Underdogs of World Cup history and their surprising victories
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 12:45 PM
Last updated Jun 9, 2026
The FIFA World Cup has seen several underdog teams claim victory despite strong competition. Notable examples include West Germany defeating Hungary in 1954's 'Miracle of Bern' and Uruguay's unexpected win over Brazil in 1950. Argentina and Diego Maradona shocked the world in 1986, and Italy defeated France in a dramatic 2006 final. France, hosting in 1998, also claimed its first World Cup by overcoming Brazil. The historical analysis highlights how these teams overcame adversity to achieve soccer's greatest prize.
- •West Germany upset Hungary 3-2 in the 1954 final.
- •Uruguay defeated Brazil 2-1 in the 1950 final.
- •Argentina won the 1986 World Cup with Maradona's key contributions.
- •Italy triumphed in the 2006 final against France in a penalty shootout.
- •France secured its first World Cup title by beating Brazil 3-0 in 1998.
- 12:45 PMYahoo Sports — Biggest underdogs to win the World Cup: Five times there was a stunning winner
"Despite the very chalk nature of the World Cup, there have been stunning victors who beat all-time great teams en route to glory.
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