some of the most memorable World Cup penalty shootouts are Argentina vs France in 2022, Italy vs France in 2006, and Germany’s classic shootout wins in 1982, 1986, 1990, and 2006. Recent coverage also notes that Germany had never lost a World Cup shootout before 2026, which adds even more weight to those earlier games’ reputation.

Standout shootouts

  • Argentina vs France, 2022. A final that stayed tense all the way through penalties, with massive pressure on every kick and huge historical stakes.
  • Italy vs France, 2006. Another final that became a defining penalty moment in World Cup history.
  • Germany vs Argentina, 1990. A tight final that ended with a single decisive penalty kick story line in the broader tournament memory.
  • Germany’s shootout wins in 1982, 1986, 1990, and 2006. Germany’s long World Cup shootout record became part of the legend because they kept finding a way through in the biggest moments.

Why they stand out

The best shootouts usually have three things: a huge stage, late-game tension, and at least one unforgettable miss or save. Finals and knockout games are the ones people remember most because every kick changes the tournament instantly.

Quick scoop

If you want the short version, the most talked-about World Cup shootouts are usually the 2022 final, the 2006 final, and Germany’s repeated knockout drama across multiple eras.

TL;DR: The biggest World Cup penalty shootouts are the ones with final- stage pressure and historic stakes, especially Argentina vs France 2022, Italy vs France 2006, and Germany’s long run of shootout drama.