Ranking the Top 10 FIFA World Cup Finals in History

The FIFA World Cup, first held in 1930 in Uruguay, has had 22 tournaments so far, many of which stand out as legendary moments in football. The 23rd edition is set to conclude with Argentina and Spain battling for the trophy in New Jersey.

Here is a list of the ten most memorable World Cup finals, ranked from less to more dramatic.

10. 1930: Uruguay 4 – 2 Argentina

The very first World Cup final took place at Montevideo’s Estadio Centenario. It was a historic clash between two South American teams. Uruguay took an early lead through Pablo Dorado, but Argentina responded before halftime with goals by Carlos Peucelle and Guillermo Stábile. What seemed like control shifted as Uruguay dominated the second half, with Pedro Cea, Santos Iriarte, and Héctor Castro securing a comeback victory and Uruguay’s inaugural title on home soil.

9. 1970: Brazil 4 – 1 Italy

At Mexico City's Estadio Azteca, Brazil delivered a masterclass. Pelé scored the opener with a header, and although Italy’s Roberto Boninsegna equalized before halftime, Brazil’s second half was overwhelming. Goals from Gérson, Jairzinho, and the iconic Carlos Alberto sealed a commanding win, with Carlos Alberto’s goal often hailed as one of the greatest in a World Cup final.

8. 2010: Spain 1 – 0 Netherlands (after extra time)

Held at Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium, this match was intense and physical, featuring 14 yellow cards and a red. The Dutch received nine yellows, including two for John Heitinga leading to his dismissal, while Spain had five. The tightly contested game remained scoreless in regular time until Andrés Iniesta volleyed in a late extra-time winner, granting Spain their first World Cup trophy.

7. 1986: Argentina 3 – 2 West Germany

Mexico City's Estadio Azteca hosted a tense final. José Luis Brown gave Argentina the lead in the first half, doubled by Jorge Valdano early in the second. West Germany fought back with goals from Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Rudi Völler. Just as extra time loomed, Jorge Burruchaga scored the decisive goal in the 84th minute, handing Argentina their second World Cup crown.

6. 1966: England 4 – 2 West Germany (after extra time)

Wembley Stadium witnessed England’s sole World Cup triumph on home soil. West Germany opened scoring through Helmut Haller, but Geoff Hurst equalized before halftime. Martin Peters put England ahead in extra time, only for Wolfgang Weber to equalize late. Hurst then netted twice more, though debate over the validity of one goal lingers to this day.

5. 2002: Brazil 2 – 0 Germany

In Yokohama, Japan, Brazil claimed a record fifth World Cup. It took until the 67th minute for Ronaldo to score off a Rivaldo rebound, followed by another goal 12 minutes later. After missing the 1998 final due to injury, Ronaldo led Brazil to glory, earning his first World Cup title.

4. 2014: Germany 1 – 0 Argentina (after extra time)

Brazil’s Maracanã Stadium hosted a tight battle decided in extra time. Substitute Mario Götze volleyed home a cross from André Schürrle to break the deadlock. Lionel Messi threatened often but could not convert. The win marked Germany’s fourth World Cup championship.

3. 1950: Uruguay 2 – 1 Brazil

In Brazil’s first time hosting, the final was at Rio’s Maracanã Stadium. Brazil took the lead early in the second half, sending 200,000 fans into celebration, needing only a draw. Uruguay fought back with Juan Alberto Schiaffino’s equalizer and Alcides Ghiggia’s late winner, creating one of the biggest upsets in football history and securing Uruguay’s second title.

2. 2006: Italy 1 – 1 France (5-3 on penalties)

Berlin’s Olympiastadion saw a controversial final. Zinedine Zidane scored an early penalty for France; Marco Materazzi soon equalized. The match stayed even through normal and extra time. Zidane’s infamous headbutt on Materazzi led to his sending off in his final professional game. Italy triumphed in the shootout to claim their fourth World Cup.

1. 2022: Argentina 3 – 3 France (4-2 on penalties)

At Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar, this final delivered drama and excitement unmatched. Messi aimed for his first World Cup, with Mbappé starring for France. Argentina led 2–0 for much of the game before Mbappé scored a hat-trick to level it. Messi restored Argentina’s lead in extra time, but Mbappé completed his treble with a penalty to force a shootout. Argentina won 4-3, creating one of the most unforgettable finals ever.