All 21 World Cups ranked: From worst to best

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest stage in football. It’s where dreams are born, hearts are broken, and a million vuvuzelas die from overuse. Every four years we gather around the screen — cheering, shouting, biting our nails, and arguing about offside calls. But let’s be honest: not all World Cups have been equally memorable.

Some tournaments have delivered epic finals, iconic goals, and heroes who get tattooed on calves in Buenos Aires and Naples. Others... offered a feast of 0-0s, referee scandals, and forgettable hosts. And then there are the weird ones — with stolen trophies, chest-high headbutts, and teams sent home because their goalkeeper had a razor blade hidden in his glove.

So we've taken on the impossible task: ranking all 21 World Cups, from the worst to the very best. It’s a journey through football’s most dramatic, scandalous, and glorious moments. There are goals. There are tears. There is Maradona.

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Ready? Lace up and dive into 94 years of World Cup history — from Montevideo to Moscow, from saints to sinners.

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21. Uruguay 1930

The first ever World Cup was a mix of pioneering spirit and provincial amateurism. Only 13 teams took part, and the Europeans had to sail across the Atlantic. Uruguay won, but it felt more like a test run than a true world championship.

20. Italy 1934

A World Cup run with an iron fist by Mussolini — and maybe the referees. Uruguay boycotted, and the whole thing reeked of propaganda. Italy won, but its legacy is stained.

19. France 1938

More fascism, fewer festivities. Political unrest overshadowed the tournament, and Italy — dressed in black again — triumphed. Strong on the pitch, but with a dark atmosphere.

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18. Argentina 1978

A brutal dictatorship in the background and heavy suspicions of match-fixing cast a shadow. Kempes scored and danced, but the tournament felt more manipulated than magical.

17. Russia 2018

France were deserved champions, but the tournament is more remembered for tactical efficiency and sterile football than emotional drama. Croatia impressed, but the controversies were off the pitch.

15. Chile 1962 (tie)

A violent and ugly tournament, with Garrincha as its shining light. The “Battle of Santiago” shocked the world and forced FIFA to invent yellow cards.

15. Italy 1990 (tie)

Star-studded but dull. Roger Milla danced into history, but defensive play was so extreme FIFA had to change the rules. The final? A snooze fest.

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14. South Africa 2010

Spain dominated with possession and tiki-taka, but the vuvuzelas drowned out the joy. A brutal final, where Nigel de Jong nearly KO’d Xabi Alonso, stole the headlines.

13. Sweden 1958

Pelé burst onto the scene and dazzled the world. Brazil shined, Fontaine scored 13 goals — but the tournament felt like a one-man show without real rivalry.

12. Switzerland 1954

Goals galore and one of the biggest shocks: West Germany beat the “invincible” Hungarians in the final. The “Miracle of Bern” made history — and raised doping suspicions.

11. Brazil 2014

Messi, James, van Persie, and 7–1! A World Cup with everything — except a good final. German efficiency ended Brazil’s nightmare on home soil.

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10. South Korea & Japan 2002

Ronaldo’s resurrection, but marred by scandalous refereeing and bizarre results. South Korea reached the semis — with a bit too much help from the whistle.

9. Brazil 1950

Two historic shocks: the USA beat England, and Uruguay crushed Brazil’s dreams in the “Maracanazo.” A championship of upheaval and resurrection.

8. West Germany 1974

Cruyff and “Total Football” dazzled the world, but Beckenbauer and co. outfoxed them in the final. A tactical breakthrough with emotional baggage.

7. England 1966

Football came home. Hurst scored a hat-trick, and Pickles found the stolen trophy. Referee drama, legendary moments, and British pride defined the tournament.

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6. USA 1994

Chaos, charisma, and colossal moments. Maradona, Baggio, and Escobar stole the headlines. A World Cup with more icons than highlights — but unforgettable.

5. Mexico 1970

Pelé’s farewell parade. Everything was sun, samba, and Selecao. Colour TV, the Telstar ball, and the “Match of the Century” — magic from start to finish.

4. France 1998

Zidane crowned a spectacular tournament with two final goals. Ronaldo collapsed, and football became bigger than sport. Drama, debuts, and greatness everywhere.

3. Germany 2006

Zidane, Henry, Grosso. A World Cup with fire in every round — and a headbutt that became immortal. Penalties in the final, and memories for life.

2. Mexico 1986

Maradona mesmerised and cheated all at once. His name became a symbol of both genius and controversy. A one-man tournament — and what a man he was.

1. Spain 1982

The ultimate World Cup. Rossi, Zico, Platini, and Maradona. Scandals, drama, stars, and legendary matches. A football explosion we still feel the echoes of today.