SPORTS DESK (MNN); With excitement building around the 2026 FIFA World Cup, football fans across the world are looking ahead to another tournament filled with goals, drama and unforgettable moments.
Beyond the race for the trophy, the World Cup has long been known for producing stunning upsets — from underdogs defeating champions to title holders crashing out in the group stage.
Among the most famous shocks came in 1950, when the United States defeated England 1-0 in one of the biggest surprises in football history. England entered the tournament as favourites, while the American side was made up largely of part-time players. A first-half goal by Joe Gaetjens and a heroic display from goalkeeper Frank Borghi secured a historic win.
Another unforgettable upset came in the 1954 final, when West Germany came from behind to defeat heavily favoured Hungary 3-2 in what became known as the “Miracle of Bern.” Hungary had dominated the tournament and entered the final unbeaten before Germany’s dramatic comeback.
In 1966, North Korea stunned two-time champions Italy with a 1-0 victory that sent the Italians out of the tournament. Pak Doo Ik’s winning goal remains one of the most famous moments in World Cup history.
Algeria delivered another memorable upset in 1982 by beating West Germany 2-1 despite facing one of the strongest squads in the competition. Goals from Rabah Madjer and Lakhdar Belloumi secured a famous victory.
At the 1990 World Cup, defending champions Argentina — led by Diego Maradona — were beaten 1-0 by Cameroon in the opening match. Francois Omam-Biyik’s header gave Cameroon a famous win and announced Africa’s growing influence in world football.
Senegal followed that tradition in 2002 when the tournament debutants defeated reigning champions France 1-0 in the opening game. Papa Bouba Diop scored the winner as Senegal went on to reach the quarterfinals.
One of the most shocking results came in 2014 when Germany thrashed hosts Brazil 7-1 in the semifinal. Brazil, playing at home and chasing a sixth title, were overwhelmed as Germany scored five goals inside the opening 29 minutes. The defeat became one of the darkest moments in Brazilian football history.
That same tournament also saw the Netherlands crush defending champions Spain 5-1 in a stunning Group B clash. Robin van Persie’s diving header became one of the iconic images of the tournament as Spain were later eliminated in the group stage.
In 2018, South Korea knocked defending champions Germany out of the World Cup with a dramatic 2-0 win in the group stage. It marked Germany’s earliest exit from the tournament in decades and their first World Cup defeat to an Asian side.
Most recently, at Qatar 2022, Saudi Arabia produced one of the greatest World Cup shocks by defeating eventual champions Argentina 2-1. After Lionel Messi gave Argentina an early lead, Saudi Arabia responded through Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari to seal a famous victory that sparked celebrations across the kingdom.
While Argentina recovered to lift the trophy, Saudi Arabia’s win became an instant World Cup classic and a reminder that the tournament continues to produce unforgettable surprises.
