Every FIFA World Cup Champion: Complete History from 1930 to 2022

The FIFA World Cup has been staged 22 times since the inaugural tournament in 1930. Eight different nations have won the tournament, with Brazil leading the way on five titles. Here is the complete history of every World Cup champion.

1930 — Uruguay (Host: Uruguay)

The first FIFA World Cup was held in Uruguay and hosted 13 nations. Uruguay, the reigning Olympic football champions, defeated Argentina 4–2 in the Final in Montevideo. The tournament was boycotted by most European nations, who objected to the long sea voyage to South America.

1934 — Italy (Host: Italy)

Italy became the first European host to win the tournament, defeating Czechoslovakia 2–1 after extra time in Rome. Manager Vittorio Pozzo became the first coach to win a World Cup.

1938 — Italy (Host: France)

Italy became the first team to successfully defend the World Cup title, defeating Hungary 4–2 in Paris. Italy's victory came amid the darkening political climate in Europe before World War II.

1950 — Uruguay (Host: Brazil)

The 1950 World Cup used a final group stage rather than a knockout final. Uruguay's famous 2–1 defeat of Brazil in the "Maracanazo" at the Estádio do Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro — in front of nearly 200,000 spectators — remains one of sport's greatest upsets and a defining moment in World Cup history.

1954 — West Germany (Host: Switzerland)

The "Miracle of Bern" — West Germany's stunning 3–2 defeat of tournament favourites Hungary in the Final in Bern — is one of the World Cup's most celebrated moments. Hungary had been unbeaten in four years and were considered the greatest team in the world.

1958 — Brazil (Host: Sweden)

Brazil's first World Cup title introduced a 17-year-old Pelé to the world. Brazil defeated the host nation Sweden 5–2 in the Final in Stockholm, playing a revolutionary style that combined technical brilliance with physical flair.

1962 — Brazil (Host: Chile)

Brazil retained the title in Chile, defeating Czechoslovakia 3–1 in the Final. Pelé was injured early in the tournament, but Garrincha stepped up with a series of outstanding performances.

1966 — England (Host: England)

England's only World Cup title came on home soil at Wembley, where they defeated West Germany 4–2 after extra time. Geoff Hurst's hat-trick — including the most controversial goal in World Cup history — secured the title.

1970 — Brazil (Host: Mexico)

Often called the greatest team in World Cup history, Brazil's 1970 side — featuring Pelé, Jairzinho, Rivelino, and Tostão — won every match and defeated Italy 4–1 in the Final at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. It was Brazil's third title, earning them permanent possession of the original Jules Rimet Trophy.

1974 — West Germany (Host: West Germany)

In the "Final of the century," West Germany defeated Netherlands 2–1 in Munich. The Dutch, playing their famous "Total Football" under Rinus Michels, took the lead in the first minute but were eventually overcome by the host nation.

1978 — Argentina (Host: Argentina)

Argentina won their first World Cup title on home soil in Buenos Aires, defeating Netherlands 3–1 after extra time in a politically charged tournament staged under the military junta.

1982 — Italy (Host: Spain)

Italy's third World Cup title came in Spain with a 3–1 defeat of West Germany in the Final in Madrid. Paolo Rossi, who had been suspended until just before the tournament, became its leading scorer with six goals.

1986 — Argentina (Host: Mexico)

Diego Maradona's World Cup — the greatest individual tournament performance in the competition's history. Argentina defeated West Germany 3–2 in the Final in Mexico City. Maradona's quarter-final against England produced both the "Hand of God" goal and the "Goal of the Century," scored just minutes apart.

1990 — West Germany (Host: Italy)

A tournament remembered for its defensive football, West Germany won their third title with a 1–0 defeat of Argentina in Rome — both teams having met in the 1986 Final. Andreas Brehme's penalty settled the lowest-scoring World Cup Final in history.

1994 — Brazil (Host: United States)

Brazil won their record fourth title in the first World Cup held in North America, defeating Italy 3–2 on penalties after a goalless draw — the first Final decided by a penalty shootout. Roberto Baggio's famous missed penalty ended Italy's hopes.

1998 — France (Host: France)

France won their first World Cup title on home soil, defeating a bizarrely subdued Brazil 3–0 in the Final at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. Zinédine Zidane scored twice with headers in the first half to seal the victory.

2002 — Brazil (Host: South Korea/Japan)

Brazil's fifth and most recent World Cup title came in the first tournament staged in Asia. They defeated Germany 2–0 in the Final in Yokohama, with both goals scored by Ronaldo — completing one of sport's great comeback stories after his health scare before the 1998 Final.

2006 — Italy (Host: Germany)

Italy won their fourth title in a Final remembered above all for Zinédine Zidane's red card. Italy defeated France 5–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw. The tournament was Zidane's last professional appearance.

2010 — Spain (Host: South Africa)

Spain became the first European nation to win a World Cup held outside Europe, defeating Netherlands 1–0 in extra time with Andrés Iniesta's goal in the 116th minute in Johannesburg. It was the first of what became the most dominant era in international football history.

2014 — Germany (Host: Brazil)

Germany's fourth title came with a 1–0 defeat of Argentina in the Final in Rio de Janeiro, settled by Mario Götze's extra-time goal in the 113th minute. The tournament will forever be remembered for Germany's extraordinary 7–1 semi-final defeat of host nation Brazil — the "Mineirazo."

2018 — France (Host: Russia)

France won their second title with a 4–2 defeat of Croatia in the Final in Moscow. Kylian Mbappé became the second teenager to score in a World Cup Final after Pelé.

2022 — Argentina (Host: Qatar)

The most dramatic World Cup Final in history. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, defeated France 4–2 on penalties after a 3–3 draw following extra time. France's Kylian Mbappé scored a hat-trick — but it was not enough. Argentina's third World Cup title was widely celebrated as confirmation of Messi's status as the greatest footballer of all time.

Summary: World Cup Titles by Nation

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Argentina are the defending champions. Brazil, Germany, France, and Spain are among the strongest contenders to add another title to their collection.