Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest soccer scorer of all time. But when it comes to penalty kicks, Messi is merely average. Why? Maybe the answer involves game theory.According to game theory, there’s an optimal strategy for taking penalty kicks.

Senegal had Belgium on the brink of World Cup elimination for 85 minutes, and then the match descended into pure chaos.

The USMNT will face Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1. Here's what to know about overtime and penalty shootouts if the match requires a tiebreaker.

Germany's shootout defeat by Paraguay on Monday sent shockwaves around the soccer world as a team previously thought invincible from the spot came up short in a stunning upset, marking the first time ​they have lost on penalties at a World Cup.

Beginning with the round of 32, where the USMNT will face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, all World Cup games are win or go home and will be decided on penalty kicks if the score is tied after 12

Harry Kane and England was denied a penalty kick late in the first half after a controversial call vs. DR Congo.

Cristiano Ronaldo has absorbed significant criticism throughout his time at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as Portugal sputter their way to the knockout stage, but his penalty expertise came through at an important moment.

Despite trailing by two goals with less than 10 minutes remaining, Belgium completed a stunning comeback, getting the winner deep into extra time.