Who has won the most World Cups?

The 21st World Cup finals are taking place in Russia in 2018. Germany won the last tournament in Brazil, but which countries have won the most World Cups?

Eight different countries have won the World Cup to date, but one of the most successful nations won’t be at Russia in 2018. Italy have won the title four times, doing so in 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006. However, a qualifying playoff defeat to Sweden means the Italians won’t be adding to their total this summer.

Having won the tournament four times, Italy are level in the rankings with Germany. Their first three titles were won as West Germany, and were secured in 1954, 1974 and 1990. As a united nation they won the last World Cup in Brazil, memorably defeating the hosts 7-1 in the semifinals.

Germany defeated Argentina in the 2014 final, which prevented the South Americans from joining them on three World Cup titles. Argentina won the trophy in 1978 and 1986, but haven’t done so since Diego Maradona was in his pomp. Perhaps Lionel Messi, their current superstar, can power them to their third victory in Russia.

If he does, Argentina will draw ahead of their neighbors Uruguay. The Uruguayans won the very first World Cup in 1930, which was held in their country. More famously, they won the 1950 tournament in Brazil, despite having to play the host nation in the final match.

There will be three nations in Russia who will all harbor hopes of securing their second global title. England won the World Cup on home soil in 1966, and France did the same when they triumphed in 1998. Spain are the only one-time winners who did so overseas, as they won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Next: Ranking every World Cup, from worst to best

The favorites for the 2018 World Cup are Brazil, and they are the most successful team in the history of the tournament. The South American giants have won the trophy five times, and in five separate decades too. Their first triumph in 1958 saw a 17-year-old Pele make headlines around the world, and he did so again when they retained the title in 1962.

Perhaps the world’s greatest ever team were the Brazilian side who won the World Cup in Mexico in 1970, but they cast a long shadow. The country had to wait 24 years for another victory, which came on penalties against Italy in Pasadena. Their final victory to date was powered by the peculiar hair of Ronaldo in 2002, but they’re well equipped to secure title number six in Russia.