Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

10 Biggest World Cup Upsets of All Time

Saudi Arabia

Listen Podcast

There are a few runs that come to mind when thinking about the World Cup upsets ranking. Every World Cup features a team that draws neutral support because it punches above its weight. Those nations frequently burst onto the scene with a single major result. Alternatively, these teams may only have one defining match that their country will remember for years. 

World Cup history is littered with legendary David vs. Goliath victories, thrilling comebacks, and humiliating setbacks for reigning champions as championship dreams are formed and crushed. The 2018 World Cup in Russia was memorable for Croatia’s run to the final and holders Germany’s harsh elimination in the group stages.

FIFA World Cup 2022 promises a slew of additional surprises in the Middle East, with the hosts hosting their first World Cup and defending African champions Senegal tipped to win the continent’s first World Cup.

Here are 10 Biggest World Cup Upsets of All Time: 

10. Switzerland 1-0 Spain (2010, Group Stage)

This was Spain’s only defeat in the World Cup. Spain was stacked on the field, with players like Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Iker Casillas, David Villa, Sergio Ramos, and Carles Puyol. They went on to win Spain’s first World Cup, of course.

However, the eventual champions’ first game did not go as planned. Switzerland, which had exited the competition in the group stage, stunned everyone. Spain conceded only two goals throughout the tournament. Gelson Fernandes’ goal, on the other hand, will be remembered by the Swiss.

9. Senegal 1-0 France (2002, Group Stage)

The tournament’s first game honored France, the defending champions. Senegal spoilt the party in its first FIFA World Cup appearance, defeating the holders 1-0.

Senegal eventually qualified for the knockout stages ahead of France and Uruguay. The performance versus France put the Senegalese team on the map, making them the tournament’s darlings as they advanced to the quarterfinals.

8. Algeria 2-1 West Germany (1982, Group Stage)

West Germany would eventually leave the group. There was some debate about the form of qualification, but Algeria made it difficult for the Germans.

Algeria have never previously qualified for a World Cup. Algeria outplayed West Germany in terms of skill and enthusiasm despite the fact that the favorites had dismissed the African nation prior to the match. Despite winning two matches, Algeria failed to qualify. After West Germany opened the score in their final group stage match, Austria and West Germany played a pointless 80-minute match.

Following Algeria’s inability to qualify, the last group stage games were played at the same time to avoid collusion.

7. Bulgaria 2-1 Germany (1994, Quarterfinals)

Germany started the competition as the defending champions, having appeared in the previous three World Cup Finals. Bulgaria, on the other hand, was having its best World Cup run in years, driven by Barcelona attacker Hristo Stoichkov.

Bulgaria equalized then took the lead against one of the tournament’s favorites, scoring two goals in four minutes. Such is the power of having one of the world’s best scorers in the World Cup.

6. South Korea 2-1 Italy (2002): Hosts shock Azzurri

Despite four consecutive dismal group-stage exits between 1986 and 1998, South Korea’s optimism pointed at a surprise in the 2002 tournament.

Guus Hiddink’s team won their group, led by a raucous home crowd, with convincing victories over Poland and Portugal. However, a clash with Italy in the last 16 appeared to be a huge test of their talents, as Hiddink’s team held off an onslaught of Italian pressure.

As Italy struggled to capitalise on their 1-0 advantage, the host nation remained in the game until Seol Ki-equalizer hyeon’s forced extra time and Ahn Jung-golden hwan’s goal won it. Despite the overwhelming praise for South Korea’s stunning victory, the post-tournament discussion was dominated by charges of corruption in their subsequent quarter-final victory over Spain.

5. North Korea 1-0 Italy (1966): DPRK breaks new ground for Asian football

Pak Doo Ik’s name is the most well-known in North Korean football history, having secured the most spectacular moment in the country’s history.

Winners twice over Italy was anticipated to stroll through the group stages in England, but they were eliminated when Doo Ik’s winner won a knockout spot for the tournament debutants at the expense of Italy.

4. USA 1-0 England (1950): England’s first World Cup loss

Despite having only made their World Cup debut in 1950, England were projected to upset the established order against an unfancied United States squad replete with part-time players.

The US won 1-0 because to Joe Gaetjens’ goal, but the story of the game lasted for decades, with The Game of Their Lives book and film dedicated to the enormous shock given by Bill Jeffrey’s team.

3. Ireland 1-0 Italy (1994): Irish eyes smiling in the US

Ireland’s march to the quarter-finals of Italia ’90 established the Boys in Green on the international stage, but their defeat to the hosts sticks with them.

As they faced a rematch with Italy in the scorching heat of New Jersey, Jack Charlton was out for vengeance. Ray Houghton’s early strike placed Ireland ahead, but when Italy lay siege to the Irish goal, they were repeatedly repulsed by a Paul McGrath wall.

2. Italy 3-2 Brazil (1982): Rossi at the Camp Nou

Brazil appeared to be on course to end their 12-year wait for a World Cup victory when the Samba Boys traveled to Spain in 1982.

Telê Santana’s team was inspired by Socrates and Zico, but despite a perfect record in their first four games, they were eliminated in the second round by Italy.

Paolo Rossi had one of the greatest individual World Cup performances, scoring a vicious hat trick to eliminate Brazil and inspire his team to victory in the final.

Argentina vs Saudi Arabia
Photo Credit: Fifa.com

1. Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia (2022): Messi’s 36-match unbeaten run halted

Argentina’s title hopes when they arrived in Qatar as Copa America champions led by seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi. Lionel Scaloni’s side got off to a flying start against a Saudi Arabia squad rated 48 places lower in the FIFA rankings, with Messi converting a 10th-minute penalty.

There were minimal indicators of concern until Saleh Al-Shehri entered the game after 48 minutes. Five minutes later, Salem Al-sensational Dawsari’s strike drove the green shirts in the crowd into a frenzy.

Scaloni’s men needed to avoid defeat in order to equal Italy’s record of 37 unbeaten international matches, which they were anticipated to break against Mexico in their next game. As it was, their tenacious opponents justifiably held on for one of the most famous results in history, and the largest odds upset of all time, according to US bookmaker BetMGM.

If you feel interested

You can also read EntertainmentNumerologyTech, and Health-related articles here: Netflix December 2022 Schedule, Unknown Facts about FIFA World Cup 2022Qatar vs. EcuadorMost Unbreakable Record in Football HistoryNovember 18 ZodiacWorld Cup 2022 Golden Boot Winner PredictionsNovember 15 ZodiacBayonetta 3Hamraaz AppThe Flash Season 9Scariest Video Games EverNovember 6 ZodiacNew Shows on Amazon Prime in November 2022Au Reborn CodesBest DC Series on HBO MaxRichest Rapper in the World 2022Disney Plus November 2022 ScheduleHannah Kepple net worthRed Bali KratomHolding season 2Halloween 2022, iOS 16.1 FeaturesNetflix November 2022 ScheduleVirat Kohli Net Worth

You can read more

Summer Podcasts on MovistarBest Cycling Simulator GamesMyShopifyBen Affleck Net WorthFilmymeet5MoviesSeptember 8 ZodiacKengan Ashura Season 3iPhone 14 Plus Release DateHigh School DxD Season 5How Gautam Adani Emerged World’s Third Richest ManJeezy Net WorthHistorical Series on HBO MaxF2MoviesBest Travel Movies of All TimeVikings Season 7How to Watch Artemis I Launch AttemptBest Kitchen Gadgets for Home CooksSeptember 2 ZodiacHubble’s Law and Age of UniverseNew Movies on Disney Plus September 2022Amazon Prime Release Date September 2022, Steps for Casual LookDaredevil Season 4TinyzoneElon Musk Mother sleeps in GarageLady Gaga All moviesVirgo.

Apart from the above articles

Accessibility Apps for AndroidBest Jobs in the MetaverseQueenslandMaxShower Standing HandleAugust 11 ZodiacHow to pass a drug testHow to Roll a JointiFunEmerald ChatHow to Play MancalaAugust 8 ZodiacOnePlus 10T ReviewJilo ViralsAugust 4 ZodiacFindsnapTomb Raider AnimeNetflix August 2022 ScheduleAnimixplayUpcoming Marvel Movies 2022July 31 ZodiacBest Lily Collins MoviesNotepadqqFlaxseeds with Milk BenefitsImginnSnaptikPicukiAlexis Clark Net WorthBlack Panther 2,

Marvel Echo Release DateFrozen Fruit RecipesBlack TourmalineWebtoon XYZFastest VPN for AndroidIFVODXXXX Dry ReviewHighest Grossing Indian Movies of all TimeHighest Grossing Movies of All TimeRush Limbaugh net worth. Gotham Season 7Parag Agrawal Net WorthTara Reid Net WorthBlonde TrailerFastest VPN for PCHighest Paid CEO in India 2022Highest paid athletes 2022My5 TV ActivateKissmangaHighest Paid CEO 2022Grey’s Anatomy Season 19Alexa.com AlternativesThe Resident Season 6Kraven The HunterOne Punch Man season 3The Resident Season 5Yellowstone season 5Ozark season 4 part 2How to Remove Bookmarks on Mac

Outer Banks Season 4How to watch NFL games for freeDesireMovies6streams4AnimeMoviesflix123MKVMasterAnimeBuffstreamsGoMoviesVIPLeagueHow to Play Music in Discord,  Vampires Diaries Season 9Homeland Season 9Brent Rivera Net Worth,  PDFDriveSmallPDFKnightfall Season 3CrackstreamKung Fu Panda 41616 Angel Number333 Angel Number666 Angel Number777 Angel Number444 angel number,  Bruno Mars net worthKissAnimeJim Carrey net worthBollyshare,  AfdahPrabhas Wife NameProject Free TVKissasianKickassanimeMoviezwapJio Rockers,  Dramacool,  M4uHDHip DipsM4ufreeFiverr English Test AnswersFiverr SEO Skill Test,  NBAstreamsXYZHighest Paid CEOThe 100 season 8, and F95Zone

Thanks for reading. Stay tuned!


Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Related Articles

Top Trending

Basic Industries Career Path
Exploring Careers in Basic Industries: Opportunities, Types, and Benefits
US & Global Measles Spike
US & Global Measles Spike: CDC Recommends Immediate Vaccination
15 Unique Ways To Acquire Essay Writing Skills
Utilize Your Creative Potential: 15 Unique Ways To Acquire Essay Writing Skills
Best Cities for Remote Work
Best Cities for Remote Work: Your Guide to WFH Bliss
jamal murray girlfriend broke up
Jamal Murray Girlfriend Breakup: The Aftermath of the Relationship in 2024

LIFESTYLE

Best Perfume for Each Zodiac Sign
Find Your Scent: Best Perfume for Each Zodiac Sign
How to Become a Better Thinker
Tips to Train Your Brain: How to Become a Better Thinker?
Prince William Kate Middleton Controversies
Prince William & Kate's Top Controversies: A Royal Saga Unfolded
leanne morgan daughter cancer
Leanne Morgan's Daughter's Inspiring Journey To Overcoming Cancer
lee zeldin wife ethnicity
The Truth About Lee Zeldin's Wife's Ethnicity [Ethnic Background]

Entertainment

jamal murray girlfriend broke up
Jamal Murray Girlfriend Breakup: The Aftermath of the Relationship in 2024
Rosalind Eleazar Hands
The Emotive Power of Rosalind Eleazar's Hands: A Journey through Theatre and Emotion
purple cartoon characters
Exploring the Fascinating World of 20 Top Purple Cartoon Characters
emo anime characters
Exploring 10 Top Emo Anime Characters in Japanese Animation
call of duty lobby leaks
The Aftermath of Call Of Duty Lobby Leaks on the Dark Web

GAMING

call of duty lobby leaks
The Aftermath of Call Of Duty Lobby Leaks on the Dark Web
Technology Evolution Gaming
How Does the Evolution in Technology Redefined the Gaming Industry?
Bonuses at Online Casinos
Emerging Trends in Bonuses at Online Casinos: A Comprehensive Overview
Space Exploration Slots
Space Exploration Slots: Winning Big in the Final Frontier
NYTimes Legal Action Wordle Clones
NYTimes Cracks Down on Wordle Copycats: Legal Actions Underway

BUSINESS

Tax Saving Fixed Deposit
Complete Guide on Tax Saving Fixed Deposit (FD) Under Section 80C Deduction of Income Tax
gina sasso
Remembering a Beloved Figure Gina Sasso and Her Achievements
Entrepreneurship Program
3 Essential Elements of a Great Entrepreneurship Program
Most Powerful Women in the World
20 Most Powerful Women in the World in 2024
Freelancer Retirement Planning Tips
A Freelancer's Guide To Future-Proofing Retirement Plans

TECHNOLOGY

CISSP Training and Certification
Why Cybersecurity Aspiring Pros Need CISSP Training and Certification This Year?
Linkedin Adding Gaming Features
LinkedIn Levels Up: Introducing Gaming for Professional Networking
Gemini AI Racial Bias Alert
Gemini AI Racial Bias Alert: A Wake-Up Call on Tech Giants' Influence
FTC Reddit AI Probe
FTC Investigates Reddit's AI Deals: What's at Stake?
Google Play Store Pricing CCI Investigation
CCI Investigates Google Play Store's Pricing

HEALTH

US & Global Measles Spike
US & Global Measles Spike: CDC Recommends Immediate Vaccination
Male vs Female Brain
Male vs Female Brain: Exploring the Neurological Divide
Covid 19 IQ Impact
New Study: Severe COVID-19 Linked to IQ Decline, Impacts Intelligence
jason beghe parkinsons disease
The Truth About Jason Beghe and Parkinson's Disease [Latest Update]
Left Brain vs Right Brain Test
Left Brain vs Right Brain Test: Uncovering Your Dominant Mind Power