Top 5 World Cup Upsets | 2024

 

Top 5 World Cup Upsets: When Underdogs Shocked the World

The FIFA World Cup is renowned for its grand stage, where footballing giants battle for supremacy. However, throughout its history, there have been moments when underdog teams stunned the world with unexpected victories, leaving fans and pundits in disbelief. These upsets remind us that in football, anything is possible. Here are the top 5 World Cup upsets where underdogs defied the odds and made history.

1. USA vs. England (1950)

The Miracle on Grass

In one of the most unexpected upsets in World Cup history, a largely amateur USA team stunned the world by defeating football giants England 1-0. The English team, seen as the best in the world at the time, couldn’t break down the American defense, and Joe Gaetjens’ lone goal secured a legendary victory.

2. North Korea vs. Italy (1966) 

 The Fall of a Giant

In one of the most shocking results of the 1966 World Cup, North Korea, a debutant in the tournament, took on Italy, two-time World Cup champions, in the group stage. No one gave North Korea a chance against Italy, but Pak Doo-Ik's famous goal in the 42nd minute sealed a 1-0 victory. The result sent Italy crashing out of the tournament and established North Korea as the ultimate giant-killers. North Korea would go on to reach the quarterfinals, an incredible achievement for a team few had heard of before the tournament.

3. Senegal vs. France (2002)

 The Defending Champs Fall

In the opening game of the 2002 World Cup, Senegal, playing in their first-ever World Cup, faced the reigning champions France. France, boasting a star-studded team including Thierry Henry and Zinedine Zidane (who was injured for the match), were heavily favored to win. But Senegal, led by coach Bruno Metsu, stunned the world with a gritty performance. A first-half goal by Papa Bouba Diop proved to be enough, as Senegal defended resolutely to claim a historic 1-0 victory. The result was a massive shock and set the tone for Senegal’s remarkable run to the quarterfinals, becoming only the second African team to achieve that feat.

4. Germany vs. South Korea (2018)

The Fall of a Giant

Germany, the 2014 World Cup champions, were expected to easily defeat South Korea in the group stages of the 2018 tournament. However, the Koreans had other plans, beating Germany 2-0 and sending them crashing out of the competition. This marked Germany’s first group-stage exit since 1938 and left fans around the world in shock.

5. Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia (2022)
A Modern-Day Shock

One of the biggest upsets in recent World Cup history occurred during the 2022 tournament when Saudi Arabia came from behind to beat Lionel Messi’s Argentina 2-1 in the group stage. Argentina was one of the favorites to win the cup, but Saudi Arabia’s resilient performance handed them a stunning defeat, shaking up the entire tournament.

These unforgettable moments remind us that in the World Cup, anything is possible. Whether it’s a last-minute goal or a defensive masterclass, underdogs have the power to make history on the world’s biggest stage.