Relive the greatest FIFA World Cup finals in history! From Brazil’s dominance in 1970 to Argentina’s thrilling victory in 2022, discover the best football finals ever played.

Best World Cup Final Matches Ever Played

The FIFA World Cup final is the pinnacle of international football, where legends are made, history is written, and the world unites to witness unforgettable moments. Since the first World Cup in 1930, we’ve seen some of the most thrilling, emotional, and dramatic final matches in sporting history.

Some finals were one-sided, showcasing pure dominance, while others delivered intense drama, last-minute goals, and penalty shootout heartbreaks. In this article, we will look back at the best World Cup final matches ever played, ranked based on their excitement, significance, and lasting impact on football history.

1. Argentina vs. France (2022) – The Ultimate Thriller

The 2022 FIFA World Cup final in Qatar is widely considered one of the greatest football matches of all time, let alone the best World Cup final. It was a match filled with drama, comebacks, and individual brilliance.

Match Highlights:

• Argentina dominated the first half, leading 2-0 with goals from Lionel Messi (penalty) and Ángel Di María.
• Kylian Mbappé took over in the second half, scoring twice in 97 seconds to bring France level at 2-2.
• Messi scored in extra time, seemingly winning it for Argentina, but Mbappé completed his hat-trick with another penalty to make it 3-3.
• In the penalty shootout, Argentina held their nerve, winning 4-2 to claim their third World Cup title.

Why It’s One of the Best:

✅ The first hat-trick in a World Cup final since 1966.
✅ Lionel Messi secured his long-awaited World Cup title.
✅ A dramatic penalty shootout to decide the champion.

This match will be remembered as one of the greatest spectacles in football history.

2. Brazil vs. Italy (1970) – The Perfect Final

The 1970 World Cup final in Mexico showcased one of the greatest teams ever assembled—Brazil’s golden generation, led by Pelé.

Match Highlights:

• Pelé opened the scoring with a beautiful header, becoming the first player to score in three different World Cup finals.
• Italy equalized, but in the second half, Brazil took complete control.
• Goals from Gerson, Jairzinho, and a legendary team goal finished by Carlos Alberto sealed a 4-1 victory for Brazil.

Why It’s One of the Best:

✅ Brazil became the first team to win three World Cups.
✅ Pelé solidified his status as one of football’s greatest legends.
✅ Brazil’s fourth goal is still considered one of the best team goals in World Cup history.

This final defined Brazilian football and remains an all-time classic.

3. England vs. West Germany (1966) – The Controversial Classic

The 1966 World Cup final at Wembley is England’s greatest football moment—but also one of the most controversial.

Match Highlights:

• England and West Germany were tied 2-2 at full-time, forcing extra time.
• Geoff Hurst scored a highly debated goal—his shot hit the crossbar and bounced near the goal line. The referee awarded the goal, making it 3-2.
• Hurst then completed his hat-trick, making it 4-2 as fans stormed the field in celebration.

Why It’s One of the Best:

✅ England won their first and only World Cup title.
✅ Geoff Hurst remains the only player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final.
✅ The controversial goal is still debated today—was the ball fully over the line?

Whether controversial or not, this final remains one of the most iconic moments in football.

4. Italy vs. France (2006) – Zidane’s Final Goodbye

The 2006 World Cup final is remembered not only for its drama but for one of the most shocking moments in football history.

Match Highlights:

• Zinedine Zidane scored a Panenka penalty in the 7th minute.
• Marco Materazzi equalized for Italy with a header from a corner.
• The game remained 1-1 after extra time, leading to penalties.
• Italy won the shootout 5-3, but the match is best remembered for Zidane’s infamous headbutt on Materazzi.

Why It’s One of the Best:

✅ A dramatic penalty shootout to decide the champion.
✅ Zidane’s final match ended with a red card.
✅ Italy’s legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon’s heroics.

This match was full of emotion, controversy, and unforgettable moments.

5. Germany vs. Argentina (2014) – Messi’s Heartbreak

The 2014 World Cup final was a battle between two giants of world football, with Argentina trying to win their first title since 1986 and Germany looking for their fourth.

Match Highlights:

• Argentina missed several golden chances, including one by Gonzalo Higuaín.
• The game was deadlocked at 0-0 after 90 minutes, forcing extra time.
• Mario Götze scored a stunning winner in the 113th minute, controlling the ball on his chest before volleying it past the goalkeeper.

Why It’s One of the Best:

✅ Germany became the first European team to win a World Cup in South America.
✅ One of the most tightly contested finals in history.
✅ Heartbreak for Lionel Messi, who would have to wait until 2022 for his redemption.

This final was a classic tactical battle and one of the most memorable in modern football.

Conclusion: Which Final Was the Best?

The World Cup final is where legends are born and where football history is made. From Brazil’s dominance in 1970 to Argentina’s thrilling 2022 victory, these matches continue to captivate fans worldwide.

⚽ Which World Cup final do you think was the greatest?
⚽ Did we miss any legendary final?
⚽ Let us know in the comments and keep supporting the beautiful game of football!

No matter the era, WYN8 will always deliver unforgettable moments on the biggest stage! ⚽🔥
Keep update with the latest football news.