Ranking the Top 10 FIFA World Cup Finals Ever
The FIFA World Cup has been staged 22 times since its debut in 1930, with each tournament bringing memorable moments and unforgettable matches. The 23rd edition is set to conclude soon as Argentina meets Spain in New Jersey for the ultimate prize.
Here we list the ten most remarkable World Cup finals, ranked from least to most dramatic.
10. 1930: Uruguay 4 – 2 Argentina
The inaugural final took place at Montevideo’s Estadio Centenario. It was the first time two South American teams clashed for the title. Uruguay struck early through Pablo Dorado, but Argentina fought back with goals from Carlos Peucelle and Guillermo Stábile before halftime. The second half belonged to Uruguay, who scored three times—Pedro Cea, Santos Iriarte, and Héctor Castro—to claim the very first World Cup on home turf.
9. 1970: Brazil 4 – 1 Italy
Held at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca, this final showcased an attacking masterclass by Brazil. Pelé opened the scoring with a header, while Roberto Boninsegna briefly equalized for Italy. But Brazil’s dominance shone through in the second half with goals from Gérson, Jairzinho, and Carlos Alberto—the latter’s strike often hailed as one of the finest in any World Cup final.
8. 2010: Spain 1 – 0 Netherlands (after extra time)
The Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg saw a tense and physical encounter, with 14 yellow cards and one red issued. The Dutch received nine cautions, including two that sent John Heitinga off, while Spain got five yellows. After a goalless 90 minutes, Andrés Iniesta volleyed in a late winner during extra time, delivering Spain’s maiden World Cup triumph.
7. 1986: Argentina 3 – 2 West Germany
Back at Estadio Azteca, this final featured dramatic swings. José Luis Brown put Argentina ahead early, Jorge Valdano added a second early in the second half. West Germany fought back with goals from Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Rudi Völler, but Jorge Burruchaga’s strike in the 84th minute sealed the victory for Argentina’s second title.
6. 1966: England 4 – 2 West Germany (after extra time)
Hosted in London’s Wembley Stadium, England won their only World Cup on home soil. Germany led first through Helmut Haller, but Geoff Hurst equalized before halftime. In extra time, Martin Peters gave England the lead, Germany equalized through Wolfgang Weber, then Hurst scored twice more. The match remains controversial because of the debated nature of one of Hurst’s goals.
5. 2002: Brazil 2 – 0 Germany
At the International Stadium in Yokohama, Brazil captured their fifth World Cup. Ronaldo ended his heartbreak from missing the 1998 final with two goals after 67 minutes, guiding Brazil past Germany and into history as the only five-time champions.
4. 2014: Germany 1 – 0 Argentina (after extra time)
The Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro witnessed a tight battle. Lionel Messi came close several times for Argentina, but substitute Mario Götze’s exquisite volley off André Schürrle’s cross in extra time decided the match. This win marked Germany’s fourth World Cup title.
3. 1950: Uruguay 2 – 1 Brazil
Brazil’s first time hosting culminated at the Maracanã with a shock result. Friaca’s early second-half goal had the home crowd dreaming, needing just a draw for the trophy. Uruguay struck back through Juan Alberto Schiaffino and then Alcides Ghiggia, whose late winner stunned 200,000 fans and handed Uruguay their second championship in a classic upset.
2. 2006: Italy 1 – 1 France (Italy wins 5-3 on penalties)
The Berlin Olympiastadion hosted one of the most controversial finals ever. Zinedine Zidane opened scoring via penalty; Marco Materazzi equalized for Italy. A tense match saw few chances until extra time when Zidane headbutted Materazzi, earning a red card in his last professional game. Italy triumphed in the shootout to claim their fourth World Cup.
1. 2022: Argentina 3 – 3 France (Argentina wins 4-2 on penalties)
The Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar staged a breathtaking finale. Messi aimed for his first World Cup, and Argentina led 2-0. Kylian Mbappé sparked a stunning French comeback with a hat-trick, leveling the score. Messi scored again in extra time, but Mbappé completed his treble from the spot, pushing it to penalties. Argentina prevailed 4-2, making this final one of the most thrilling in history.
