There’s something inherently magical about the FIFA World Cup final. The air is thick with anticipation, nerves are on a razor’s edge, and the entire world stops to witness history in the making. Every final has its unique tale of triumph, despair, and sheer brilliance. As we gear up for the 2026 World Cup, let’s take a nostalgic voyage and rank every World Cup final from best to worst.
1. 1970 – Brazil 4-1 Italy
Many consider the 1970 final as a display of football in its purest form. Brazil’s team, often hailed as one of the greatest football line-ups in history, danced around Italy with a classic style of beautiful football. Pelé, in his finest moments, led Brazil to their third World Cup title, solidifying their domination on the world stage. Few finals encapsulate the artistry of football like this one. If you’re yearning for a masterclass in team play and individual brilliance, this final is your go-to.
2. 1986 – Argentina 3-2 West Germany
Maradona’s World Cup became the fulfilling prophecy in this electrifying clash against West Germany. If there was ever a Hollywood script for football excellence, the triumph of Argentina under the spellbinding Maradona would be it. The match was a rollercoaster from start to finish, with Argentina taking a 2-0 lead before the Germans roared back, only for Jorge Burruchaga to score the winner. High drama and legendary prowess make this an unforgettable final.
3. 1954 – West Germany 3-2 Hungary
Dubbed ‘The Miracle of Bern,’ this match is etched in history due to its dramatic narrative. Hungary, a dominant football powerhouse of the era, was expected to steamroll over everyone. Instead, West Germany pulled off a sensational comeback after being down 2-0. It’s a story of the underdog triumphing against all odds, marking a seismic shift in world football.
4. 1998 – France 3-0 Brazil
No one can forget the host nation delivering a masterclass against one of football’s superpowers. Under the leadership of Zinedine Zidane, France dazzled the home crowd with unparalleled flair and strategy. Those two insane headers by Zidane in front of the home crowd were moments that etched him into French folklore. This victory solidified France’s status in the international football community.
5. 1966 – England 4-2 West Germany (AET)
This final saw the only triumph of England in a World Cup, with Geoff Hurst’s hat-trick — the only in a World Cup final — being its crowning moment. The match was as controversial as it was thrilling, especially with the debated ‘was it over the line’ second goal. The drama of extra time only added to the pageantry of the moment.
Honorable Mentions
- 2010 – Spain 1-0 Netherlands: Andres Iniesta’s late goal in extra time crowned Spain champions in a match notorious for its high intensity and physicality.
- 1994 – Brazil 0-0 Italy (3-2 on penalties): The first final to be decided by a penalty shootout—an intense showdown between two historical giants of the game.
- 2014 – Germany 1-0 Argentina: Mario Götze’s sublime extra-time goal earned Germany another star and prevented Messi from claiming his ultimate prize in football.
Reflective Conclusion
The World Cup finals have gifted us with incredible stories of passion, heartache, and glory. They remind us why we love football, how it can unify a global community, and why the anticipation for the next grand event in 2026 is at an all-time high. Which final is your favorite and why? Engage with us at CupVibes.com and share your unforgettable World Cup moments. Stay with us for the most exciting updates and discussions as we build up to the spectacle of 2026!
