Ranking every World Cup, from worst to best

With Russia 2018 fast approaching, we rank every World Cup tournament from Uruguay 1930 to Brazil 2014.

The World Cup has been contested 20 times since its inaugural tournament in 1930. The tournament, played every four years with the exception of 1942 and 1946 due to World War II, has had various degrees of entertainment value during the course of those decades.

Some tournaments, like Mexico ’70, produced some heart-pounding soccer as well as some great teams and games. On the flip side, Italia ’90, a tournament featuring defensive play and time-wasting tactics, ranks among one of the worst.

From the best to the worst, we use our unscientific method to rate every World Cup on a scale of one (very poor) to 10 (great!). It’s anyone’s guess how Russia ’18 this summer will ultimately fare. For now, let’s get into the World Cup mood by taking a trip back in time to what made some tournaments memorable, while others not so much.

Italy 1938

Rating: 3/10

Champion: Italy  

The Italians repeated as world champions after defeating Hungary 4-2 in the final, much to the delight of dictator Benito Mussolini and his propaganda machine, as Europe was on the precipice of being plunged into World War II. In lifting the trophy, coach Vittorio Pozzo became the first manager in World Cup history (and to date the only one) to win two titles with the same nation.

Host nation: France 

France was chosen as host by FIFA in 1936 over Argentina and Germany in the first round of voting. The decision outraged officials from South America, who had argued for the tournament to alternate between the two continents. Matches were played in 11 venues scattered across the country. This was the last World Cup staged before the outbreak of World War II.

Best player: Leonidas (Brazil)   

The Brazilian striker, nicknamed the “black diamond,” scored seven goals at France ’38 to win the title of top scorer, including a hat-trick in a 6-5 overtime victory against Poland in the first round. He’s also one of several players credited with inventing the bicycle kick.

Iconic moment: 

There were several iconic moments. The one that stands out above all others was when Italy captain Giuseppe Meazza’s shorts fell down after he scored a penalty in the semifinal against Brazil. He had taken the kick with one hand holding up his shorts.

Quality of play: 

Italy played a 2-3-2-3 formation, the brainchild of Pozzo’s tactical genius. His formations produced teams that were both stylish and effective. The attack, spearheaded by striker Silvio Piola, produced 11 goals in just four matches.

Kits: 

Italy’s black shirts and shorts used in the quarterfinals earned the most attention given their political significance. On Mussolini’s orders, Italy wore the colors (instead of the usual away white) so as not to clash with France’s similarly blue shirts. If that represented the worst, Brazil’s canary yellow shorts, still used to this day, stand out as one of the best from that edition. Hungary’s all-white shirt, with a green, white and red stripe, across the chest also remain iconic.

Miscellaneous:

After defeating Czechoslovakia in the quarterfinals, Brazil decided to rest both Leonidas and fellow striker Tim against Italy. The only goal the Brazilians could muster in a 2-1 loss was in the 87th minute, making the game’s outcome appear closer than it was. 

Switzerland 1954

Rating: 4/10

Champion: West Germany

West Germany won their first (of four) World Cups, defeating Hungary 3-2 in the final. After going down 2-0, the West Germans mounted a comeback and scored three unanswered goals as forward Helmut Rahn tallied the winner with six minutes left to play for the shock win. The Hungarians had entered the final unbeaten in 29 games over a four-year period.

Host nation: Switzerland

Switzerland were awarded the tournament unopposed on July 22, 1946, the same day Brazil were chosen by FIFA to host the 1950 World Cup.

Best player: Ferenc Puskas (Hungary) 

The great Hungarian striker, famous for his time at club side Real Madrid, was a prolific scorer. At the 1954 World Cup, he finished runners up with the team known as the Mighty Magyars. He scored four goals at the tournament for Hungary, including one in the final against West Germany.

Iconic moment: 

Three players were sent off in the game between Hungary and Brazil officiated by English referee Arthur Ellis. The game would go down in history as the “Battle of Berne.” Even after Hungary won the quarterfinal clash 4-2, the fracas continued after the final whistle as the Brazilians burst into the Hungarian dressing room.

Quality of play:

This tournament featured lots of poor defending and plenty of scoring. The tournament set a number of all-time records for goals, including the highest average goals scored per game at 5.38. South Korean goalkeeper Hong Duk-Yung, for example, conceded 16 goals in just two games.

Kits:

Among the best was West Germany’s iconic white shirts and black shorts, while the worst was highlighted by Mexico’s burgundy shirts and blue shorts.

Miscellaneous:

Ottmar and Fritz Walter of West Germany became the first brothers to be part of a winning World Cup team. In the semifinals, they also became the first siblings to ever score in the same game (a 6-1 victory against Austria) at a World Cup.

Sweden 1958

Rating: 5/10

Champion: Brazil

Brazil rebounded after their shocking loss to Uruguay in the 1950 final to win their first (of what would be five titles) World Cup at Sweden ’58. The Brazilians, featuring a 17-year-old teen phenom named Pele, defeated Sweden, the host nation, 5-2 in the final.

Host nation: Sweden

Argentina, Chile and Mexico all expressed interest in hosting the tournament, but it was Sweden who were named host nation in 1950. The tournament was played in 12 venues. The team reached the final that year, buoyed by support from the home crowd, but eventually succumbed to the mighty Brazilians. It remains the best finish ever by Sweden at a World Cup.

Best player: Pele (Brazil) 

He may have been just 17 at the time (the youngest to ever play in a World Cup final), but Pele left his mark at the World Cup by helping his country lift the Jules Rimet trophy. Indeed, a star was born that summer when Pele scored six goals at the tournament. He would go on to win two more World Cups and go down as one of the greatest players in soccer history.

Iconic moment: 

Just Fontaine, who scored 13 goals for France in six games, remains the record-holder for goals tallied at one tournament. His four goals against West Germany in the semifinals and hat-trick versus Paraguay in the first round remain two of the greatest individual feats ever seen at a World Cup tournament.

Quality of play:

If the early 1950s had been dominated by the Hungarians, the 1958 tournament opened a new era in which the Brazilians would start to set the standard. Brazil featured a blend of young and old. The team featured the scoring feats of winger Garrincha, regarded as one of the game’s greatest dribblers, and full-back Nilton Santos. The team’s 4-2-4 formation featured an attack that also included Mario Zagallo and Vava. Didi in midfield was another attacking option for a team known for their potent offense that gave birth to the much-loved jogo bonito.

Kits:

Yellow was a popular color (with Brazil, Sweden and Wales all sporting the color), while the Soviet Union’s iconic red shorts with the letters “CCCP” emblazoned across the front would be a staple for decades. Czechoslovakia’s all-white kit was not at all notable other than for its lack of color and imagination.  

Miscellaneous: 

This World Cup remains the only time all four of the UK’s “home nations” (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) qualified together.

Brazil 1950

Rating: 5/10

Champion: Uruguay 

After capturing the very first Jules Rimet trophy on home soil in 1930, Uruguay added a second 20 years later.  It was the first World Cup played since 1938, a 12-year hiatus due to World War II. Uruguay won the tournament after clinching the cup with a 2-1 win against Brazil in the deciding game of a four-team, round-robin final group. It was the only tournament not decided by a one-match final. Brazil’s loss is regarded as one of the most-shocking in soccer history and referred to as Maracanazo.

Host nation: Brazil

Brazil hosted their first World Cup that year. The tournament was almost never held, but was put on as planned when Brazil decided in 1946 to host it.

Best player: Ademir (Brazil)  

Ademir’s eight goals at the very first World Cup turned the Brazilian striker into one of the country’s first superstars. Playing as part of an outstanding trio that included Jair and Zizinho, Ademir, known for being agile as well as strong with both feet, consolidated his place as the tournament’s best player.

Iconic moment:

The tournament’s most indelible moment came in the last game when Alcides Ghiggia scored the winning goal against Brazil with 11 minutes left in the match. The goal stunned the crowd of nearly 200,000, plunging the country into mourning. “Only three people have silenced the Maracana,” Ghiggia once said of the goal. “The pope, Frank Sinatra and me.”

Quality of play:

This was the time of the “WM” formation (3-2-2-3) with three defenders, two halfbacks, three forwards and two wingers. Starting in the ’30s, a modified 2-3-5 formation was popular in Austria, Hungary and Czechoslovakia. Called the “Danubian school,” its main strategy was to distribute the ball through a short series of passes. The South Americans, however, played a different style. Uruguay and Brazil both played an offensive-minded 2-3-5. Both teams would eventually evolve that system into an attack-minded 4-2-4.

Kits:

The United States featured a white jersey with a red sash across the chest and blue shorts. It remains an iconic uniform. Uruguay’s sky blue shirts and black shorts were also among the best of the bunch. On the other side of the spectrum was Mexico. In the years before the Mexicans played in a green jersey, El Tri donned a not-so-appealing blue-and-white striped jersey and dark blue shorts.

Miscellaneous:  

The Americans pulled off what is still considered one of the biggest upsets in tournament history after posting a 1-0 victory against England. The goal by Haitian-born forward Joe Gaetjens remains one of the biggest in USMNT history.

Uruguay 1930

Rating: 5/10

Champion: Uruguay

The South Americans, winners of the 1924 and ’28 Olympic gold medals, won the inaugural World Cup, defeating Argentina 4-2 in the final.

Host nation: Uruguay

Uruguay hosted the first-ever World Cup, which featured just 13 nations, after FIFA decided to organize an international soccer championship. All games were played in the capital Montevideo, the majority of which taking place at the Centenario. The venue was built for the tournament.

Best player: Guillermo Stabile (Argentina)  

The Argentine striker was the World Cup’s first top scorer. His eight goals, including hat-trick against Mexico in the first round, came in a span of just four matches. For Stabile, the loss to Uruguay in the final would turn out to be his last appearance for Argentina.

Iconic moment: 

The very first iconic moment in the tournament’s history was Uruguay lifting the trophy. After winning two gold medals during the 1920s, the South Americans were officially the greatest team in the world and one of the best in history.

Quality of play: 

The first tournament had several strong teams, but Uruguay were the most talented. Uruguay utilized a 2-3-5 lineup, like most of the teams at the tournament. As soccer tactics evolved, the growth of the center-half changed the way teams played. Part defender and part attacker, this position was meant to generate creativity. Uruguay’s superior defending and great passing dominated Argentina’s reliance on individual flair from player such as Luis Monti. Emphasis on attack over defending helped generate a total of 70 goals at the tournament (an average of 3.89 per match), with Argentina tallying the most with 18.

Kits:

Argentina used their blue-and-white stripped shirt, which is used to this day. It remains one of the best-looking uniforms in the game’s history.

Miscellaneous:

The first round game between Argentina and France ended six minutes early due to an error by the referee with Argentina leading 1-0. Following a 30-minute delay, the game resumed, but no more goals were recorded.

Chile 1962

Rating: 6/10

Champions: Brazil 

After Italy in 1938, Brazil become the second nation to successfully defend the title by defeating Czechoslovakia 3–1.

Host nation: Chile

After Europe had hosted two consecutive World Cups (in 1954 and ’58), officials claimed the 1962 edition should be held in South America or face a possible tournament boycott. FIFA awarded Chile the tournament, beating out Argentina. Preparations were marred when a massive earthquake struck the country in May 1960. Nevertheless, the Chileans organized a wonderful tournament and finished third in the process.

Best player: Garrincha (Brazil) 

Known as the “Little Bird,” the Brazilian winger would score four goals and help lead Brazil to the title. His two-goal performance in the semifinals against Chile remains one of the greatest single performances by a player at the World Cup. Garrincha was sent off in the semifinals and should have missed the final, but Brazilian Prime Minister Tancredo Neves managed to get the ban overturned by FIFA.

Iconic moment:

This was a tournament marred by a series of violent matches between players, including the infamous first-round match between Chile and Italy, won 2-0 by the hosts. The game would become known as the “Battle of Santiago.” “I wasn’t reffing a football match,” referee Ken Aston later said. “I was acting as an umpire in military maneuvers.”

Quality of play:

Brazil came into the tournament as favorites and the Selecao did not disappoint. With Garrincha and Zagallo on the wings and Pele, now 21, in exceptional form, the Brazilians perfected their 4-2-4 formation. The attack was lethal, resulting in 14 goals (the most of any team that summer), and the two central midfielders (in this case Didi and Zito) ability to push forward made this team’s ever-changing tactics impossible to defend against.

Kits:

Brazil’s simple canary-yellow shirts/blue shorts remained iconic and the prettiest of the bunch. Mexico sported the home green shirts we are accustomed to seeing today, while the oddest of the bunch included Uruguay’s away red shirts/black shorts.

Miscellaneous: 

This was the last World Cup not televised live in Europe, just predating the arrival of the Telstar satellite.

Italy 1934

Rating: 6/10

Champion: Italy

The Italians, after missing out on the very first World Cup in Uruguay four years earlier, won the tournament on home soil, defeating Czechoslovakia 2-1 in the final. Italy would go on to win the gold medal at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin and repeat as world champions in 1938.

Host nation: Italy

The Italians hosted the tournament, triggering a boycott by Uruguay after European nations had largely ignored the 1930 edition. Matches were played in eight cities. In the process, the tournament (and Italy’s success) became a propaganda tool for the country’s fascist regime.

Best player: Giuseppe Meazza (Italy) 

Meazza was arguably the best player of his generation. His ability to score goals as well as create them earned him the nickname il genio (“the genius”). He helped Italy win the World Cup in 1934, scoring two goals the tournament, and captained the team that repeated as champion four years later. The gifted Meazza, remembered for his elegance on the field and dribbling abilities, places him in the pantheon of all time World Cup greats.

Iconic moment:

Spain, playing in their first World Cup match ever, defeated Brazil 3-1. Legendary goalkeeper Ricardo Zamora, the same man La Liga’s best goalkeeper award is named for, was also the first to ever stop a penalty in a World Cup during the same game.

Quality of play:

The Italians utilized the 2-3-2-3 method to great effect, while most teams utilized a 2-3-5 formation. Teams were not afraid to play offensively, something that would change in the ensuing decades, and as a result the era produced brilliant strikers such as Meazza, Angelo Schiavo of Italy, Matthias Sindelar of Austria and Oldrich Nejedly of Czechoslovakia.

Kits:

It was a time when kits were plain, but are now considered to have an enduring classic look. Among the best: Italy’s iconic sky blue shirts were featured for the first time at a World Cup, while Spain’s red shirt was also featured for the first time at the tournament. Among the stranger ones was Brazil’s white jerseys.

Miscellaneous:

For the first, and only, time in a World Cup the host nation had to qualify for the finals. Italy did so, defeating Greece 4-0.

Italy 1990

Rating: 6/10

Champion: West Germany

The team, playing for the last time at a World Cup as West Germany, defeated Argentina 1-0 in a rematch of the final just four years earlier won by the South Americans. A goal by Andreas Brehme on a penalty kick in the game’s dying minutes sealed the win. For coach Franz Beckenbauer, the victory was his second after he successfully captained the side to the 1974 title.

Host nation: Italy

The Italians hosted their second World Cup in history, after the first in 1934, and it seemed fitting. Italy’s top flight, Serie A, was considered the best in the world and featured some of the greatest players on the planet at the time. Italy, favored to lift the trophy, would lose to defending champions Argentina in the semifinals in Naples via a penalty shootout, a match that pitted the home fans against the star of their club team, Diego Maradona.

Best player: Salvatore Schillaci (Italy)

The music world has the one-hit wonder; soccer has Schillaci. The tiny Italian striker, whom many had not heard of before the start of the competition, came off the bench to lead the Italians to a third-place finish that year. He would finish as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals.

Iconic moment:

Despite universal criticism for the way teams played, there were lots of great moments: Cameroon’s shock 1-0 win against Argentina in the opening match; goalkeeper Rene Higuita’s waltz outside the penalty area that resulted in Roger Milla’s wonderful goal (and at age 38, he became the oldest player to score at a World Cup, a record he would break again four years later) in Cameroon’s win against Colombia in the round of 16; Frank Rijkaard spitting at Rudi Voeller in the heated match between West Germany and the Netherlands; Roberto Baggio’s impressive goal versus Czechoslovakia in the group stages, only to be rivaled by David Platt’s wonderful half-volley, and subsequent ear-to-ear smile, against Belgium.

Quality of play:

For a tournament with so many great moments, it isn’t at all considered one of the best. Overall, it is widely considered one of the drabbest in soccer history. With an average of just 2.21 goals per game — the lowest of any World Cup — Italia ’90 was marred by cautionary tactics. Argentina reached the final only after overcoming Yugoslavia in the quarterfinals and Italy in the semifinals on penalties. Teams often won by the slimmest of margins and time-wasting became a key tactic. As a result, the back-pass rule (where a goalkeeper could pick up the ball after it was passed to him by a defender) was changed in 1992. It was modified to say that goalkeepers can only use their feet when playing the ball when it is passed to them by a teammate.

Kits:

Italy’s deep blue home shirts and white shorts were a favorite of many that summer. West Germany’s black, red and yellow stripe against the chest of their white shirts and Cameroon’s green-and-red uniforms (with a lion’s face on the chest) also proved popular. One of the ugliest were Costa Rica’s white-and-black stripes reminiscent of Juventus.

Miscellaneous:

Argentina’s Pedro Monzon became the first player to be given a red card in a World Cup final, followed only 22 minutes later by teammate Gustavo Dezotti. Argentina lost the final, reducing Maradona to tears during the trophy presentation.

Germany 2006

Rating: 7/10

Champion: Italy

The Azzurri, dogged by a match-fixing scandal back home involving Juventus, overcame the distraction to win a fourth World Cup, defeating France in the final on penalty kicks. The game had ended 1-1 after extra time.

Host nation: Germany

It was Germany’s second time playing host to the quadrennial event (after the first in 1974) in a tournament held in 12 venues spread out across the country. On the field, Germany would take third place.

Best player: Fabio Cannavaro (Italy) 

The Juventus center-back and Italy captain, considered one of the best defenders of all time, stamped his place in soccer history with his performance at this World Cup. Given the nickname “the Berlin Wall” by Italian supporters, he helped Italy to the title, conceding just two goals in the process. He was later named the 2006 FIFA Player of the Year.

Iconic moment:

France star Zinedine Zidane’s infamous headbutt of Italy defender Marco Matterazzi in the final  after the two had exchanged words was a bizarre ending to a career that had included so much success. Time appeared to stand still when Zidane unleashed the headbutt straight into Materazzi’s sternum. Zidane was shown a red card and his slow walk past the World Cup trophy and into the locker room remains one of the most iconic moments of any World Cup.

Quality of play:

The Italians, known for their defense since the 1960s, employed a four-man backline (as did a majority of teams at the tournament that year) that kept opponents from scoring. France, similarly, reached the final with a sturdy back four and two deep-lying midfielders. The final, for example, was a mirror of two identical styles: France’s Patrick Vieira and Claude Makelele pitted against Italy’s Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso. Goalkeeping was also key at the tournament with Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon and Germany’s Jens Lehmann standing out as two of the best that summer. With so much goalkeeping and defensive might, it’s no surprise that the tournament averaged just 2.30 goals a match.

Kits:

Italy’s shirts got a bit darker and the addition of black accents under the arms made for a welcome addition. Germany’s simple white shirts, with the three black adidas stripes going down the arm and black, red and yellow flashes down the sides became very popular. Among the uglier ones was Ecuador’s yellow home jerseys, with the strange addition of the two red-and-blue stripes in the bottom left corner.

Miscellaneous:

There were a record-breaking 326 yellow cards and 28 red cards issued at the tournament. Russian referee Valentin Ivanov handed out 16 yellows and four reds in the game between Portugal and Netherlands.

Brazil 2014

Rating: 8/10

Champion: Germany 

The Germans won their fourth title, defeating Argentina 1-0 on a Mario Goetze extra time goal. It was the country’s first title since reunification in 1990. In the process, they also became the first European team to win the title on South American soil.

Host nation: Brazil 

Brazil, hosting their first World Cup since 1950, were trying to exorcise the demons of the Maracanzo. Instead, the pressure from the home fans piled on in the end as Germany routed Brazil 7-1 in the semifinals in a game that will live in infamy. Brazil would finish the tournament in fourth place.

Best player: Lionel Messi (Argentina)

The Barcelona star may be one of the world’s all-time best players, but his failure to win a World Cup will continue to haunt him. Messi may have been the best player at this tournament, but his country’s ultimate failure to lift the trophy will stay with him long after anyone remembers his winning the tournament’s MVP award.

Quality of play:

This was a tournament that produced a very high number of exciting matches and plenty of goals, especially in the opening round. In fact, the group stage was notable for a scarcity of draws and a large number of goals. There were 136 (an average of 2.83 goals per match) in the first round alone. The first drawn, and goalless match, did not occur until the 13th game between Iran and Nigeria, a stretch longer than that at any World Cup since 1930.

The Germans played a 4-2-3-1, allowing their midfield to push forward. In addition, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer perfected the sweeper-keeper position with a defense playing a high line, a successful tactic. Argentina, on the other hand, employed a 4-4-1-1 that was deadly on the counter-attack and relied on Messi to do most of work in the final third. For most teams, the three-man defense became all the rage with Costa Rica and Mexico using it to good effect at this tournament.

Kits:

France and the Netherlands both featured sublime kits. France with their dark blue home jersey and the Dutch in classic orange were elegant and tasteful. On the opposite end of the spectrum was Ecuador with an unstylish, loose shirt reminiscent of their 2002 kit, while Algeria’s boring shirts lacked detail and imagination.

Miscellaneous:

To avoid bad calls involving goals, the 2014 World Cup introduced the use of goal-line technology following successful trials. FIFA also approved the use of vanishing foam by match officials for the first time at a World Cup finals. The water-based spray, which disappears within minutes of application, was used to mark a 10-yard line for the defending team during free kicks.

South Africa 2010

Rating: 8/10

Champion: Spain 

Spain finally broke their spell of never winning the World Cup by lifting the trophy following a 1-0 victory against the Netherlands (a three-time losing finalist) in the final. A goal by Andres Iniesta in extra time proved to be the game winner.

Host: South Africa 

For the first time, an African nation earned the right to host a World Cup. It was a move meant to be more inclusive for a game that is already global in scale. Five African nations had placed bids to host the World Cup: Egypt, Morocco, South Africa and a joint bid by Libya and Tunisia. The move to give the tournament to South Africa proved a sense of pride for the entire continent and a victory for the country’s post-Apartheid era.

Best player: Diego Forlan (Uruguay)

Forlan scored five goals — he was the tournament’s joint top scorer with Thomas Muller, David Villa and Wesley Sneijder — and helped the South Americans finish a surprise fourth place after overachieving at the tournament. His goal in the quarterfinals against Ghana proved crucial in a game eventually decided on penalties. Forlan was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s MVP.

Iconic moment:

There were several at this tournament. Above all, the din created by the vuvuzela (a plastic horn used by local fans) angered millions of TV viewers for its annoying sound. On the field, Landon Donovan’s last-gasp goal against Algeria helped the United States win the game 1-0 and top their group.

Quality of play: 

Most teams used a 4-2-3-1, but it was Spain’s variation (which often morphed into a 4-3-3 based on the Barcelona tiki-taka model) that ended up proving most successful. After defensive soccer had dominated much of the decade, Spain’s refreshing approach, one increasingly used at club level, would set a trend for years to come.

Kits:

South Africa’s yellow shirts and green shorts made the Bafana Bafana beloved across South Africa. The USA’s dark blue shorts with a white sash were an homage to the 1950 team and sold well across the United States. Among the ugliest was Slovenia’s white shirts with a Charlie Brown-inspired zig zag line across the chest.

Miscellaneous:

Despite exiting in the group stage, New Zealand ended as the tournament’s only unbeaten team.

West Germany 1974

Rating: 8/10

Champion: West Germany

The West Germans, playing at home, defeated the Netherlands, who were the pre-game favorites, 2-1 to win their second World Cup. The tournament marked the first time that the current trophy, created by Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga, was awarded by FIFA.

Host: West Germany 

West Germany were chosen as the host nation by FIFA in 1966. Hosting rights for the 1978 and 1982 tournaments were awarded at the same time. West Germany agreed to a deal with Spain by which the West Germans would allow Spain to bid for the 1982 World Cup unopposed.

Best player: Grzegorz Lato (Poland) 

With seven goals, the Polish striker was the tournament’s top scorer. Lato’s success coincided with the golden era of Polish soccer, starting with an Olympic gold medal at the 1972 Munich Games and ending a decade later with a third-place finish at the 1982 World Cup. He remains the only Polish player to ever win the Golden Ball award at a World Cup.

Iconic moment:

Among the most notable: Chile’s Carlos Caszely became the first player to be given a red card in a World Cup game. In one of the oddest moments, the start of the final was delayed after the referee noticed the corner flag was missing.

Quality of play:

The era of Brazilian dominance was over. In its place, the mid-’70s represented the era of “Total Football.” Ajax and Bayern Munich dominated the European game with a free-flowing, interchangeable tactical approach. While the Netherlands, which featured the likes of Johan Cruyff at his best, played a more-attractive style, the West Germans won the European Cup in 1972 playing a more functional, often defensive brand, to great effect. The West Germans featured the grace of sweeper Franz Beckenbauer as well as the offensive power of Gerd Muller. Meanwhile, the Brazilians, with Pele gone, played a more European-style that proved ugly and ineffective.

Kits:

Germany’s white shirts and black shorts proved a classic look, while Zaire’s all-green kit proved garish.

Miscellaneous:

East Germany made their only appearance at a World Cup.

France 1998

Rating: 8/10

Champion: France 

France won their first World Cup at home, defeating Brazil 3-0 in the final with a multi-ethnic squad and some of the greatest players ever to play for Les Bleus.

Host: France  

The country was chosen as host nation for the second time (the first was in 1938) in history, defeating Morocco in the bidding process. Switzerland withdrew their bid after they were unable to meet FIFA’s requirements.

Best player: Zinedine Zidane (France) 

Two goals from Zidane in the final downed the pre-game favorites Brazilians. Zidane’s two headers gave France the title as the midfielder went on to be the most-iconic player to wear a France jersey since Michel Platini just a decade earlier.

Iconic moment:

The “golden goal” was introduced, a sudden-death overtime approach in which the first team to score in extra time would win the match. France’s Laurent Blanc scored the first golden goal in World Cup history after his 113th-minute strike against Paraguay in the second round.

Quality of play:

France were by far the most entertaining side at the tournament. Aside from enjoying home-field advantage, Les Bleus featured a strong playmaker in Zidane in a 4-2-3-1. This was a team that favored offense. Even the back four were encouraged to push forward.

Kits:

France’s home blue jersey with a red and white lines across the chest was tasteful and worthy of a team that won a championship. Croatia’s red-checkered shirts were stylish as well as fun. Among the ugliest at France ’98 was Mexico’s green jersey with the image of an Aztec warrior on the front. England, departing from their all-white jersey, weren’t much better. Featuring a short that was mostly white, the addition of a series of unnecessary blue and red accents under the armpits and long the sides made for a bad look.

Miscellaneous:

The final was highlighted by the absence of Brazil’s Ronaldo from the team sheet handed to reporters, only for him to be included shortly before kickoff. Ronaldo said in a recent interview that he had suffered convulsions the previous night. His pre-match breakdown proved decisive in the end as France stormed to victory.

USA 1994

Rating: 8/10

Champion: Brazil 

Brazil won their fourth World Cup, overcoming Italy in a penalty shootout after the game ended 0-0 after 120 minutes of play. It was the first final to ever finish without a goal to be decided on penalties.

Host: United States  

The United States was chosen as host on July 4, 1988. Despite the country’s lack of a national pro league, the tournament was the most-financially successful in the tournament’s history. USA ’94 broke the average attendance record with nearly 69,000 spectators per game, which stands to this day. The total attendance of nearly 3.6 million remains the highest in World Cup history. The tournament also spurred the creation of MLS and the popularity the game enjoys today.

Best player: Hristo Stoichkov (Bulgaria) 

The Bulgarian striker led his team to a shock fourth-place finish. His six goals, tied with Russia’s Oleg Salenko, were good enough to make him tournament top scorer. The Bulgarians had never won a game in five previous World Cup finals. At USA ’94, a Stoichkov goal helped Bulgaria defeat Germany 2-1 in the quarterfinals.

Iconic moment:

Brazil won the title, but Roberto Baggio’s missed penalty kick — drilling his kick high over the crossbar — followed by Franco Baresi’s post-game tears encapsulate the agony of defeat for the Italians.

Quality of play:

Playing a 4-4-2, Brazil won the tournament with less flair than previous World Cup-winning sides. Led by strikers Romario and Bebeto, manager Carlos Alberto Parreira leaned on captain Dunga and hard-nosed players like Leonardo, Branco and Aldair to control the back and midfield to ensure that their tight defense kept opponents at bay. The Italians abandoned their traditional defensive catenaccio style for a zonal-marking approach as employed by former AC Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi. He came under much pressure from fans and pundits alike, but was able to reach the final after a series of Baggio heroics in the knockout stage.

Kits: 

The baggy style of clothes of the early ’90s made their way to the soccer field. While Brazil and Italy played in their traditional colors, patterns interwoven into the fabric gave each a flair. The ugliest, by far, was the USA’s jersey. The shirt featured a series of white stars across the chest on a denim blue background.

Miscellaneous:

Greece, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria made their first ever appearance at a World Cup. England and France failed to qualify. Colombia’s Andres Escobar, after scoring an own goal in a 2-1 loss to the United States, was gunned down after his team returned home upon failing to reach the knockout stage.

Argentina 1978

Rating: 8/10

Champion: Argentina 

Argentina won their first World Cup, defeating the Netherlands 3-1 at home. Two years before the tournament was played, Argentina had undergone a military coup with a number of teams debating whether they should boycott. In the end, none did.

Host: Argentina

Argentina won the right to host the World Cup when Mexico withdrew from the bidding process after having been awarded the 1970 tournament two years earlier.

Best player: Mario Kempes (Argentina)  

The striker was named top scorer after tallying six goals at the tournament. He scored two goals in the final and also won the Golden Ball as tournament MVP. He remains on of the flashiest and lethal strikers ever to emerge from South America.

Iconic moment:

In the dying seconds of a first-round game between Brazil and Sweden, Zico headed in a corner kick for a goal. The referee disallowed the Brazilian goal, insisting he had whistled the end of the game while the ball was in the air. The final score remained 1-1.

Quality of play:

The Dutch continued to employ “Total Football” to great effect despite the absence of Johan Cryuff. Argentina’s 4-3-3 under coach Cesar Luis Menotti proved both entertaining and lethal as Kempes proved unstoppable in the final third. Team captain Daniel Passarella remains one of the best defenders in World Cup history. Italy’s fine display, which resulted in a fourth-place finish, would be a prelude of things to come four years later.

Kits:

Given it was winter in South America, team shirts featured long sleeves. France’s green-and-white stripes were just plain weird.

Miscellaneous:

All of Argentina’s games kicked off in the evening, giving them an advantage of already knowing other results in their group. Needing to win their final second round game 4-0 against Peru to reach the final, Argentina went on to post a 6-0 victory that some believe was fixed. FIFA changed the rules ahead of the 1982 World Cup.

Japan/South Korea 2002

Rating: 9/10

Champion: Brazil 

The Brazilians won their fifth, and most-recent World Cup, in 2002 after beating Germany 2-0 thanks to two goals from superstar Ronaldo.

Host: South Korea/Japan 

This was the first tournament to be hosted by two nations as well as the first held in Asia.

Best player: Ronaldo (Brazil) 

After failing to dazzle in the 1998 final, Ronaldo left his mark on the tournament. Ronaldo’s goals in the final, his seventh and eighth of the tournament, earned him the competition’s Golden Boot.

Iconic moment:

South Korea’s golden goal against Italy in the second round highlighted the tournament’s unpredictable nature as well as the unbridled joy of a nation. Ahn Jung-Hwan’s header that sailed past Gianluigi Buffon brought Italy to their knees.

Quality of play:

In a tournament highlighted by upsets, with nearly every underdog having their day (co-host South Korea above all), it proved strange that the final would be contested by such traditional powers. Brazil returned to their jogo bonito brand made famous over decades past. Their 3-4-2-1 with Cafu and Roberto Carlos on the flanks made for some high-energy offensive soccer that no opponent could stop. Brazil were one of the first teams to play three in the back at this high a level. Ronaldo, as a lone striker, got help from the pair of Rivaldo and Ronaldinho. This was a tournament that highlighted upsets. Senegal beat holders France, while South Korea, Turkey and the USA’s deep runs appeared to usher in a new world order that never materialized.

Kits:

Brazil’s classic yellow shirts were made a fashion faux-paus with the addition of green accents under the arms and across the shoulders. At the same time, FIFA banned Cameroon from wearing the sleeveless shirts used at the 2002 African Nations Cup earlier in the year after they were deemed to be “vests.” On a positive note, Germany’s white shirts with black trim escaped the eyesore nature of Korea/Japan uniforms.

Miscellaneous:

On the same day as the final, the two lowest-ranked FIFA teams, Montserrat (203rd) and Bhutan (202nd), met in Bhutan. The hosts won 2-0.

England 1966

Rating: 9/10

Champion: England 

England won their first – and to date only – World Cup at home after defeating West Germany 4-2 in a dramatic final that included a controversial Geoff Hurst extra-time goal whose validity is questioned to this day. It was the last final broadcast in black and white. 

Host:  England 

The English, who had invented and spread the game across the globe, were given hosting rights by FIFA after defeating West Germany and Spain.

Best player: Eusebio (Portugal) 

Nicknamed the “Black Panther,” Eusebio was known for his speed and potent right foot. He put those skills on full display at England ’66, scoring nine goals at the tournament and leading Portugal to a third-place finish. His four goals against North Korea remain one of the best individual displays by any player at the World Cup level.

Iconic moment:

There were a few big moments at the tournament. North Korea’s shock 1-0 win against Italy remains among one of the biggest upsets of all time. In the final, with the score at 2–2 at the end of 90 minutes,  Hurst’s shot in the 98th minute hit the crossbar and bounced down onto the goal line. The goal was awarded, although debate has raged over whether the ball crossed the line.

Quality of play:

This is a tournament where teams became more tactically astute and defensive displays the norm. The anti-football we see today was born in the late ’60s, dominated by the cynical catenaccio of the Italians that had worked so well for clubs such as Inter Milan. England’s 4-1-3-2 proved effective, although the team’s 11 goals in six games were evidence that this was a tournament where lots of goals weren’t needed to win games. A testament to that was the tournament average of just 2.78 goals a match.

Kits:

England’s home white and away red shirts, like the ones used in the final, remain stylish. Bulgaria’s all-white strip was bland and unimaginative.

Miscellaneous:

The Jules Rimet Trophy was stolen from a public display just three months before the start of the tournament. It was found under a hedge a week later by a dog named Pickles.

Spain 1982

Rating: 9/10

Champion: Italy 

Following a sluggish start, Italy captured their third World Cup after defeating West Germany 3-2. 

Host: Spain

FIFA awarded Spain the right to host the tournament after West Germany agreed to a deal that allowed them to host the 1974 competition. 

Best player: Paolo Rossi (Italy)

The slender striker scored six goals at the tournament, including a hat-trick against Brazil, to lead the Italians to the title. Rossi’s inclusion into the team, a year after he had been sidelined for two years following accusations he had been involved in a match-fixing ring, had been controversial. However, the move by manager Enzo Bearzot proved brilliant with Rossi carrying the team to victory. 

Iconic moment:

Rossi was at the center of this one. The tournament’s second round, highlighted by a round-robin phase rather than single-elimination, featured a group with Italy, Brazil and Argentina. It was the ultimate “Group of Death” between three of the strongest soccer nations at senior level. The Italians ultimately proved victorious, qualifying for the semifinals against Poland and ultimately the title game. Rossi’s hat-trick against Brazil helped jumpstart Italy’s run that later led to victory. 

Quality of play:

The Italians effectively used their catenaccio with a 5-1-3-1 formation that featured veteran goalkeeper Dino Zoff in net, a sturdy defense with sweeper Gaetano Scirea and right-back Claudio Gentile, one of the toughest and most physical defenders in the world at the time. Midfielder Marco Tardelli created the plays, while Rossi finished them. The team, built on a block of Juventus players, typified Italian soccer and their dominance of the European game at the time. The West Germans, similarly, used a 5-2-3. Strong defense was also the norm, but their three-man attack was much more lethal. It was a tournament where defense would win out in the end.

Kits:

The early ’80s featured tight shirts and rather short shorts. The classic Italian blue-and-white kit and the West Germans white-and-black endures to this day. Regrettable ones included the Soviet Union’s white shirts, adorned with red pinstripes, and Algeria’s lime green-and-white combination.

Miscellaneous:

Algeria, Cameroon, Honduras, Kuwait and New Zealand made their first appearances in the finals.

Mexico 1986

Rating: 9/10

Champion: Argentina 

Argentina, led by Diego Maradona, won their second World Cup title, defeating West Germany in the final 3-2.

Host: Mexico 

Mexico, the first country to earn the right to host the tournament for the second time, once again served as a brilliant host. Like in 1970, games were played during the day under a baking sun. FIFA had originally awarded the tournament to Colombia, but when the South Americans were unable to do so, decided to accept bids once again. Mexico and the United States both showed interest, with FIFA going with the Mexican bid in the end.

Best player: Diego Maradona (Argentina) 

Not since Pele led Brazil to the title in 1970 had one player had such an impact on his team’s ultimate success. In 1986 that player was Maradona. He almost single-handedly led his country to the title, scoring five goals, including two goals against England in the quarterfinals — one in controversial fashion, the other one of the best in the tournament’s history.

Iconic moment:

Not surprisingly, it was Maradona who took part in what two iconic moments, both in the same match, at Mexico ’86. His opening goal against England, where he punched the ball into the goal past goalie Peter Shilton, remains one of the craftiest plays in soccer history. Although Maradona was later branded a cheater by the English, he referred to the goal as being scored by “The Hand of God” when asked about it after the game. Maradona’s second goal included a brilliant run that involved beating five English players before slotting the ball past Shilton. It is arguably the best goal ever scored at a World Cup.

Quality of play:

Little had changed from the defensive tactics of 1982 that would culminate with the 1990 World Cup. Argentina featured Maradona at the height of his game, but there was a supporting cast worthy of a trophy. The midfield on that ’86 team was stacked with talent, including imposing midfielder Sergio Batista and the gritty Ricardo Giusti, while the attack was highlighted by Jorge Valdano and Jorge Burruchaga. Coach Salvador Bilardo, who used a then-innovative 3-5-2 system, knew he could rely on Maradona to be the orchestra leader, either deep in his own half to create chances for Burruchaga or further up the field for a solo performance. Maradona’s individual flair masked a larger truth: Bilardo played an anti-soccer style that did the bare minimum to secure wins. Pragmatism and gamesmanship (like the “Hand of God” goal) were also a big reason the team won the trophy in Mexico that summer.

Kits:

Argentina’s white-and-sky blue stripped jersey and black shorts became bestsellers after the team won the Cup. Iraq’s all-yellow uniforms were an eyesore, as were Algeria’s updated variation of its Espana ’82 kits. 

Miscellaneous:

Bulgaria and Uruguay qualified for the second round without winning a first-round game.

Mexico 1970

Rating: 10/10

Champion: Brazil

Brazil won a third World Cup in stunning fashion, defeating Italy 4-1 in the final, powered by Pele, who was at the peak of his career. The win also marked the third time Brazil had won the Jules Rimet trophy, the last time it was handed to a winning team. A new World Cup trophy, used to this day, would be awarded to West Germany for the first time four years later. 

Host: Mexico 

Mexico hosted the tournament for the first time, where games were played under a searing midday sun to accommodate European TV audiences. Overall, the tournament was a success with soccer-mad Mexican crowds pushing players to their limits. 

Best player: Pele (Brazil) 

Pele, playing in his last World Cup, exorcised the demons of the 1966 tournament where the Brazilians had faltered, to help Brazil win a third title. It was also a third title for him as a player, serving as a bookend to a brilliant career that had started with him lifting the trophy in both 1958 and 1962. 

Iconic moment:

Italy’s dramatic 4-3 win against West Germany in the semifinals remains one of the most iconic games in World Cup history. The match, subsequently referred to as the “Game of the Century,” is remembered to this day with a plaque outside the Azteca Stadium where it was played.

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Quality of play:

The Brazilians were offensive and adventurous in the final third, a joy to watch as they pummeled teams. The ability to bend opponents to their will under the Mexican heat was a combination of athleticism and jogo bonito. This remains one of the best Brazilian teams, captained at the time by Carlos Alberto, to ever win a World Cup. It’s 4-2-4, with Pele up top alongside Rivelino, Tostao and Jairzinho, were too much for the Italian backline to handle in the final.

Kits:

The tournament’s two finalists, Brazil’s canary-yellow shirts and Italy’s deep blue kits, were among the best that year. Those who could not give any fashion lessons that summer included Czechoslovakia, El Salvador and Israel, all of whom had bland white shirts in common.  

Miscellaneous:

The tournament’s top score that year was West Germany’s Gerd Muller with 10 goals.