Historic World Cup Finals
Before Argentina and Spain face off in the 2026 World Cup Final, look back at five finals that defined different eras of world football. Click each video to watch.
🎬 The Finals
📜 The Story Behind Each Final
🇸🇪 Sweden 2-5 Brazil 🇧🇷 — 1958
Brazil won their first title far from home, with a 17-year-old Pelé scoring twice, including an iconic chip that became instantly legendary. It marked the debut of the generation that would change football forever.
🇧🇷 Brazil 3-1 Czechoslovakia 🇨🇿 — 1962
Without an injured Pelé, Brazil retained the title thanks to Garrincha and Vavá, who scored twice against the Czechoslovaks. It confirmed that the team did not depend on a single player.
🏴 England 4-2 West Germany 🇩🇪 — 1966
England won their only World Cup as hosts, with Geoff Hurst becoming the only player ever to score a hat-trick in a Final. His second goal, off the crossbar, is still debated over whether it crossed the line.
🇧🇷 Brazil 4-1 Italy 🇮🇹 — 1970
Widely considered the greatest team in history, Brazil won their third title and kept the Jules Rimet Trophy for good. Carlos Alberto's final goal, after a perfect team move, remains one of the most replayed in World Cup history.
🇩🇪 West Germany 2-1 Netherlands 🇳🇱 — 1974
The Netherlands went ahead with a penalty before Germany even touched the ball, but the hosts turned the match around to be crowned champions at home. It was the final that pitted Cruyff's "total football" against German efficiency led by Beckenbauer and Müller.
| Year | Final | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1958 | 🇸🇪 Sweden 2-5 Brazil 🇧🇷 | Råsunda Stadium | June 29, 1958 |
| 1962 | 🇧🇷 Brazil 3-1 Czechoslovakia 🇨🇿 | Estadio Nacional | June 17, 1962 |
| 1966 | 🏴 England 4-2 West Germany 🇩🇪 | Wembley Stadium | July 30, 1966 |
| 1970 | 🇧🇷 Brazil 4-1 Italy 🇮🇹 | Estadio Azteca | June 21, 1970 |
| 1974 | 🇩🇪 West Germany 2-1 Netherlands 🇳🇱 | Olympiastadion | July 7, 1974 |