The FIFA World Cup final is the biggest match in international soccer, deciding the champion of the world’s most prestigious tournament every four years. Since the inaugural World Cup in 1930, fans have witnessed unforgettable moments, legendary performances, dramatic extra-time victories, and penalty shootouts that have shaped football history.
Below is the complete list of every FIFA World Cup final, including the score, winner, runner-up, and whether the match was decided after extra time or penalties.
Complete FIFA World Cup Finals Results
| Year | Winner | Score | Runner-up | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Argentina | 3-3 (4-2 pens) | France | Penalties |
| 2018 | France | 4-2 | Croatia | Regulation |
| 2014 | Germany | 1-0 | Argentina | Extra Time |
| 2010 | Spain | 1-0 | Netherlands | Extra Time |
| 2006 | Italy | 1-1 (5-3 pens) | France | Penalties |
| 2002 | Brazil | 2-0 | Germany | Regulation |
| 1998 | France | 3-0 | Brazil | Regulation |
| 1994 | Brazil | 0-0 (3-2 pens) | Italy | Penalties |
| 1990 | West Germany | 1-0 | Argentina | Regulation |
| 1986 | Argentina | 3-2 | West Germany | Regulation |
| 1982 | Italy | 3-1 | West Germany | Regulation |
| 1978 | Argentina | 3-1 | Netherlands | Extra Time |
| 1974 | West Germany | 2-1 | Netherlands | Regulation |
| 1970 | Brazil | 4-1 | Italy | Regulation |
| 1966 | England | 4-2 | West Germany | Extra Time |
| 1962 | Brazil | 3-1 | Czechoslovakia | Regulation |
| 1958 | Brazil | 5-2 | Sweden | Regulation |
| 1954 | West Germany | 3-2 | Hungary | Regulation |
| 1950 | Uruguay | 2-1 | Brazil | Final Group Match |
| 1938 | Italy | 4-2 | Hungary | Regulation |
| 1934 | Italy | 2-1 | Czechoslovakia | Extra Time |
| 1930 | Uruguay | 4-2 | Argentina | Regulation |
Note: The 1950 FIFA World Cup did not feature a traditional final. Uruguay clinched the title by defeating Brazil 2-1 in the decisive match of the final group stage, famously known as the Maracanazo.
Which Country Has Won the Most FIFA World Cup Titles?
Brazil remains the most successful nation in FIFA World Cup history with five championships.
Most FIFA World Cup Championships
- Brazil – 5 (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)
- Germany – 4 (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014)
- Italy – 4 (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006)
- Argentina – 3 (1978, 1986, 2022)
- France – 2 (1998, 2018)
- Uruguay – 2 (1930, 1950)
- England – 1 (1966)
- Spain – 1 (2010)
What Is the Highest-Scoring FIFA World Cup Final?
The highest-scoring FIFA World Cup final came in 1958 when Brazil defeated Sweden 5-2. The match produced seven total goals and featured a legendary performance from 17-year-old Pelé.
How Many FIFA World Cup Finals Have Been Decided by Penalties?
Three FIFA World Cup finals have been decided by a penalty shootout:
- 1994: Brazil defeated Italy 3-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
- 2006: Italy defeated France 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
- 2022: Argentina defeated France 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw.
The 1994 final remains the only FIFA World Cup final to finish scoreless after extra time.
Which FIFA World Cup Finals Went to Extra Time?
Eight FIFA World Cup championship matches required extra time, including those eventually decided by penalties:
- 1934: Italy 2-1 Czechoslovakia
- 1966: England 4-2 West Germany
- 1978: Argentina 3-1 Netherlands
- 1994: Brazil 0-0 Italy (Brazil won on penalties)
- 2006: Italy 1-1 France (Italy won on penalties)
- 2010: Spain 1-0 Netherlands
- 2014: Germany 1-0 Argentina
- 2022: Argentina 3-3 France (Argentina won on penalties)
These matches produced some of the most memorable moments in World Cup history, including Andrés Iniesta’s title-winning goal for Spain in 2010 and Mario Götze’s extra-time winner for Germany in 2014.
Most Memorable FIFA World Cup Finals
- 1950: Uruguay stunned host nation Brazil in the decisive final-round match at the Maracanã.
- 1966: England captured its only FIFA World Cup title after defeating West Germany in extra time.
- 1986: Argentina defeated West Germany to win its second World Cup.
- 1998: France lifted its first World Cup trophy on home soil.
- 2010: Spain won its first FIFA World Cup title.
- 2022: Argentina and France produced one of the greatest finals in history before Argentina prevailed in a dramatic penalty shootout.
FIFA World Cup Finals FAQs
How many FIFA World Cup tournaments have been played?
There have been 22 FIFA World Cup tournaments from 1930 through 2022. The 1950 tournament was decided by a final group stage rather than a traditional championship match.
Which FIFA World Cup final had the most goals?
Brazil’s 5-2 victory over Sweden in 1958 featured seven goals, the most ever scored in a FIFA World Cup final.
Which FIFA World Cup final finished 0-0?
The 1994 final between Brazil and Italy ended 0-0 after extra time before Brazil won 3-2 on penalties.
Which country has played in the most FIFA World Cup finals?
Germany has appeared in eight FIFA World Cup finals, the most by any nation. Brazil has reached seven finals, while Argentina and Italy have each appeared in six.
Final Thoughts
From Uruguay’s triumph in the inaugural tournament in 1930 to Argentina’s dramatic victory over France in 2022, every FIFA World Cup final has added another unforgettable chapter to football history. Whether decided in regulation, extra time or penalties, these championship matches have showcased the sport’s greatest players and most iconic moments, cementing the FIFA World Cup Final as one of the world’s premier sporting events.