The Greatest FIFA World Cup Finals Ever Played 

The energy of a FIFA World Cup final is unmatched. The drama, heartbreak, and spectacle are like nothing you’ve experienced before. The whole world holds its breath, watching the best players in the world battle it out on the field for the trophy.  

But some games make you clench your hands and scream at the TV in frustration or awe. These games are truly magical. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the greatest FIFA World Cup finals ever played.  

1. Argentina vs France (2022) – The Ultimate World Cup Final 

From the first whistle to the last penalty, the final between Argentina and France was the ultimate World Cup final. Hosted in Qatar, this match had a little bit of everything. It had drama, heart-stopping extra time, and a memorable penalty shootout.  

Argentina started the second half with a 2-0 lead, looking to take the game. But France came back strong in the 80th and 81st minutes, scoring 2 goals by Kylian Mbappé. The game went into a nerve-wracking penalty shootout where fans around the world held their breath.  

In extra time, Lionel Messi scored again for Argentina. But Mbappe completed his hat-trick with a penalty resulting in a 3-3 draw. Argentina ended up converting 4 out of 5 penalties, resulting in them lifting the trophy for the third time.  

2. Italy vs West Germany (1970) – The “Game of the Century” 

While this match was a semifinal, not a final, it is still considered the “game of the century.” This legendary match between Italy and West Germany happened in 1970 and was one for the books.  

Italy beat West Germany 4-3 during an intense extra-time period packed with unforgettable twists. The total of 7 goals makes it the most goals ever scored in the World Cup. So, between non-stop goals and high emotions, this game will be forever remembered as a “final” in its own right.

3. Brazil vs Italy (1970) – The Perfect Team 

1970 was the year for soccer, as the final between Brazil and Italy also makes it onto this list. This match showed how having the perfect team can influence the outcome of a match.  

Brazil won 4-1 in an insane display of attacking soccer. Led by Pele, they were able to dominate the game with a never-before-seen level of creativity, flair, and confidence. This victory meant a third World Cup win for Brazil. 

4. Germany vs Argentina (2014) – Fine Margins and Glory 

The 2014 final between Germany and Argentina was defined by intensity. The game went into extra time, and after 113 minutes, Mario Götze scored the winning goal. This resulted in a 1-0 victory for Germany.  

This single goal rewrote history and made this game one of the highest-stakes matches yet. Germany became the first European nation to ever win a World Cup in South America.  

5. France vs Brazil (1998) – A New Power Emerges 

1998 redefined what it meant to host a World Cup as France beat Brazil 3-0 on home soil. Inspired by Zinedine Zidane, who scored two goals, France shocked the world by winning the title.  

Brazil had entered the tournament as fan favourites and were showing to win. But France came to win and dominated the game from the start. They lifted their first-ever World Cup trophy and sparked a nationwide party.  

What Makes a World Cup Final Great? 

At the end of the day, the greatest World Cup finals are about so much more than the final score. They are about the vibe, the unforgettable moments, and the high-stakes pressure that comes with supporting a team. The greatest moments are born out of nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat encounters that can’t be found anywhere else.  

So, the FIFA World Cup final is where legends are made. As this year’s tournament approaches, watch all the action live and bet as moments happen or before the game with bet.co.za.