How USMNT prepare for World Cup penalty drama: confidence, composure and consultants

The US have never had a match go to penalty kicks in their World Cup history. If it happens in 2026, Mauricio Pochettino says they have a plan

• Who would the US need to beat to win the World Cup?

There is perhaps nothing more polarizing in the game of football than a penalty shootout. But however you feel about them, you can’t deny the drama involved, which was on full display in yesterday’s round of 32 matches.

Germany were the first to fall victim to the cruel nature of the procedure, with Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Jonathan Tah all missing from the spot and handing a shock victory to Paraguay. The Netherlands, who have plenty of familiarity with the devastation of losing in a shootout, came next, putting in a poor effort against Morocco, who took full advantage.

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