Top 10 Greatest FIFA World Cups of All Time

August 28, 2025 Aksel Kryhlmand

Since 1930, the FIFA World Cup has captivated billions, uniting nations through unforgettable drama, heartbreak, and triumph. Some tournaments stand out not just for the champions crowned, but for iconic moments, shocking upsets, and the legends they produced. Here’s a countdown of the 10 best World Cups in history.

10. 2002 FIFA World Cup – South Korea & Japan

Seoul_Plaza_2002_FIFA_World_Cup — ijs, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The first World Cup hosted in Asia – and the first co-hosted – was full of drama. Senegal shocked the world by defeating defending champions France in the opener, while South Korea’s improbable run to the semifinals stirred controversy with refereeing decisions against Italy and Spain. Brazil, led by Ronaldo’s redemption arc, claimed their fifth title by defeating Germany 2-0 in the final.

9. 1994 FIFA World Cup – United States

1994 World Cup Football USA — Pyro Spectaculars by Souza, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Initially doubted because “America didn’t get soccer,” the U.S. staged one of the most successful World Cups ever. Packed stadiums, financial success, and thrilling matches defined it. Roberto Baggio carried Italy until his infamous missed penalty in the final, handing Brazil their fourth title. Tragedy also struck, as Colombian defender Andrés Escobar was murdered following his own goal.

8. 2018 FIFA World Cup – Russia

2018 Russia World Cup Football — Kremlin.ru, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Expectations were low, but Russia 2018 delivered fireworks. From Germany’s shocking group-stage exit to Croatia’s fairy-tale run to the final, it was a tournament of surprises. Kylian Mbappé’s emergence as a global superstar helped France claim their second title after a 4-2 win over Croatia.

7. 1970 FIFA World Cup – Mexico

Pele — By Unknown author - El Gráfico, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=95449751

The first to be broadcast in color, Mexico 1970 is often remembered as the most beautiful World Cup. Brazil’s Pelé-led squad dazzled with attacking football, beating England, Uruguay, and Italy en route to a 4-1 triumph in the final. That team is still considered by many as the greatest in history.

6. 1986 FIFA World Cup – Mexico

Mexico 1986 world cup football — El Gráfico (own scan), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

This was Diego Maradona’s World Cup. From the infamous “Hand of God” to the “Goal of the Century” against England, his genius defined the tournament. Argentina beat West Germany 3-2 in a thrilling final, cementing Maradona’s status as a footballing icon.

5. 1998 FIFA World Cup – France

1998 France FIFA_World_Cup — Wikimedia Commons

Expanded to 32 teams, the 1998 edition brought more drama and global participation. Ronaldo’s brilliance carried Brazil to the final, but a mysterious pre-match incident left him a shadow of himself. France, inspired by Zinedine Zidane’s two headed goals, won 3-0 in Paris to lift their first World Cup.

4. 2006 FIFA World Cup – Germany

Classic football nations dominated, and the tournament gave us both brilliance and controversy. Zinedine Zidane’s masterclass against Brazil was unforgettable, but his infamous headbutt in the final overshadowed his farewell. Italy triumphed on penalties over France to secure their fourth title.

3. 2022 FIFA World Cup – Qatar

FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar — Creativity lover / Shutterstock.com

Despite off-field controversies, the football was spectacular. With 172 goals – the most in history – Qatar 2022 delivered unforgettable matches. The final between Argentina and France is already considered the greatest ever, with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé trading blows in a 3-3 thriller before Argentina triumphed on penalties.

2. 2014 FIFA World Cup – Brazil

Fifa world cup 2014 Brazil — Danilo Borges/Portal da Copa copa2014.gov.br Licença Creative Commons Atribuição 3.0 Brasil, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This World Cup had everything: goals, drama, and shocking upsets. From Spain’s 5-1 humiliation by the Netherlands to Tim Howard’s record saves against Belgium, the action never stopped. But nothing stunned the world more than Brazil’s catastrophic 7-1 semifinal loss to Germany. The Germans went on to lift the trophy against Argentina in a tense 1-0 final.

1. 2010 FIFA World Cup – South Africa

fifa world cup africa — Carlo Kaminski / Shutterstock.com

The first African World Cup carried immense cultural weight. While the vuvuzelas droned, Spain’s tiki-taka reigned supreme. Andrés Iniesta’s extra-time winner secured Spain’s first title, cementing their dominance in a golden era. Memorable moments included Siphiwe Tshabalala’s thunderous opener, Ghana’s heartbreak against Uruguay, and Diego Forlán’s brilliance.