World Cup Finals History: Every Final Ranked from Best to Worst
The World Cup final is the biggest single match in sport. Over 22 tournaments, we have seen dramatic comebacks, penalty shootouts, and moments of individual brilliance. Here are the greatest finals ever played.
1. Argentina 3-3 France (2022) — Argentina win on penalties
The greatest football match ever played. Messi scored twice, Mbappe scored a hat-trick, and the game swung back and forth in the most dramatic fashion imaginable. Argentina led 2-0 with 10 minutes left, Mbappe scored twice in 97 seconds to force extra time, Messi scored again, Mbappe equalized from the penalty spot, and Argentina won the shootout. It was the perfect ending to Messi's quest for the one trophy that had eluded him.
2. Italy 3-1 Brazil (1970)
The 1970 final is considered the greatest team performance in World Cup history. Pele's Brazil played football from another planet, scoring four goals of breathtaking quality. Carlos Alberto's goal to make it 4-1 is the most iconic team goal ever scored. This was football as art.
3. West Germany 3-2 Hungary (1954)
The Miracle of Bern. Hungary were unbeaten in 4 years and had thrashed West Germany 8-3 in the group stage. In the final, Hungary led 2-0 after 8 minutes. West Germany came back to win 3-2, with Helmut Rahn scoring the winner. It is the greatest comeback in World Cup final history.
4. Argentina 3-2 England (1986)
Wait — this was not the final. But the 1986 final (Argentina 3-2 West Germany) was also excellent. Maradona's tournament was defined by the quarterfinal against England, but the final saw Argentina blow a 2-0 lead before Jorge Burruchaga scored the winner with 6 minutes left.
5-10: More great finals
5. France 3-0 Brazil (1998): Zidane's two headers crowned France as champions for the first time. 6. Spain 1-0 Netherlands (2010): Iniesta's extra-time winner completed Spain's tiki-taka era. 7. Germany 1-0 Argentina (2014): Gotze's extra-time volley. 8. Italy 1-1 France (2006): Zidane's headbutt overshadowed a tense final decided on penalties. 9. Brazil 2-0 Germany (2002): Ronaldo's redemption. 10. England 4-2 West Germany (1966): Geoff Hurst's controversial hat-trick.