The Biggest Shocks in World Cup History

The World Cup has never lacked surprises. From defending champions eliminated in the group stage to tiny teams toppling giants, the tournament's history is packed with unforgettable shocks.

USA 1–0 England (1950)

Post-war England, featuring Alf Ramsey, Tom Finney, and Billy Wright, were title contenders on their World Cup debut. The USA fielded a semi-professional squad of dishwashers, mailmen, and teachers—who trained together just one day before sailing to Brazil. Joe Gaetjens' 38th-minute header put the Americans ahead. England pressed furiously in the second half, but goalkeeper Frank Borghi denied every chance, sealing a historic victory.

West Germany 3–2 Hungary (1954)

Hungary, led by Ferenc Puskas, had thrashed West Germany 8–3 in the group stage and led 2–0 in the final. But Helmut Rahn equalised and then netted the winner in the 84th minute, creating the 'Miracle of Bern'—a comeback against one of the greatest sides ever.

North Korea 1–0 Italy (1966)

Italy lost midfielder Giacomo Bulgarelli to injury and played the rest of the match with ten men (substitutions were not yet allowed). Seven minutes later, Pak Doo Ik scored the only goal, knocking out the two-time defending champions. Tickets for that match are now displayed at the FIFA Museum.

Algeria 2–1 West Germany (1982)

European champions West Germany, boasting stars like Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Lothar Matthäus, fell to little-known Algeria. Goals from Rabah Madjer and Lakhdar Belloumi secured the upset.

Cameroon 1–0 Argentina (1990)

Defending champions Argentina, captained by Diego Maradona, lost their opening match to Cameroon—the first Sub-Saharan African team at a World Cup. Francois Omam-Biyik headed in a free kick in the second half for a historic victory.

France 0–1 Senegal (2002)

The 2002 World Cup opener saw defending champions France fall to Senegal, a tournament debutant. Papa Bouba Diop scored the only goal in the 30th minute. Senegal reached the quarter-finals; France were eliminated in the group stage.

Germany 7–1 Brazil (2014)

Brazil were without Neymar (injured) and Thiago Silva (suspended) for the semi-final. Germany scored five goals in 18 minutes between the 11th and 29th minutes, culminating in a 7–1 rout—Brazil's heaviest defeat since 1920, known as the 'Mineirazo'.

Netherlands 5–1 Spain (2014)

Robin van Persie's stunning header just before half-time levelled the score at 1–1, then the Dutch added four more goals to dismantle the reigning world and European champions. Spain were eliminated in the group stage.

South Korea 2–0 Germany (2018)

Germany needed only a draw to advance but lost 2–0 to South Korea in stoppage time. It was their first group-stage exit since 1938 and their first defeat by an Asian team at a World Cup.

Saudi Arabia 2–1 Argentina (2022)

Argentina entered on a 36-match unbeaten run and took the lead through a Lionel Messi penalty in the 10th minute. But Saleh Al-Shehri (48') and Salem al-Dawsari (53') struck twice in quick succession to seal a stunning win. Though Argentina went on to win the title, the match is regarded as one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.