The 2022 epic between Argentina and France is widely considered as one of the best World Cup finals of all-time, but how does the 3-3 thriller in Qatar measure up against some of the spectacles of yesteryear?
Since the tournament’s inauguration in 1930, there have been a number of superb finales that have determined global champions. Stunning comebacks. incredible individual performances and iconic moments have helped capture the imagination of supporters all over the globe.
With the above in mind, BetVictor News has taken a trip back down memory lane to have a look at the ten best World Cup finals ever contested.
Best World Cup Finals Of All-Time
10. Spain 1-0 Netherlands (2010)
Admittedly, the game itself wasn’t a huge classic but it was certainly historic from Spain’s perspective. After a tight and tense affair in Johannesburg, Andres Iniesta wrote himself into La Roja folklore when he smashed home an extra-time winner.
His goal came just a few minutes after John Heitinga was dismissed which meant it was the third final the Dutch had participated in and lost. As for Vicente del Bosque’s side, it is their first title to date and they are currently the joint-second favourites in the 2026 World Cup betting market.
9. Brazil 5-2 Sweden (1958)
Not only was this Brazil’s maiden World Cup success, the 5-2 victory saw the birth of a legend in the form of Pele. The Selecao star was just 17 at the time when his brace helped down Sweden at the Rasunda Stadium in Stockholm.
Vava also chipped in with two goals with Zagallo also getting on the scoresheet. Pele stole the headlines with his volleyed goal which is still one of the most iconic in the tournament’s history. Interestingly, this is the highest scoring World Cup final of all-time.
8. Germany 1-0 Argentina (2014)
At the time, it was considered as Lionel Messi’s best chance to win the World Cup. Argentina went into the match knowing it was going to be an intense, tactical battle against a Germany side who had thrashed Brazil 7-1 in the semi-final. And that is exactly how the match panned out.
Gonzalo Higuain missed a glorious chance to give the South Americans the lead in the first-half whereas Messi also fired wide when it looked easier to score. For DFB-Team, Benedikt Howedes struck the post before super-sub Mario Gotze scored the only goal of the game with a sublime finish in extra-time.
7. France 3-0 Brazil (1998)
The 1998 World Cup final was laced with mystery when global superstar Ronaldo was initially omitted from Brazil’s starting lineup before being restored to the XI. The Selecao forward had been struck down with illness but it was France heavyweight Zinedine Zidane who sparkled at the Stade de France.
Les Bleus midfielder scored two first-half headers before Arsenal’s Emmanuel Petit netted a third in the 93rd minute. The South Americans – who were the pre-match favourites – were a shadow of the side who stormed to the final whereas Aime Jacquet became the first manager to lead France to World Cup glory.
6. West Germany 3-2 Hungary (1954)
It’s been 72 years since the ‘Miracle of Bern’ when Hungary’s Golden Team were humbled 3-2 in the final to the much-less fancied West Germany. The Mighty Magyars were the overwhelming favourites and went 2-0 up inside eight minutes thanks to goals from the legendary Ferenc Puskas and Zoltan Czibor.
However, the Germans rallied and stunned the Hungarians by scoring three times without reply. The 1954 extravaganza is still considered as one of the best World Cup finals of all-time and is widely considered as the biggest upset in the finale. Especially as Hungary thrashed West Germany 8-3 in the group stages.
5. England 4-2 West Germany (1966)
The most famous result in England’s history. Geoff Hurst’s hat-trick, the controversial ‘Wembley’ goal and Kenneth Wolstenholme’s iconic commentary. Alf Ramsey’s Three Lions side secured an extra-time win over West Germany in a game which quite literally had it all.
Hurst opened the scoring early on before Helmut Haller replied for the Germans. Roger Hunt put England back in front but with one minute left on the clock, Wolfgang Weber equalised. In extra-time, Hurst scored his second before lashing home his third in the final moments. ‘They think it’s all over. It is now!’
4. Italy 3-1 West Germany (1982)
Italy completed their World Cup hat-trick in 1982 when they saw off what is considered as one of the greatest West Germany teams of all-time. The Azzurri were too hot to handle and the brilliant Paolo Rossi opened the scoring before Marco Tardelli smashed home the second, prompting his famous and passionate screaming celebration.
Alessandro Altobelli made the game safe before Paul Breitner netted a late consolation. The Italians somewhat defied the World Cup odds by getting the better of Jupp Derwall’s side in what is the only time the two European heavyweights have ever met in a major tournament final.
3. Argentina 3-2 West Germany (1986)
In the 1986 final at the Azteca – in front of 114,600 spectators – the late, great, Diego Maradona helped Argentina to a stunning World Cup win. Having starred in the early stages of the tournament, Maradona didn’t get on the scoresheet but he did lay on a sublime assist for match winner Jorge Burruchaga.
The South Americans went 2-0 up before Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Rudi Voller scored late on but Burruchaga’s strike sent La Albiceleste supporters into raptures. It was Argentina’s second World Cup win and the defining moment of Maradona’s illustrious career.
2. Brazil 4-1 Italy (1970)
16 years prior to Argentina’s iconic win, the Azteca played host to what has widely been considered as one of the best World Cup finals of all-time. Brazil had won two finals going into the clash with Italy boasting the same number of titles. Therefore, the winner would be the permanent holders of the Jules Rimet trophy.
The Selecao stars of 1970 are frequently referenced as the greatest team ever assembled, and they way the Italians got brushed aside, it’s hard to disagree with. Pele made his last World Cup appearance and helped cap off the finest team goal ever witnessed, buried by captain Carlos Alberto. He also netted the opener in front of 107,412 supporters.
1. Argentina 3-3 France (2022)
Quite simply, the Argentina vs France classic in 2022 is the best World Cup final of all-time. Messi vs Mbappe, the South Americans lead 2-0, Les Bleus fought back to level, the Argentines regained the lead in extra-time before Mbappe completed his hat-trick. Plus there was that save from Emi Martinez
In the penalty shootout, La Albiceleste scored all four of their efforts with the 2018 winners and reigning champions missing two of their attempts. Gonzalo Montiel scored the winning goal which finally gave Messi the World Cup success he had so badly craved.
If you intend to bet on the 2026 World Cup then please take the time to read through BetVictor’s safe and responsible gambling page which will provide good advice on how to stay in control when betting on football.
Any betting decisions should be made responsibly and there are no guarantees when it comes to match outcomes. All odds correct as of 2pm on July 10, 2026 and are subject to change.
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