The FIFA World Cup has produced some of the most memorable finals in sports history, featuring dramatic goals, extra-time winners, and penalty shootouts. However, only one World Cup final has ever finished goalless after 120 minutes.
That historic match came in 1994, when Brazil and Italy played to a 0-0 draw before Brazil won the championship in a penalty shootout.
The Only Goalless FIFA World Cup Final
The 1994 FIFA World Cup Final was played on July 17, 1994, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
Both Brazil and Italy entered the match with strong defensive records, but neither side could find a breakthrough during regulation or the additional 30 minutes of extra time.
The match ended 0-0, making it the only scoreless World Cup final in history.
Brazil Wins on Penalties
With no goals after 120 minutes, the championship was decided by a penalty shootout—the first time a FIFA World Cup final had ever been settled that way.
Brazil defeated Italy 3-2 on penalties to lift the trophy and claim its then-record fourth FIFA World Cup title.
The shootout is remembered for one of the most iconic moments in World Cup history when Italian star Roberto Baggio missed the decisive penalty by sending his shot over the crossbar, handing Brazil the championship.
Has Any Other World Cup Final Been 0-0 After 90 Minutes?
Yes, another World Cup final remained scoreless through regulation but did not finish without goals.
The 2014 FIFA World Cup Final between Germany and Argentina was tied 0-0 after 90 minutes, but substitute Mario Götze scored in the 113th minute of extra time to give Germany a 1-0 victory.
Because a goal was scored before penalties, the match does not count as a goalless final.
FIFA World Cup Finals That Went to Extra Time
Several World Cup finals have required extra time, but nearly all of them featured goals before the final whistle. The 1994 championship remains unique because neither team scored during the full 120 minutes.
FAQs
How many FIFA World Cup finals have finished 0-0?
Only one FIFA World Cup final has finished 0-0 after extra time: Brazil vs. Italy in 1994.
Which World Cup final ended in a penalty shootout?
The 1994 FIFA World Cup Final was the first World Cup championship match decided by penalties, with Brazil defeating Italy 3-2 after a 0-0 draw.
Did any World Cup final finish scoreless after 90 minutes?
Yes. The 2014 World Cup Final between Germany and Argentina was 0-0 after regulation, but Germany won 1-0 thanks to Mario Götze’s goal in extra time.
Final Thoughts
Despite nearly a century of FIFA World Cup history and more than 20 championship matches, only one final has ever remained scoreless through both regulation and extra time. The 1994 Brazil vs. Italy final stands alone as the only 0-0 FIFA World Cup final, remembered not for spectacular goals, but for a tense defensive battle and the first-ever penalty shootout to decide the world’s biggest soccer tournament.