The Most Unforgettable World Cup Upsets in History
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One of the reasons the FIFA World Cup remains the biggest sporting event in the world is its ability to produce shocking results.
Time and again, football’s giants have been humbled by underdogs, creating unforgettable moments that have become part of football folklore.
Based on FIFA records, historical accounts, and football analysis from multiple reputable sources, these are some of the greatest World Cup upsets ever.
1. USA 1-0 England (1950)
This remains the benchmark for World Cup shocks.
England arrived in Brazil as one of the tournament favorites and was widely regarded as one of the strongest football nations.
The United States, by contrast, fielded a team largely made up of semi-professional players.
Haitian-born striker Joe Gaetjens scored the only goal as the Americans stunned England 1-0 in Belo Horizonte.
The result was so unexpected that some reports initially assumed the score had been reported incorrectly. FIFA and football historians still rank it among the greatest upsets in World Cup history.
2. North Korea 1-0 Italy (1966)
Two-time world champions Italy were expected to cruise past tournament debutants North Korea.
Instead, Pak Doo-Ik scored the winner that knocked Italy out of the tournament. North Korea then nearly produced another miracle by taking a 3-0 lead against Portugal in the quarter-finals before eventually losing 5-3.
The victory over Italy remains one of the biggest giant-killings in football history.
3.1982 World Cup: Algeria 2-1 West Germany
Algeria entered its first World Cup as complete outsiders.
West Germany was among the favorites to win the tournament, but Algeria shocked the football world with a 2-1 victory in Gijón.
Although Algeria ultimately failed to reach the knockout stage due to the infamous “Disgrace of Gijón” match between West Germany and Austria, their win remains one of Africa’s greatest World Cup achievements.
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4. Cameroon 1-0 Argentina (1990)
Defending champions Argentina, led by Diego Maradona, were expected to dominate the opening match of the tournament.
Instead, Cameroon produced a disciplined display and won 1-0 thanks to François Omam-Biyik’s goal. The Indomitable Lions went on to become the first African nation to reach a World Cup quarter-final.
5. Senegal 1-0 France (2002)
World Cup debutants Senegal faced defending champions France in the opening match of the tournament.
Few gave Senegal a chance against a French team that had won both the 1998 World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000.
Papa Bouba Diop’s goal secured a famous victory and announced Senegal’s arrival on the world stage. Senegal eventually reached the quarter-finals.
6. Switzerland 1-0 Spain (2010)
Spain entered the tournament as European champions and favorites to lift the trophy.
Switzerland shocked them with a 1-0 victory in the group stage.
Although Spain recovered to win the World Cup, the result remains one of the biggest surprises in modern tournament history.
7. Slovakia 3-2 Italy (2010)
Italy arrived in South Africa as defending champions but endured a disastrous campaign.
Slovakia, making their first World Cup appearance as an independent nation, defeated Italy 3-2 and eliminated the holders in the group stage.
8. Costa Rica 1-0 Italy (2014)
Placed in a so-called “Group of Death” alongside Italy, England and Uruguay, Costa Rica was expected to finish last.
Instead, they defeated both Uruguay and Italy and topped the group before reaching the quarter-finals. Their run remains one of the greatest underdog stories in World Cup history.
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9. South Korea 2-0 Germany (2018)
Germany arrived in Russia as defending champions and one of the favorites.
Already struggling in the group stage, they needed a positive result against South Korea. Instead, they lost 2-0 and suffered their earliest World Cup exit in decades.
10. Saudi Arabia 2-1 Argentina (2022)
Many football analysts consider this the biggest upset of the modern era.
Argentina entered the match unbeaten in 36 games and was among the favorites to win the tournament.
Saudi Arabia, ranked far lower and given little chance, came from behind to win 2-1 in one of the most dramatic results World Cup fans have ever witnessed.
Argentina eventually recovered and won the tournament, making the shock even more remarkable.
Honorable Mentions
- Bulgaria 2-1 Germany (1994)
- Norway 2-1 Brazil (1998)
- Mexico 1-0 Germany (2018)
Japan beat both Germany and Spain in Qatar 2022
Morocco is reaching the semi-finals as the first African and Arab nation to do so.
Ranking the Five Biggest World Cup Upsets Ever
- USA 1-0 England (1950)
- North Korea 1-0 Italy (1966)
- Cameroon 1-0 Argentina (1990)
- Senegal 1-0 France (2002)
- Saudi Arabia 2-1 Argentina (2022)
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World Cup 2010: Switzerland stunned Spain 2-1 , Slovakia beat Italy 3-2
PHOTO/FIFA