“Uruguay claimed the inaugural World Cup on home soil in front of 93,000 fans at Montevideo's Estadio Centenario, cementing their status as football's first global superpower.”
Giuseppe MeazzaAngelo SchiavioRaimundo OrsiGianpiero Combi
Story
“Under Mussolini's shadow, Italy — boosted by several Oriundi (South American-born players of Italian descent) — fought back to beat a strong Czechoslovakia side after extra time.”
Giuseppe MeazzaSilvio PiolaGino ColaussiPietro Rava
Story
“Italy became the first nation to win back-to-back World Cups. Silvio Piola scored twice in the final, and Pozzo remains the only coach to win two World Cups.”
Alcides GhiggiaJuan Alberto SchiaffinoRoque MáspoliObdulio Varela
Story
“The Maracanazo — Uruguay stunned 200,000 Brazilians at the Maracanã in a final group decider. Ghiggia's winning goal silenced the world and became football legend.”
“The Miracle of Bern — West Germany came from 2-0 down to beat the Mighty Magyars, one of the greatest teams ever. Helmut Rahn scored the dramatic winner.”
“A 17-year-old Pelé announced himself to the world with a hat-trick in the semi-final and two goals in the final. Brazil's first title, and the birth of Jogo Bonito.”
“With Pelé injured in the group stage, Garrincha took over — the 'Little Bird' delivered one of the greatest individual tournament performances ever to carry Brazil to glory.”
1966🏴 England🏴 England4–2 (AET)🇩🇪 West Germany
Formation
4-4-2 (Wingless Wonders)
Coach
Alf Ramsey
Best Player
Bobby Charlton
Golden Boot
Eusébio (9 goals)
Key Players
Bobby CharltonBobby MooreGeoff HurstGordon Banks
Story
“England's finest hour. Geoff Hurst scored the only hat-trick in a World Cup final, including the controversial 'Wembley Goal' — still debated to this day.”
“Widely considered the greatest team of all time. Carlos Alberto's thunderous goal capped a move involving nine outfield players — the perfect team goal.”
1974🇩🇪 West Germany🇩🇪 West Germany2–1🇳🇱 Netherlands
Formation
4-3-3
Coach
Helmut Schön
Best Player
Johan Cruyff
Golden Boot
Grzegorz Lato (7 goals)
Key Players
Franz BeckenbauerGerd MüllerPaul BreitnerSepp Maier
Story
“Total Football vs. Der Kaiser. The Dutch scored before a German touched the ball, but Beckenbauer's West Germany fought back to win on home soil.”
Mario KempesDaniel PassarellaUbaldo FillolOsvaldo Ardiles
Story
“Amid political controversy, Argentina won their first title on home soil. Mario Kempes was the hero, scoring twice in the final including the extra-time winner.”
“After a slow start, Paolo Rossi exploded to life with a hat-trick against Brazil and goals in both the semi-final and final. Tardelli's celebration is iconic.”
Diego MaradonaJorge ValdanoJorge BurruchagaNery Pumpido
Story
“The Maradona World Cup. The 'Hand of God' and the 'Goal of the Century' against England defined a tournament where one man carried a nation to glory.”
“A dour final decided by a late Brehme penalty. Beckenbauer became the second person to win as both player and manager. A unified Germany's final trophy before reunification.”
1994🇺🇸 United States🇧🇷 Brazil0–0 (3–2 pens)🇮🇹 Italy
Formation
4-4-2
Coach
Carlos Alberto Parreira
Best Player
Romário
Golden Boot
Hristo Stoichkov & Oleg Salenko (6 goals)
Key Players
RomárioBebetoDungaCláudio Taffarel
Story
“The first World Cup decided on penalties. Romário delivered on his promise to be the tournament's best player. Roberto Baggio's miss defined the shootout.”
Zinedine ZidaneDidier DeschampsLilian ThuramEmmanuel Petit
Story
“Zidane's two headers from corners stunned Brazil. France's 'Black-Blanc-Beur' team united a nation and won their first World Cup on home soil at the Stade de France.”
“Ronaldo's redemption — four years after the 1998 final mystery, he scored both goals and the tournament's Golden Boot. Brazil's fifth star was secured in style.”
“Zidane's headbutt in his final match overshadowed a tournament where Italy's defense — led by Cannavaro — was near-impenetrable. The Calciopoli scandal back home made it bittersweet.”
2010🇿🇦 South Africa🇪🇸 Spain1–0 (AET)🇳🇱 Netherlands
“Iniesta's extra-time winner crowned Spain's tiki-taka era. La Roja's possession-based style dominated world football and their 2010 triumph was the ultimate validation.”
“Mbappé became the first teenager since Pelé to score in a World Cup final. France's blend of youth and experience proved unstoppable in a high-scoring final.”
Lionel MessiÁngel Di MaríaEmiliano MartínezJulián Álvarez
Story
“The greatest World Cup final ever. Messi vs Mbappé. A hat-trick in defeat for Mbappé. Penalty shootout drama. And finally, Messi lifts the trophy to complete football.”