The FIFA World Cup is the most prestigious soccer tournament globally, bringing together the best national teams from around the world to compete for the coveted title. Since its inception in 1930, the World Cup has provided fans with unforgettable moments, legendary players, and dramatic matches. This article provides a detailed history of each World Cup final, covering the key moments, goals, and champions from 1930 to the present.

1930: Uruguay vs. Argentina (4-2)

• Location: Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay
• Date: July 30, 1930
• Champion: Uruguay
• Goals:
  • Uruguay: Dorado (12’), Cea (57’), Iriarte (68’), Castro (89’)
  • Argentina: Peucelle (20’), Stábile (37’)

The inaugural World Cup final saw host nation Uruguay face Argentina in a thrilling match. Uruguay emerged victorious, coming from behind to win 4-2 and claim the first-ever World Cup title in front of their home crowd.

1934: Italy vs. Czechoslovakia (2-1 AET)

• Location: Stadio Nazionale PNF, Rome, Italy
• Date: June 10, 1934
• Champion: Italy
• Goals:
  • Italy: Orsi (81’), Schiavio (95’)
  • Czechoslovakia: Puc (71’)

Italy won their first World Cup in 1934, defeating Czechoslovakia 2-1 after extra time. The match was tightly contested, with Italy equalizing late in the second half before securing victory in extra time.

1938: Italy vs. Hungary (4-2)

• Location: Stade Olympique de Colombes, Paris, France
• Date: June 19, 1938
• Champion: Italy
• Goals:
  • Italy: Colaussi (6’, 35’), Piola (16’, 82’)
  • Hungary: Titkos (8’), Sárosi (70’)

Italy became the first team to win back-to-back World Cups, defeating Hungary 4-2 in the 1938 final. The Italian team displayed dominance throughout the tournament, with striker Silvio Piola scoring twice in the final.

1950: Uruguay vs. Brazil (2-1)

• Location: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Date: July 16, 1950
• Champion: Uruguay
• Goals:
  • Uruguay: Schiaffino (66’), Ghiggia (79’)
  • Brazil: Friaça (47’)

The 1950 World Cup is unique as it did not have a traditional final; instead, a round-robin group determined the winner. The decisive match between Brazil and Uruguay, known as the “Maracanazo,” saw Uruguay come from behind to shock the hosts 2-1 and win their second World Cup.

1954: West Germany vs. Hungary (3-2)

• Location: Wankdorf Stadium, Bern, Switzerland
• Date: July 4, 1954
• Champion: West Germany
• Goals:
  • West Germany: Morlock (10’), Rahn (18’, 84’)
  • Hungary: Puskás (6’), Czibor (8’)

The “Miracle of Bern” saw West Germany upset the highly favored Hungarian team 3-2, despite trailing 2-0 early in the match. Helmut Rahn scored the decisive goal in the 84th minute, giving West Germany their first World Cup title.

1958: Brazil vs. Sweden (5-2)

• Location: Råsunda Stadium, Solna, Sweden
• Date: June 29, 1958
• Champion: Brazil
• Goals:
  • Brazil: Vavá (9’, 32’), Pelé (55’, 90’), Zagallo (68’)
  • Sweden: Liedholm (4’), Simonsson (80’)

Brazil won their first World Cup in 1958, defeating hosts Sweden 5-2 in a dominant display. The final is notable for the emergence of 17-year-old Pelé, who scored twice and became a global sensation.

1962: Brazil vs. Czechoslovakia (3-1)

• Location: Estadio Nacional, Santiago, Chile
• Date: June 17, 1962
• Champion: Brazil
• Goals:
  • Brazil: Amarildo (17’), Zito (69’), Vavá (78’)
  • Czechoslovakia: Masopust (15’)

Brazil successfully defended their title in 1962, defeating Czechoslovakia 3-1. Despite the absence of an injured Pelé, Brazil’s depth and talent shone through, with Vavá becoming the first player to score in two World Cup finals.

1966: England vs. West Germany (4-2 AET)

• Location: Wembley Stadium, London, England
• Date: July 30, 1966
• Champion: England
• Goals:
  • England: Hurst (18’, 101’, 120’), Peters (78’)
  • West Germany: Haller (12’), Weber (89’)

England won their first and only World Cup in 1966, defeating West Germany 4-2 after extra time. Geoff Hurst became the only player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, with his controversial second goal still debated today.

1970: Brazil vs. Italy (4-1)

• Location: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico
• Date: June 21, 1970
• Champion: Brazil
• Goals:
  • Brazil: Pelé (18’), Gerson (66’), Jairzinho (71’), Carlos Alberto (86’)
  • Italy: Boninsegna (37’)

Brazil won their third World Cup in 1970, defeating Italy 4-1 in a match widely regarded as one of the greatest finals. The Brazilian team, led by Pelé, played with flair and creativity, with captain Carlos Alberto scoring a memorable fourth goal.

1974: West Germany vs. Netherlands (2-1)

• Location: Olympiastadion, Munich, West Germany
• Date: July 7, 1974
• Champion: West Germany
• Goals:
  • West Germany: Breitner (25’), Müller (43’)
  • Netherlands: Neeskens (2’ pen)

West Germany won their second World Cup in 1974, defeating the Netherlands 2-1. The Dutch took an early lead through a Johan Neeskens penalty, but goals from Paul Breitner and Gerd Müller turned the game in favor of the hosts.

1978: Argentina vs. Netherlands (3-1 AET)

• Location: Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Date: June 25, 1978
• Champion: Argentina
• Goals:
  • Argentina: Kempes (38’, 105’), Bertoni (115’)
  • Netherlands: Nanninga (82’)

Argentina won their first World Cup in 1978, defeating the Netherlands 3-1 after extra time. Mario Kempes was the hero for Argentina, scoring twice in the final and winning the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer.

1982: Italy vs. West Germany (3-1)

• Location: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid, Spain
• Date: July 11, 1982
• Champion: Italy
• Goals:
  • Italy: Rossi (57’), Tardelli (69’), Altobelli (81’)
  • West Germany: Breitner (83’)

Italy won their third World Cup in 1982, defeating West Germany 3-1 in the final. Paolo Rossi, the tournament’s top scorer, continued his fine form by opening the scoring, and Marco Tardelli’s passionate celebration after scoring the second goal became iconic.

1986: Argentina vs. West Germany (3-2)

• Location: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico
• Date: June 29, 1986
• Champion: Argentina
• Goals:
  • Argentina: Brown (23’), Valdano (55’), Burruchaga (83’)
  • West Germany: Rummenigge (74’), Völler (80’)

Argentina, led by the legendary Diego Maradona, won their second World Cup in 1986, defeating West Germany 3-2 in a thrilling final. Maradona provided the assist for Jorge Burruchaga’s winning goal, cementing his status as the tournament’s star.

1990: West Germany vs. Argentina (1-0)

• Location: Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy
• Date: July 8, 1990
• Champion: West Germany
• Goals:
  • West Germany: Brehme (85’ pen)

West Germany gained revenge for their defeat in 1986 by beating Argentina 1-0 in the 1990 final. Andreas Brehme scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot, giving West Germany their third World Cup title.

1994: Brazil vs. Italy (0-0 AET, 3-2 on penalties)

• Location: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, USA
• Date: July 17, 1994
• Champion: Brazil
• Goals: None (Penalty Shootout)
  • Brazil: Romário, Branco, Dunga
  • Italy: Albertini, Evani

The 1994 World Cup final was the first to be decided by a penalty shootout after a goalless draw. Brazil defeated Italy 3-2 on penalties to win their fourth World Cup. Roberto Baggio’s miss in the shootout remains one of the most memorable moments in World Cup history.

1998: France vs. Brazil (3-0)

• Location: Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France
• Date: July 12, 1998
• Champion: France
• Goals:
  • France: Zidane (27’, 45’+1), Petit (90’+3)

Host nation France won their first World Cup in 1998, defeating Brazil 3-0 in a commanding performance. Zinedine Zidane scored twice with headers from corners, and Emmanuel Petit added a third in stoppage time to seal the victory.

2002: Brazil vs. Germany (2-0)

• Location: International Stadium Yokohama, Yokohama, Japan
• Date: June 30, 2002
• Champion: Brazil
• Goals:
  • Brazil: Ronaldo (67’, 79’)

Brazil won their fifth World Cup in 2002, defeating Germany 2-0 in the final. Ronaldo was the hero, scoring both goals and redeeming himself after a disappointing final in 1998.

2006: Italy vs. France (1-1 AET, 5-3 on penalties)

• Location: Olympiastadion, Berlin, Germany
• Date: July 9, 2006
• Champion: Italy
• Goals:
  • Italy: Materazzi (19’)
  • France: Zidane (7’ pen)

The 2006 World Cup final is remembered for the dramatic headbutt by Zinedine Zidane, which led to his sending-off. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, and Italy won 5-3 on penalties to claim their fourth World Cup title.

2010: Spain vs. Netherlands (1-0 AET)

• Location: Soccer City, Johannesburg, South Africa
• Date: July 11, 2010
• Champion: Spain
• Goals:
  • Spain: Iniesta (116’)

Spain won their first World Cup in 2010, defeating the Netherlands 1-0 after extra time. Andrés Iniesta scored the winning goal in the 116th minute, giving Spain victory in a tense and physical match.

2014: Germany vs. Argentina (1-0 AET)

• Location: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Date: July 13, 2014
• Champion: Germany
• Goals:
  • Germany: Götze (113’)

Germany won their fourth World Cup in 2014, defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time. Mario Götze scored the decisive goal in the 113th minute, controlling the ball with his chest before volleying it past the Argentine goalkeeper.

2018: France vs. Croatia (4-2)

• Location: Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia
• Date: July 15, 2018
• Champion: France
• Goals:
  • France: Mandzukic (18’ OG), Griezmann (38’ pen), Pogba (59’), Mbappé (65’)
  • Croatia: Perišić (28’), Mandzukic (69’)

France won their second World Cup in 2018, defeating Croatia 4-2 in an exciting final. The French team, led by young stars like Kylian Mbappé, dominated the match, with goals from four different players sealing their victory.

2022: Argentina vs. France (3-3 AET, 4-2 on penalties)

• Location: Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail, Qatar
• Date: December 18, 2022
• Champion: Argentina
• Goals:
  • Argentina: Messi (23’ pen, 108’), Di María (36’)
  • France: Mbappé (80’ pen, 81’, 118’)

The 2022 World Cup final was a thrilling encounter between Argentina and France. Argentina led 2-0, but Kylian Mbappé’s quick double sent the game to extra time. Lionel Messi scored in extra time, but Mbappé completed his hat-trick with another penalty. Argentina eventually triumphed 4-2 in the penalty shootout, giving Messi his first World Cup title.

Conclusion

The history of the FIFA World Cup finals is a testament to the global passion for soccer. Each final has its own story, filled with drama, skill, and unforgettable moments. From Uruguay’s inaugural victory in 1930 to Argentina’s triumph in 2022, the World Cup has consistently provided a stage for the world’s greatest players and teams to showcase their talents and create lasting memories.