Best FIFA World Cup
Every men's World Cup from Uruguay 1930 to Qatar 2022. Drama, goals, heroes and atmosphere all count.
Tier list by PairTier · 22 items
- 1930 Uruguay — The first World Cup: hosts Uruguay beat Argentina 4–2 in the final in Montevideo.
- 1934 Italy — Hosts Italy won their first title, beating Czechoslovakia 2–1 after extra time in Rome.
- 1938 France — Italy retained the title, beating Hungary 4–2 in the final in Paris.
- 1950 Brazil — Uruguay stunned hosts Brazil 2–1 at the Maracanã in the deciding match, the 'Maracanazo'.
- 1954 Switzerland — West Germany beat Hungary's 'Golden Team' 3–2 in the final, the 'Miracle of Bern'.
- 1958 Sweden — A 17-year-old Pelé inspired Brazil to a 5–2 final win over hosts Sweden in Solna.
- 1962 Chile — Garrincha carried Brazil to a second straight title after Pelé was injured.
- 1966 England — Hosts England beat West Germany 4–2 at Wembley, with a Geoff Hurst hat-trick in the final.
- 1970 Mexico — Pelé, Jairzinho and Tostão's Brazil won a third title, beating Italy 4–1 in the final.
- 1974 West Germany — Hosts West Germany beat Johan Cruyff's Netherlands 2–1 in the final in Munich.
- 1978 Argentina — Hosts Argentina beat the Netherlands 3–1 after extra time; Mario Kempes was top scorer.
- 1982 Spain — Paolo Rossi's goals won it for Italy; remembered for Brazil's dazzling side and the Seville semi-final.
- 1986 Mexico — Maradona's tournament: the 'Hand of God', the Goal of the Century and an Argentina title.
- 1990 Italy — West Germany beat Argentina 1–0 in the final; Schillaci's goals and Gascoigne's tears.
- 1994 USA — Brazil beat Italy on penalties after a goalless final; Sweden took bronze.
- 1998 France — Hosts France won their first title as Zidane headed twice in a 3–0 final win over Brazil.
- 2002 South Korea/Japan — The first World Cup in Asia: Ronaldo scored twice as Brazil beat Germany 2–0 in the final.
- 2006 Germany — Italy beat France on penalties in a final remembered for Zidane's headbutt.
- 2010 South Africa — The first World Cup in Africa: Spain beat the Netherlands 1–0 after extra time; vuvuzelas everywhere.
- 2014 Brazil — Germany beat hosts Brazil 7–1 in the semi-final and Argentina 1–0 after extra time in the final.
- 2018 Russia — France beat Croatia 4–2 in the final; the first World Cup with VAR.
- 2022 Qatar — The first winter World Cup: Argentina beat France on penalties after a 3–3 final with a Mbappé hat-trick.