The 2026 FIFA World Cup features an expanded 48-team format and 104 matches, substantially increasing the total opportunities for penalties compared with prior tournaments like 2022, which recorded 23 spot kicks across 64 games. Conversion rates typically hover around 75-85% in open play but drop notably in high-pressure knockout scenarios and penalty shootouts, where historical World Cup data shows success rates near 70% amid factors such as goalkeeper saves, rushed preparation, and psychological effects. Early tournament action has already produced the first awarded penalty, while VAR reviews for handball and fouls continue to shape calls. Knockout-stage shootouts, rest advantages, and squad depth in later rounds remain key variables that could elevate the total number of misses before the final on July 19.