Top 10 Best FIFA World Cup Final Matches of All Time

Top 10 Best FIFA World Cup Final Matches of All Time

The FIFA World Cup final is the pinnacle of football; a stage where dreams are fulfilled, legends are made, and history is written. As the culmination of the most prestigious tournament in the sport, the final is a spectacle that has captured the hearts of millions around the globe for nearly a century. Each match tells its own story, from moments of brilliance and resilience to drama that lingers in the minds of fans for generations.

Here, we recount the top ten FIFA World Cup final matches of all time, chosen for their significance, excitement, and the unforgettable impact they left on the footballing world.

1. 1950: Uruguay vs. Brazil – The "Maracanazo"

The 1950 World Cup final was unlike any other. Played in Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã Stadium, it wasn’t a traditional final but the decisive match in a round-robin group stage. Brazil, the overwhelming favourites, needed only a draw against Uruguay to lift the trophy in front of nearly 200,000 fans.

What followed was one of the greatest upsets in football history. After taking the lead early in the second half, Brazil seemed destined for glory, but Uruguay fought back with a relentless spirit. Goals from Juan Alberto Schiaffino and Alcides Ghiggia turned the match around, sealing a 2-1 victory for Uruguay and leaving the Brazilian crowd in stunned silence. The "Maracanazo" remains a testament to the unpredictability of football.

2. 1954: West Germany vs. Hungary – The "Miracle of Bern"

Hungary, led by the great Ferenc Puskás, were the heavy favourites in the 1954 final. Having defeated West Germany 8-3 in the group stage, their attacking prowess seemed unstoppable. However, the final told a different story.

Despite an early 2-0 lead for Hungary, West Germany staged a remarkable comeback. Helmut Rahn’s 84th-minute goal secured a 3-2 victory and handed the Germans their first World Cup title. The "Miracle of Bern" remains one of football’s greatest underdog triumphs.

3. 1966: England vs. West Germany – Geoff Hurst's Hat-Trick

The 1966 final at Wembley Stadium is unforgettable, particularly for English fans. England and West Germany were evenly matched, and the game entered extra time at 2-2. Geoff Hurst’s controversial "ghost goal" a shot that hit the crossbar and bounced down, gave England the lead, although debates about whether the ball crossed the line continue to this day.

Hurst completed his hat-trick in the dying moments, securing a 4-2 victory and England’s only World Cup triumph. The match epitomised drama and remains a proud moment in English football history.

4. 1970: Brazil vs. Italy – The Perfect Performance

Brazil’s 1970 team is often regarded as the greatest in history, and their performance in the final against Italy cemented that reputation. The match showcased Brazil’s attacking flair and technical brilliance, with goals from Pelé, Gerson, Jairzinho, and Carlos Alberto.

The final score of 4-1 was a fitting conclusion to a dominant tournament for Brazil, with their fourth goal, a stunning team effort finished by Carlos Alberto, standing as one of the most iconic in World Cup history.

5. 1986: Argentina vs. West Germany – Maradona's Redemption

Diego Maradona’s performances in the 1986 World Cup are legendary, and the final was the stage for his crowning moment. Argentina raced to a 2-0 lead before West Germany equalised with two late goals, setting up a tense finish.

Maradona’s exquisite through-ball to Jorge Burruchaga in the 84th minute led to the winning goal, securing a 3-2 victory for Argentina. The match highlighted Maradona’s influence and artistry, forever cementing his place as one of football’s greatest players.

6. 1998: France vs. Brazil – A Nation United

Playing on home soil, France faced defending champions Brazil in the 1998 final. Zinedine Zidane’s two headed goals in the first half stunned the Brazilians and set the tone for a dominant French performance. Emmanuel Petit’s late goal sealed a 3-0 victory, giving France their first World Cup title.

The match is remembered not only for Zidane’s heroics but also for uniting a diverse French population behind their team’s triumph.

7. 2006: Italy vs. France – The Zidane Head-butt

The 2006 final between Italy and France was dramatic for both its footballing and controversial moments. Zidane opened the scoring with a cheeky Panenka penalty, and Marco Materazzi equalised soon after. The match went to penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

However, the match is best remembered for Zidane’s shocking head-butt on Materazzi in extra time, resulting in a red card for the French captain. Italy won 5-3 in the shootout, with Fabio Grosso scoring the decisive penalty.

8. 2010: Spain vs. Netherlands – Iniesta's Moment of Glory

Spain’s golden generation reached the pinnacle of football in 2010, but their final against the Netherlands was a hard-fought battle. The match, marked by physical play and numerous fouls, remained goalless through regulation time.

In the 116th minute, Andrés Iniesta scored the winning goal with a composed finish, securing Spain’s first World Cup title. The match symbolised Spain’s dominance during that era and Iniesta’s brilliance as a player.

9. 2014: Germany vs. Argentina – Götze's Winner

The 2014 final in Rio de Janeiro was a tense affair between two footballing giants. With the match deadlocked at 0-0 in extra time, Mario Götze’s exquisite control and volley in the 113th minute delivered Germany their fourth World Cup title.

The final showcased Germany’s teamwork and resilience, while Lionel Messi’s inability to secure the title for Argentina added an emotional layer to the narrative.

10. 2022: Argentina vs. France – The Dramatic Showdown

The 2022 final in Qatar may go down as one of the most thrilling in World Cup history. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, faced defending champions France in a match filled with twists and turns. Messi’s performance, combined with Kylian Mbappé’s stunning hat-trick for France, created an unforgettable spectacle.

After a 3-3 draw in extra time, Argentina triumphed 4-2 in a penalty shootout, giving Messi his long-awaited World Cup trophy and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in history.

Conclusion

The FIFA World Cup final has given fans some of the most extraordinary moments in football. Each of these ten matches carries its own significance, showcasing the unpredictability, drama, and magic that define the beautiful game. Whether it’s an underdog triumph, an iconic performance, or a match filled with controversy, the World Cup final never fails to captivate audiences and create memories that last a lifetime.