FIFA Men’s World Cup: Was Argentina-France the Best World Cup Final Ever? Ranking The 5 Best
Updated Jul. 21, 2025 1:54 p.m. betso88 login password free ET
Editor’s note: This story was originally published on Dec. 19, 2022.
Was the 2022 FIFA World Cup final the greatest in the tournament’s history? Featuring multiple equalizing goals, a hat-trick from a global superstar, and the long-coveted title for the GOAT, the match certainly had its moments. Yet, there have been a number of other classic finals. We revisited every men’s final and selected the five best:
5. 1970: Brazil 4, Italy 1 in Mexico
While this match may not have been closely contested in terms of score, the historical significance of this final makes it an all-time great. Here’s why:
- This was the first instance where two former champions faced each other in a World Cup final.
- It was the last match of Pelé’s World Cup career, making him the only player to have won three World Cup titles to date.
- Brazil’s coach, Mario Zagallo, became the first individual to win the World Cup as both a player and manager.
Overall, this event was historic, crowning Brazil as the most successful national team with three titles—a distinction they still hold to this day. Pelé’s final World Cup match ended in a memorable third trophy win.
4. 1954: West Germany 3, Hungary 2 in Switzerland
Known in German circles as “Wunder von Bern” (Miracle of Bern), this is one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, with Hungary being a strong favorite for the title. This match secured Germany its first World Cup championship and remains the sole final where a team has come back from a two-goal deficit to claim victory.
Hungary jumped to a 2-0 lead within the first eight minutes, but West Germany responded with three unanswered goals, concluding with a score in the 84th minute. legit sabong site It was a truly epic comeback for the ages.
3. 50jili log in 1966: England 4, West Germany 2 (a tracking number in lbc.e.t) in England
This final is remembered for the infamous “Phantom Goal,” leading England to its first and only World Cup victory. Held in the historic Wembley Stadium, the game began at an exhilarating pace, with both teams scoring within the first 20 minutes.
After West Germany equalized in stoppage time, the match proceeded to extra time, where England took over by scoring two additional goals. Geoff Hurst netted both, becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final. This performance was impressive, especially on home ground, making it a match steeped in history.
2. 1950: Uruguay 2, Brazil 1 in Brazil
Better known as the “Maracanazo,” this match stands out for its shocking outcome—one of the greatest upsets in sports history—at the iconic Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Though not technically a World Cup final, it functioned as a de facto final due to the group stage format, with Uruguay needing a win and Brazil only needing a draw to claim the title.
Trailing 1-0 in the second half, Uruguay rallied to score goals in the 66th and 79th minutes, ultimately securing a 2-1 victory and claiming their second World Cup title. bk8 nha cai
1. 2022: Argentina 3, France 3 (a.e.t, Argentina wins 4-2 on PK) in Qatar
Despite any recency bias, this match is undoubtedly the greatest World Cup final in history. The game was laden with compelling storylines: Would Messi secure his first title in what could have been his final World Cup? Could France become the first team to win back-to-back titles in 60 years? Plus, Messi and Kylian Mbappé were competing for the Golden Boot as two of the world’s biggest stars.
Argentina initially held a 2-0 lead before Mbappé made a pivotal penalty kick, narrowing the gap. He then equalized just a minute later, pushing the match into extra time. In overtime, Mbappé scored another penalty to tie the match, becoming just the second player in World Cup final history to score a hat-trick (after a goal from Messi that seemed like a fairy tale finish). The title was ultimately decided by penalties, where Argentina emerged victorious.
The drama, talent, and intense back-and-forth of this match solidified it as the undisputed best final ever. Could any future World Cup final top this thrilling encounter?
