Every four years, the world stops for the FIFA World Cup Final. Since 1930, twenty-two finals have been played, producing some of the most iconic moments in sporting history. Here is the complete history of every World Cup final, from Uruguay’s 1930 victory to the buildup to the 2026 final at MetLife Stadium.
Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final live and free on VividTV on July 19.
Every FIFA World Cup Final: The Complete List
| Year | Host | Winner | Score | Runner-Up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1930 | Uruguay | Uruguay | 4-2 | Argentina |
| 1934 | Italy | Italy | 2-1 (aet) | Czechoslovakia |
| 1938 | France | Italy | 4-2 | Hungary |
| 1950 | Brazil | Uruguay | 2-1 | Brazil |
| 1954 | Switzerland | West Germany | 3-2 | Hungary |
| 1958 | Sweden | Brazil | 5-2 | Sweden |
| 1962 | Chile | Brazil | 3-1 | Czechoslovakia |
| 1966 | England | England | 4-2 (aet) | West Germany |
| 1970 | Mexico | Brazil | 4-1 | Italy |
| 1974 | West Germany | West Germany | 2-1 | Netherlands |
| 1978 | Argentina | Argentina | 3-1 (aet) | Netherlands |
| 1982 | Spain | Italy | 3-1 | West Germany |
| 1986 | Mexico | Argentina | 3-2 | West Germany |
| 1990 | Italy | West Germany | 1-0 | Argentina |
| 1994 | USA | Brazil | 0-0 (3-2 pens) | Italy |
| 1998 | France | France | 3-0 | Brazil |
| 2002 | Japan/South Korea | Brazil | 2-0 | Germany |
| 2006 | Germany | Italy | 1-1 (5-3 pens) | France |
| 2010 | South Africa | Spain | 1-0 (aet) | Netherlands |
| 2014 | Brazil | Germany | 1-0 (aet) | Argentina |
| 2018 | Russia | France | 4-2 | Croatia |
| 2022 | Qatar | Argentina | 3-3 (4-2 pens) | France |
Most Successful Nations
- Brazil – 5 titles (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)
- Germany/West Germany – 4 titles (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014)
- Italy – 4 titles (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006)
- Argentina – 3 titles (1978, 1986, 2022)
- France – 2 titles (1998, 2018)
- Uruguay – 2 titles (1930, 1950)
- England – 1 title (1966)
- Spain – 1 title (2010)
Most Memorable Finals
1950: The Maracanazo
Uruguay 2-1 Brazil at the Maracana. 200,000 fans in stunned silence as Brazil’s coronation was interrupted. Still considered the greatest upset in football history.
1966: England’s Only Trophy
England 4-2 West Germany at Wembley. Geoff Hurst’s hat-trick, the controversial “did it cross the line?” goal, and Kenneth Wolstenholme’s immortal “they think it’s all over” commentary.
1970: Brazil’s Team of Legends
Brazil 4-1 Italy in Mexico City. Pele, Rivelino, Jairzinho, Carlos Alberto. Widely considered the greatest team performance in a World Cup final.
1986: Maradona’s World Cup
Argentina 3-2 West Germany. Maradona’s tournament was already legendary by the final; Argentina completed it with a nervy win in Mexico City.
2006: Zidane’s Headbutt
Italy 1-1 France (5-3 pens). Zinedine Zidane’s last professional act was headbutting Marco Materazzi in extra time. Italy went on to win on penalties.
2022: Messi’s Redemption
Argentina 3-3 France (4-2 pens). Widely considered the greatest final ever played. Messi got his World Cup, Mbappe scored a hat-trick, and neither team deserved to lose.
What to Expect at the 2026 Final
The 2026 final will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday July 19. Capacity: 82,500. Kickoff: 15:00 ET (20:00 UK / 00:30 IST next day).
Watch it live and free on VividTV. See our full FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule and the FIFA hub for all matches.
Fun Facts and Records
- Only eight nations have ever won the World Cup
- Pele is the only player to win three World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970)
- The 1994 final was the first (and so far only) final decided by penalties without any goals scored in normal time
- The 1970 final is the most one-sided since 1958, with Brazil dominating Italy
- 2022 saw the highest total goals in a final since 1966 (six goals including extra time)
Common Questions
How many World Cup finals have there been?
Twenty-two. The 2026 final will be the twenty-third.
Which country has won the most World Cups?
Brazil with five titles.
Has any host nation won the World Cup?
Six times: Uruguay (1930), Italy (1934), England (1966), West Germany (1974), Argentina (1978), France (1998).
Where can I watch the 2026 final free?
VividTV streams the final live and free, no signup.
Ready for the 2026 final? Bookmark the FIFA hub now.