The World Cup final is the biggest stage in football. It is the match where legends are made, dreams are fulfilled, and history is written. Over the years, some finals have stood out as unforgettable spectacles filled with drama, passion, and moments that fans still talk about decades later. Here are the ten greatest World Cup final matches ever played.
Brazil vs Italy 1970
The 1970 final in Mexico City is often described as the most beautiful World Cup performance. Brazil, led by Pele, dismantled Italy 4-1 with a display of attacking brilliance. Carlos Alberto’s thunderous fourth goal, after a flowing team move, is still regarded as one of the greatest goals in World Cup history.
This victory gave Brazil their third World Cup and allowed them to keep the Jules Rimet Trophy permanently. It cemented the 1970 Brazil squad as one of the greatest teams of all time.
West Germany vs Netherlands 1974
The 1974 final in Munich was a battle between Johan Cruyff’s Netherlands and Franz Beckenbauer’s West Germany. The Dutch scored before the Germans even touched the ball, winning a penalty after just two minutes. But West Germany fought back and eventually triumphed 2-1.
This match symbolised a clash of styles: Total Football against German efficiency. It remains one of the most tactically fascinating finals ever played.
Argentina vs Netherlands 1978
Played in Buenos Aires, the 1978 final was a tense and emotional affair. Argentina, roared on by a passionate home crowd, defeated the Netherlands 3-1 after extra time. Mario Kempes scored twice, including a crucial goal in extra time, to seal Argentina’s first World Cup.
The atmosphere, the drama, and the celebration of an entire nation made this one of the most memorable finals in World Cup history.
Italy vs West Germany 1982
The 1982 final in Madrid was a story of Italian redemption. After a slow start to the tournament, Italy found form and defeated West Germany 3-1. Paolo Rossi, who had been banned from football only two years earlier, scored the opening goal and finished as the tournament’s top scorer.
The image of captain Dino Zoff, at 40 years old, lifting the trophy remains iconic. This final marked Italy’s return to the pinnacle of world football.
Argentina vs West Germany 1986
Diego Maradona did not score in the final, but his influence was undeniable. Argentina raced to a 2-0 lead in Mexico City before West Germany fought back to level at 2-2. With only minutes remaining, Maradona delivered a perfect pass to Jorge Burruchaga, who scored the winning goal for a 3-2 victory.
This final captured the essence of Maradona’s leadership and Argentina’s fighting spirit. It remains one of the most thrilling World Cup finals ever played.
West Germany vs Argentina 1990
The 1990 final in Rome was less about goals and more about drama. West Germany and Argentina clashed again, and this time the Germans won 1-0 through a late penalty scored by Andreas Brehme. It was West Germany’s third World Cup triumph.
The match was intense, physical, and filled with controversy, including red cards for Argentina. It marked the end of an era for Maradona and the rise of Germany as a powerhouse of consistency.
Brazil vs Italy 1994
The 1994 final in Pasadena was the first World Cup final to be decided by penalties after a 0-0 draw. Brazil triumphed 3-2 in the shootout, with Roberto Baggio famously blasting his penalty over the bar. The image of Baggio standing with his head down became one of the defining moments of World Cup history.
Although the match itself was cautious, the dramatic ending made it unforgettable and secured Brazil’s fourth World Cup title.
France vs Brazil 1998
The 1998 final in Paris was a dream come true for France. Against the mighty Brazil, Zinedine Zidane scored two headers from corners in the first half, and Emmanuel Petit added a third late on for a 3-0 victory. The Stade de France erupted in celebration as the host nation lifted their first World Cup.
It was a night when Zidane became a national hero and France announced themselves as a global footballing force.
Italy vs France 2006
The 2006 final in Berlin is remembered as much for its drama as for the football. France took the lead through a Zinedine Zidane penalty before Marco Materazzi equalised for Italy. The match ended 1-1 after extra time and went to penalties, where Italy won 5-3.
The match is also remembered for Zidane’s shocking headbutt on Materazzi, which was his last act as a professional player. It was a final filled with tension, controversy, and emotion.
Argentina vs France 2022
The 2022 final in Qatar is already being called the greatest FIFA World Cup final ever. Argentina led 2-0, but Kylian Mbappe scored twice in two minutes to level the match. In extra time Lionel Messi scored again, only for Mbappe to complete his hat trick with another penalty. The game went to a shootout, where Argentina triumphed 4-2.
It was a duel between Messi and Mbappe, two of the greatest players of their generation. The final provided drama, goals, and emotion in abundance, making it an instant classic.