Greatest World Cup Upsets in History

Every World Cup delivers moments where underdogs defy expectations. These historic upsets remind us why football is the beautiful game.

Iconic Early Tournament Shocks

USA 1-0 England (1950)

In one of football's earliest shocks, the United States beat England 1-0 in the 1950 group stage. England, considered heavy favorites, were eliminated in the group stage — a result still regarded as one of sport's greatest upsets.

North Korea 1-0 Italy (1966)

North Korea's stunning defeat of Italy at the 1966 World Cup remains one of the tournament's biggest shocks. Pak Doo-ik's 42nd-minute goal sent the Italians home and the Koreans to the quarterfinals.

Modern Era Shocks

Senegal 1-0 France (2002)

Defending champions France were beaten by debutants Senegal in the opening game of 2002. France failed to score a single goal and crashed out in the group stage.

Germany 0-2 South Korea (2018)

World Cup holders Germany were eliminated by South Korea in the group stage, with two late goals from the Koreans condemning Germany to their earliest ever World Cup exit.

Recent Giant Killings

Saudi Arabia 2-1 Argentina (2022)

Lionel Messi's Argentina, heavy favorites going into the tournament, suffered a shock opening defeat against Saudi Arabia. The result stunned the football world and briefly threatened to derail Argentina's eventual title run.

Japan 2-1 Germany and 2-1 Spain (2022)

Japan's back-to-back victories over two former World Cup winners in the same group stage remains one of the most remarkable collective performances by an Asian nation in tournament history.