Top 10 Greatest FIFA World Cup Matches of All Time

Across decades of football history, some games have stood above the rest. In this article, we count down the greatest FIFA World Cup matches of all time — legendary battles that changed the game forever.

In this countdown, we’ll relive the Top 10 Greatest FIFA World Cup Matches of All Time, starting from number 10 and working our way to the single most iconic game ever played on football’s biggest stage. Get ready — because each match is more thrilling than the last.

10. Portugal vs North Korea – 1966 Quarter-Final

One of the most remarkable comebacks in World Cup history happened in 1966. North Korea shocked the football world by going 3-0 up against Portugal. But then Eusébio da Silva Ferreira took control.

The Portuguese legend scored four goals, leading his team to a 5-3 victory. This match not only highlighted Eusébio’s greatness but also cemented his legacy as one of the tournament’s all-time greats.

9. Netherlands vs Argentina – 1978 Final

Played in Buenos Aires, the 1978 final was filled with intensity, politics, and national pride. Argentina, under pressure to win at home, faced a strong Dutch side.

After a 1-1 draw in normal time, Argentina triumphed 3-1 in extra time, with Mario Kempes scoring twice. The victory sparked wild celebrations and gave Argentina its first World Cup.

8. Uruguay vs Ghana – 2010 Quarter-Final

The 2010 clash in South Africa between Uruguay and Ghana remains one of the most emotional games in recent memory. Ghana, the last African team left in the tournament, carried the hopes of an entire continent.

With the score tied 1-1 in extra time, Luis Suárez infamously blocked a goal-bound header with his hand. Asamoah Gyan missed the resulting penalty, and Uruguay went on to win 4-2 in the shootout. The controversy made this match unforgettable.

7. Belgium vs Japan – 2018 Round of 16

Fast forward to Russia 2018, and one of the modern classics unfolded. Japan stunned Belgium by going 2-0 ahead early in the second half. But Belgium, led by Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, mounted a stunning comeback.

In the dying seconds, Nacer Chadli finished off a breathtaking counterattack, sealing a 3-2 victory. The match perfectly embodied the unpredictability and drama of the World Cup.

6. England vs West Germany – 1966 World Cup Final

The 1966 final at Wembley is remembered as England’s crowning moment. Facing West Germany, the match was filled with drama and intensity.

Geoff Hurst became the first player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, leading England to a 4-2 victory after extra time. The match also featured the legendary “did it cross the line?” goal, which remains debated to this day.

5. West Germany vs France – 1982 Semi-Final

In one of the most dramatic semi-finals ever, France and West Germany delivered a spectacle of passion and controversy. The match finished 1-1 in normal time, but extra time saw a flurry of goals.

France led 3-1 before West Germany clawed back to 3-3. The game went to penalties, with West Germany prevailing 5-4. However, it was marred by Harald Schumacher’s brutal collision with Patrick Battiston — an incident that remains one of the World Cup’s most controversial moments.

4. Argentina vs England – 1986 Quarter-Final

This match in Mexico City was not just a football contest — it was political, emotional, and unforgettable. Argentina’s Diego Maradona produced two of the most iconic goals in football history within minutes.

• The infamous “Hand of God” goal showcased Maradona’s cunning.

• The “Goal of the Century”, where he dribbled past five English players before scoring, displayed his genius.

Argentina won 2-1, and Maradona’s performance remains unmatched in World Cup lore.

3. Brazil vs France – 1986 Quarter-Final

This clash in Guadalajara was a breathtaking contest between two footballing giants. Brazil, featuring Sócrates, Zico, and Careca, faced a stylish French side led by Michel Platini.

The game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes, with both teams missing penalties during regular play. The drama peaked in the shootout, where France emerged victorious 4-3. Many fans still recall this as one of the most technically brilliant matches ever played.

2. Italy vs West Germany – 1970 Semi-Final (“The Game of the Century”)

The 1970 semi-final in Mexico City between Italy and West Germany is still known as the “Game of the Century.”

After a 1-1 deadlock in normal time, the match exploded in extra time, with five goals scored. Italy eventually triumphed 4-3, but Franz Beckenbauer’s heroic performance — playing with a dislocated shoulder — remains legendary.

1. Brazil vs Italy – 1970 World Cup Final (Mexico)

The 1970 final between Brazil and Italy wasn’t just a match — it was football artistry on display. Brazil, led by Pelé, played with flair, precision, and joy. The 4-1 victory cemented Brazil’s place as a footballing powerhouse and gave them their third World Cup trophy.

Pelé’s header, Gerson’s midfield dominance, and Carlos Alberto’s thunderous goal — often hailed as the greatest team goal ever scored — made this game the perfect symbol of samba football.

Honorable Mentions

• Spain vs Netherlands – 2014 (5-1, Robin van Persie’s flying header).

• Cameroon vs Argentina – 1990 (shock opening victory).

• South Korea vs Italy – 2002 (controversial upset).

Conclusion

These truly are the greatest FIFA World Cup matches in history.

From Eusébio’s stunning comeback in 1966 to Maradona’s genius in 1986, and finally to Brazil’s breathtaking 1970 final performance, these matches represent the very peak of football drama and excellence.

What makes them special isn’t just the goals or the scorelines — it’s the emotions, the rivalries, and the unforgettable stories that have become part of football’s DNA.

And while our countdown crowns Brazil vs Italy in 1970 as the greatest World Cup match of all time, the beauty of this tournament is that the next unforgettable classic is always just around the corner.

👉 Which match would you rank number one? Drop your favorite World Cup memory in the comments and join the debate!

👉 What’s your favorite World Cup match of all time? Share it in the comments below and join the conversation!