A panel of journalists offers their top picks for the World Cup's most dramatic matches, standout players, and memorable goals, alongside personal highlights and assessments of the host nations, reflecting on the tournament's unique moments.
Several renowned international footballers, including Manuel Neuer, Patrik Schick, Guillermo Ochoa, Riyad Mahrez, Enner Valencia, Nicolás Otamendi, Marko Arnautovic, Sadio Mané, Craig Gordon, and Jean Michaël Seri, have announced their retirement from national team duty following their participation in the recent World Cup.
This explainer details the rules for extra time and penalty shootouts in the World Cup knockout stages. It outlines how a winner is determined if a match remains tied after 90 minutes of standard play or 30 minutes of additional time.
Following Egypt's 3-2 loss to Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, captain Mohamed Salah vowed to improve the national team's performance, urging fans to maintain their belief. Egypt's historic campaign included their first knockout stage victory.
Argentina staged a stunning late comeback, scoring three goals in the final 11 minutes to defeat Egypt 3-2 and advance to the World Cup quarterfinals. Lionel Messi scored the equalizer, with Enzo Fernandez netting the winner in injury time. Egypt's coach felt his team was treated unfairly.
Switzerland advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals by defeating Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw. Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel's save was crucial. This is Switzerland's first quarter-final appearance since 1954, and they will face Argentina next.
Switzerland defeated Colombia 4-3 in a penalty shootout to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals. The match ended 0-0 after 120 minutes, with Switzerland showcasing strong defense and earning a match against Argentina.
Switzerland advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in 72 years after defeating Colombia in a penalty shootout in Vancouver. This marks their fourth quarterfinal appearance in history.
Switzerland defeated Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes in the World Cup last 16. Switzerland advances to the quarter-finals for the first time since 1954 and will face Argentina.
A long-held belief that the team taking the first penalty kick in a World Cup shootout has an advantage is being re-evaluated by new research. While earlier studies suggested a significant psychological edge, more recent analyses, including a study in Football Studies, indicate that the perceived advantage stems not from the kick order itself, but from the unequal distribution of high-pressure, elimination-or-victory situations created by the current rules.
Justin Kluivert missed a penalty in a World Cup shootout, mirroring his father Patrick's Euro 2000 miss, as the Netherlands were eliminated by Morocco. Morocco won 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
England manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed his team will adhere to Gareth Southgate's established penalty shoot-out strategy for the World Cup, emphasizing preparation and process.
As the Socceroos prepare for a potential penalty shootout against Egypt, an academic's research suggests ordering kickers from best to worst can increase win probability by 5-10%. However, player nerves and the difficulty of replicating high-pressure situations in training pose significant challenges.
England manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed his team will adhere to Gareth Southgate's successful penalty shootout strategy for the World Cup knockout stages, emphasizing preparation and process despite the inherent difficulty of simulating shootout pressure.
Germany's World Cup hopes ended in a penalty shootout loss to Paraguay, with several players reportedly refusing to take kicks. US coach Pochettino uses an analytics firm for penalty strategy, while the USMNT prepares for their own shootout challenge.
Germany's legendary World Cup penalty shootout record ended Monday as they lost to Paraguay 4-3 on penalties in Boston after a 1-1 draw. This was their first shootout defeat since 1976, breaking a streak of six consecutive wins.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic heavily criticized Ronald Koeman's defensive tactics following the Netherlands' World Cup elimination by Morocco. Despite leading, the Dutch team conceded a late equalizer and lost on penalties, with Ibrahimovic arguing Koeman abandoned the traditional Dutch attacking identity.
Germany's head coach Julian Nagelsmann stated he will not resign following their World Cup elimination by Paraguay. Despite criticism, he expressed a desire to continue if the German FA supports him, acknowledging the team's underperformance and the difficulty of facing an ultra-defensive opponent.
Morocco eliminated the Netherlands from the World Cup after a 1-1 draw and a dramatic penalty shootout. Cody Gakpo scored for the Dutch, but Issa Diop equalized in stoppage time, leading to Morocco's victory. Dutch coach Ronald Koeman is considering his future.
Germany suffered a historic World Cup exit, losing a penalty shootout for the first time against Paraguay after a 1-1 draw. This marks their third consecutive tournament failing to meet expectations, prompting calls for significant changes within the national team and an introspective analysis of German football.
Two World Cup Round of 32 matches concluded in dramatic penalty shootouts after 1-1 draws. Paraguay defeated Germany 4-3, marking Germany's first World Cup penalty shootout loss, while Morocco secured a 3-2 victory over the Netherlands. This explainer details the rules for extra time and penalty shootouts.
Morocco's 3-2 penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 qualifier led to jubilant celebrations in Casablanca and clashes between fans and police in The Hague.
Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill, 26, became his country's World Cup hero against Germany, saving two penalties. His remarkable rise follows a period of personal hardship where he sold his kit to support his family after his son's premature birth, enhancing his growing reputation.
Paraguay advanced to the FIFA World Cup 2026 last 16 by defeating Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout in Boston, marking one of the tournament's biggest upsets as Germany bows out.
