Messi and Mbappe Falter Using the 'Stop-Start' Penalty Technique at World Cup 2026

The 2026 World Cup has introduced several memorable moments and controversial trends, including a peculiar penalty-taking method where players run, stop before kicking, then restart their shot. This 'stop-start' or 'traffic light' technique has been notably employed by stars like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Harry Kane, often resulting in missed penalties. According to BBC statistics, penalties taken with this pause method have a success rate of just 57% (15 out of 26), significantly lower than the 69% success rate (24 out of 35) for conventional penalty kicks.

This technique is not entirely new, having been used by legends like Pelé and Hugo Sánchez. The rationale behind it is to gain an advantage by reading the goalkeeper’s intended dive direction, hoping to catch them off guard. However, the increased difficulty and disruption of the kicker’s rhythm often backfire, as goalkeepers have adapted to this tactic. Analysts note that the overall penalty conversion rate at the World Cup is declining, partly due to the improved athleticism and reach of modern goalkeepers such as Emiliano Martínez, Yassine Bounou, and Oriol Nieland.

French journalist Julien Lawrence commented that Mbappe’s poor penalty against Morocco was due to disrupted preparation and habits, emphasizing the importance of routine in penalty success. Additionally, longer waits before taking penalties, like Mbappe’s three-minute delay, can reduce scoring chances, possibly motivating players to split their run into two parts to stay warmed up.

Despite being among the best penalty takers in history, Messi and Mbappe’s use of the stop-start method has harmed their effectiveness in this tournament. The article suggests that players should rely on their tried-and-true techniques rather than experimental trends, as confidence and comfort are crucial. Ultimately, the best penalty is simply one that finds the net, as former player Uri Malmilian famously said.

The 2026 World Cup continues to challenge players with new rules and tactics, but the classic, confident penalty run remains the most reliable approach.