With over 900 games played in 92 years since the tournament's inception in 1930, narrowing down the best World Cup matches is no small feat. While we won't rank these games—except for the number one spot—we will explore irreplaceable matches that have left an unmistakable mark on the sport.
We’ll rank these matches in no particular order, except for the number one spot. Get ready for a rundown of the best World Cup games ever.
Argentina 🇦🇷 3–3 France 🇫🇷 2022
The 2022 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and France is the greatest match in World Cup history due to its dramatic twists and extraordinary individual performances. Argentina initially dominated, with Lionel Messi scoring from a penalty and Ángel Di María adding another, settling at 2–0. France seemed outmatched, which forced coach Didier Deschamps to make critical substitutions, like replacing Olivier Giroud and Ousmane Dembélé before halftime.
Source: AP
Surprisingly, Kylian Mbappé stunned the world with two rapid goals late in the second half—one from the penalty spot and another with a brilliant volley—bringing the match to a 2-2 tie and forcing extra time. In the extra period, Messi again put Argentina ahead, only for Mbappé to complete his hat-trick with another penalty. With a tie at 3–3 the match was pushed to a penalty shootout. During the penalties, Argentina prevailed, thanks to goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who became the hero by saving crucial shots.
The Argentina–France duel from 2022 the greatest final in the history of team sports and the best match in the history of the World Cups.
Uruguay 🇺🇾 2–1 Brazil 🇧🇷 1950
The 1950 World Cup last match, known as the Maracanazo, marked Brazil's heartbreaking defeat on home soil. Held at the Maracanã Stadium in Brazil, built specifically for the World Cup, the match pitted the heavily favored Brazilian team against Uruguay, who needed a win to clinch the title, while Brazil only required a draw.
As more than 200,000 fans filled the stadium — a figure impossible to fathom today — Brazil took an early lead with Friaça’s goal shortly into the second half. However, Uruguay, led by captain Obdulio Varela, turned the tide. Varela’s leadership and strategic play, which included a masterful delay that calmed his team, were pivotal. Schiaffino equalized, followed by Ghiggia’s legendary goal, sealed Uruguay’s 2–1 victory and sent shockwaves through the Brazilian crowd.
The shocking defeat against Uruguay marked a national trauma that haunted the country for decades. Brazil's goalkeeper, Moacir Barbosa, faced intense public backlash and became a symbol of failure in Brazilian soccer. Barbosa famously stated, “The greatest sentencing for a crime in Brazil is thirty years in prison, but I've been paying for a crime I didn’t commit for 43 years.”
Italy 🇮🇹 4–3 Germany 🇩🇪 1970
The 1970 World Cup semifinal between Italy and West Germany is known as The Match of the Century. This match is remembered for its intensity, the heroics of players like Beckenbauer, and the dramatic back-and-forth in extra time. Taking place at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico, this World Cup is pivotal in soccer history as it marked a shift in the sport’s evolution with its numerous historic match offs.
Italy initially took the lead with a goal by Roberto Boninsegna in the 8th minute and seemed poised to advance. However, in the dying seconds of regulation, Karl-Heinz Schnellinger scored for Germany: the match went into extra time. What followed was a dramatic period where momentum swung continuously. Despite playing with a dislocated shoulder, Franz Beckenbauer continued on the field. Gerd Müller put Germany ahead, but Italy responded twice through Tarcisio Burgnich and Luigi Riva. Müller equalized again, making it 3–3, but Gianni Rivera scored the decisive goal just a minute later and secured Italy's 4–3 victory.
Source: FIFA
England 🏴 3–2 Cameroon 🇨🇲 1990
England, with Paul Gascoigne, faced an inspired Cameroon in the 1990 World Cup quarter-final, which had already made history by becoming the first African team to reach the quarter-finals after stunning Argentina in the opening match. Roger Milla, the 38-year-old Cameroon player, corroborated his credentials as a star player with his performance.
Cameroon dominated early on but fell behind to a David Platt header. However, the introduction of Milla changed the game’s tempo, and Cameroon fought back, taking a 2–1 lead through Eugene Ekéké’s goal. The electrifying atmosphere in Naples and the underdog story of Cameroon captured global attention. England, however, responded with resilience. Gary Lineker’s two penalties, including one in extra time, sealed a 3–2 victory. England had finally reached the semifinals since 1966.
Italy 🇮🇹 3–1 Germany 🇩🇪 1982
Held at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, the 1982 World Cup final between Italy and West Germany was a battle between two of Europe’s finest teams. Italy, led by stars like Paolo Rossi, Dino Zoff, and Marco Tardelli, ultimately triumphed 3–1 and won their third World Cup title.
The match was intense from the start, with both sides showcasing their tactical prowess. Italy missed an early penalty, but Paolo Rossi, who had been sensational throughout the tournament, opened the scoring in the second half. Marco Tardelli’s memorable goal and his iconic celebration followed, a moment still celebrated as one of pure passion in World Cup history. Alessandro Altobelli sealed Italy’s victory with a third goal, while Germany managed a late consolation goal through Paul Breitner.
Source: FIFA
Argentina 🇦🇷 2–1 England 🏴 1986
The 1986 World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and England is one of the most iconic matches in soccer history, primarily because of Diego Maradona's unforgettable performance. This match carried political weight, as it was the first sporting encounter between the two nations since the Falklands War of 1982. For Argentina, it symbolized a form of moral revenge.
Maradona dominated the game, first scoring the controversial Hand of God goal, where he used his hand to punch the ball into the net. Just minutes later, he produced what is widely regarded as the greatest goal of all time. Maradona dribbled from his own half and weaved past six English defenders before scoring. The narration by Victor Hugo Morales became legendary.
Although England responded with a goal by Gary Lineker, the match ended 2–1 in Argentina’s favor— and they were off to the semifinals. Argentina’s victory and Maradona’s heroics were immortalized in soccer history by FIFA’s recognition of the second goal as the Goal of the Century in 2002.
Source: BBC
Germany 🇩🇪 7–1 Brazil 🇧🇷 2014
The 2014 World Cup semifinal between Brazil and Germany, known as the Mineirazo, is one of the most shocking and memorable matches in World Cup history. Germany’s 7–1 victory over Brazil in Belo Horizonte became legendary for its sheer dominance. Brazil, who hosted the tournament and without its star Neymar due to injury, was trampled on in front of its home crowd. Germany scored five goals in just 18 minutes during the first half, with Miroslav Klose breaking the record for most World Cup goals and Toni Kroos scoring twice in quick succession.
Brazil’s defense collapsed as Sami Khedira and André Schürrle further extended Germany’s lead. Despite Brazil’s efforts, they could only manage a late goal by Oscar. The match remains iconic not just for the scoreline, but for its impact: it marked Brazil's heaviest World Cup defeat and the largest loss for a host nation in the tournament's history since the Maracanazo.
France 🇫🇷 1–1 Italy 🇮🇹 2006
The 2006 World Cup final between Italy and France is one of the most infamous matches in soccer history, not just for the result but for Zinedine Zidane's shocking moment in the final game of his career. The match ended 1–1 after regulation time, with Zidane scoring an early penalty for France and Marco Materazzi equalizing for Italy. The game then headed into extra time, and in the 110th minute, Zidane, the French captain, headbutted Materazzi in the chest after an exchange of words. This act, now a legendary moment in World Cup history, resulted in Zidane’s red card and a premature end to his illustrious career. It was an emotional and controversial exit for one of soccer's greatest players.
Despite Zidane’s absence, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout, where Italy triumphed 5–3 and claimed their fourth World Cup title with Fabio Grosso decisive penalty.
Source: Sport.es
Brazil 🇧🇷 4–1 Italy 🇮🇹 1970
Another great showdown of the historical Mexico 1970s World Cup, the final between Italy and Brazil, showed the brilliance of the Brazilian Jogo Bonito. The match was more than just a battle for the trophy; it determined the permanent owner of the Jules Rimet Trophy, as both teams had won two previous titles.
Brazil, people’s favorite led by Pelé, demonstrated their dominance early when he scored a powerful header. Though Italy quickly responded with a goal by Boninsegna, the second half was all Brazil. Gerson restored their lead with a long-range strike, and Jairzinho added another, becoming the first player to score in every match of a World Cup. The most iconic moment, however, came when Carlos Alberto sealed the 4–1 victory with a stunning goal following a fluid team move involving Pelé.
Germany 🇩🇪 3–2 Hungary 🇭🇺 1954
The 1954 World Cup quarter-final, held in Bern, pitted the formidable Hungarian team, known as the Mighty Magyars, against a resurgent West Germany in their first World Cup after World War II. The Hungarians were riding a 33-match unbeaten streak and were faced with a Germany that was not expected to perform at such a high level.
Hungary took an early 2–0 lead with goals from Ferenc Puskás and Zoltán Czibor within the first eight minutes. However, Germany quickly responded with goals from Max Morlock and Helmut Rahn. The match intensified, with German goalkeeper Toni Turek making crucial saves. And with just six minutes remaining, Rahn scored the winning goal. This historic 3–2 victory for West Germany earned the nickname Miracle of Bern.
Source: FIFA
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