Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
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WILL THE 2026 WORLD CUP FINAL END IN A GOALLESS DRAW?
A 0-0 draw in a World Cup final is like going to the cinema expecting an action movie... and leaving with a slow-burning documentary. But in football, anything can happen. How likely is it that we'll see a goalless final in 2026? In this article, we explore historical data, tactical trends, and how nerves, VAR, and the fear of losing have changed the way the biggest matches on the planet are played. Are we in for another thrilling match like Qatar 2022, or a yawn-inducing affair that goes to penalties?
The History of Goalless Finals
Although most World Cup finals have goals, goalless draws have also occurred, and they've certainly made their presence felt. The first 0-0 in a final happened in the USA in 1994, when Brazil and Italy treated us to 120 minutes without a goal, and the Cup was decided by penalties with Roberto Baggio sending his shot high into the stands.
An exception or a trend?
From 1930 to 2022, 22 finals have been played. Of those, only one ended 0-0 after extra time: the aforementioned 1994 match. But if we expand the sample to semi-finals and quarter-finals, goalless draws are more frequent. And the most interesting thing is that many of those finals had very few goals in regulation time. In 22 finals, only 1 ended 0-0 (4.5%). The average number of goals in finals is 2.6 per game. Since 2006, 3 of the last 5 finals were decided by penalties. Qatar 2022 broke the record with 6 goals in a final (3-3 between Argentina and France). Will we see another great match like the last one? Statistics say it's not very common. But a 0-0 draw isn't entirely out of the question either, especially if the teams are more focused on not losing than winning.
Factors that could lead to a 0-0 draw
A goalless draw isn't always synonymous with boredom, but it often indicates an excess of mutual respect. In a final, with millions of eyes on them, teams prioritize avoiding mistakes over taking unnecessary risks. And in 2026, several factors could align to make that happen.
The fear of losing outweighs the desire to win
A final isn't just a match: it's a tremendous emotional burden. Players who know it might be their only chance. Coaches who prefer to hold on and wait for an opponent's mistake. And brutal media pressure. All of this leads to tight, cautious matches. VAR, defensive tactics, and physical exhaustion. With VAR, teams avoid pushing the limits for fear of a review. This has reduced forced penalties and borderline goals. Furthermore, more and more national teams are playing with five defenders and two midfielders who prioritize breaking up play. And after six previous matches, physical fatigue also reduces the offensive pace.
In Qatar 2022, there were 17 matches that ended 0-0 or 1-0 (almost 35%).
Matches from the quarterfinals onward averaged only 1.9 goals.
Since VAR was introduced (2018), the number of goals disallowed for "tight" offsides has decreased.
62% of continental finals since 2015 have been decided by penalties or extra time.
So yes: if teams come out with fear, With tired legs and betting on the opponent's mistake, a 0-0 draw in the 2026 final is more than possible.
Which teams might qualify and what style do they have?
To know if there will be goals in the final, we also have to see who might be there. Some teams are hot-blooded, others are more tactical and cool. And that can determine whether we get a great match or a final tighter than a mother-in-law's hug.
The attacking powerhouses
Argentina, France, Brazil, and Portugal have game-changing attacking players. If two of these face off, it's unlikely there won't be goals. Argentina is coming off a 3-0 victory against France in the last final, while Mbappé and company have pure dynamite. Brazil is in transition, but its style has never been about playing to a scoreless draw. The more conservative teams: On the other hand, there are teams with a more tactical profile, such as Croatia, Morocco, Switzerland, or even England. It's not that they lack talent, but they tend to prioritize order, a low block, and counter-attacks. If one of these teams reaches the final and faces another conservative opponent, then the specter of a 0-0 draw could indeed appear.
Argentina averaged 2.5 goals per game at Qatar 2022.
England had two goalless draws in the knockout stage since 2010.
Croatia took 3 matches to penalties in 2018 and 2 more in 2022.
Morocco had the best defense at Qatar 2022 until the semifinals.
If there's an Argentina vs. France final, a spectacular show is almost guaranteed. But if more cautious teams sneak in, a 0-0 draw could be a possibility.
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