The World Cup delivers drama that rivals any blockbuster, and nowhere is that drama more evident than in its biggest upsets. When a scrappy side knocks out a favorite, the whole planet stops to watch the shockwaves ripple through the tournament. Below, we count down the ten most jaw‑dropping surprises that have ever rocked the beautiful game.
Biggest Upsets in World Cup History
10 1 Germany (1994)
Germany entered the 1994 quarter‑finals as the defending champion and a perennial powerhouse, boasting four titles (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014). The odds heavily favored them against Bulgaria, a side that had never reached this stage before.
Germany dominated possession and created the early chances they were accustomed to. Lothar Matthäus put the Germans ahead from the spot early in the second half, and many thought the match was settled.
But Hristo Stoichkov answered with a spectacular free‑kick to level the score with just 15 minutes left. Three minutes later, Yordan Letchkov struck the winner, sending Bulgaria through and ending Germany’s dream of back‑to‑back crowns.
9 0 Spain (2010)
Spain’s 2010 squad was famed for its tiki‑taka possession style, featuring stars like Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernández, and David Villa. Their methodical play often left opponents chasing shadows.
In their opening match against underdogs Switzerland, Gelson Fernandes slipped a goal past the Spanish keeper early on. The Swiss held firm, repelling Spain’s relentless pressure to claim a historic 1‑0 victory.
Spain eventually regrouped, recovered their composure, and marched all the way to their first—and so far only—World Cup trophy.
8 0 England (1950)
England, the birthplace of modern soccer, debuted at the World Cup in 1950 and was instantly pegged as a favorite. After a comfortable win over Chile, they faced a United States side composed entirely of semi‑professionals.
Joe Gaetjens rose above the fray with a decisive header in the first half. England pressed hard but could not find the net, while the American squad leaned on the enthusiastic support of the Brazilian crowd.
The result remains the United States’ sole World Cup victory over England, and England’s tournament ended with a loss to Spain in the next group match.
7 0 Italy (1966)
Italy, a four‑time champion, entered the 1966 tournament as a heavy favorite. North Korea, on the other hand, had barely qualified for its first (and only) World Cup appearance.
After a loss to the Soviet Union and a draw with Chile, the Korean side faced Italy. Defying expectations, they kept a disciplined shape, denied the Italians any goal, and struck back with Pak Doo‑ik’s surprise winner.
The upset eliminated Italy and cemented North Korea’s place in World Cup folklore.
6 0 France (2002)
France entered the 2002 World Cup riding high after winning both the 1998 tournament and Euro 2000. Few imagined that a debutant Senegal side would pose a serious threat.
After a disciplined build‑up, Senegal earned a cross that found striker Bouba Diop. His first attempt was saved, but his second effort slipped past the French keeper, sparking a jubilant celebration.
France failed to score in any of their three group games and exited early, while Senegal announced themselves on the global stage.
5 1 Romania (1938)
Cuba never actually qualified on merit; they replaced Mexico after the latter withdrew. Nonetheless, they were seen as massive underdogs against Romania.
Romania took the lead through Stefan Dobay in the 35th minute. At halftime, the Cubans were still trailing.
In the second half, Hector Socorro and Carlos Oliveira each found the net, turning the match around for a 2‑1 Cuban triumph. Their fairy‑tale run ended with an 8‑0 loss to Sweden in the quarter‑finals.
4 0 West Germany (1974)
The 1974 World Cup in West Germany featured a politically charged match between the divided German states. West Germany, the host and favorite, expected a straightforward win.
East Germany shocked the world when Jürgen Sparwasser scored in the 77th minute, and the hosts could not equalize.
West Germany later captured the tournament, but the East German victory remains a unique moment in football history.
3 0 Argentina (1990)
Argentina entered the 1990 tournament as defending champions, led by the legendary Diego Maradona. Cameroon, a relative newcomer, refused to be intimidated.
In the 67th minute, François Omam‑Biyik headed home the winner. Despite receiving two red cards, Cameroon held on, becoming the first African team to reach the World Cup quarter‑finals.
Argentina were later eliminated by Brazil in the round of 16.
2 1 West Germany (1982)
West Germany was again the benchmark of excellence, while Algeria made its World Cup debut in Spain 1982.
Algeria surged ahead with two second‑half goals, taking a 2‑1 lead after a German equalizer. Though West Germany recovered to reach the final, the Algerian shock remains an iconic upset.
1 Argentina (2022)
Argentina arrived in Qatar as Copa América champions, boasting a star‑studded roster anchored by Lionel Messi. They were clear favorites against Saudi Arabia.
Messi opened the scoring from the spot, but Saudi Arabia answered quickly with goals from Saleh Alshehri and Salem Aldawsari, clinching a 2‑1 victory.
Argentina eventually won the tournament, while Saudi Arabia’s moment of glory was short‑lived, ending in group‑stage elimination.