​Since the inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930, hosted by Uruguay, the tournament has expanded to 22 editions, with several finals etched into football history. The 23rd edition will conclude on Sunday as Argentina and Spain compete in New Jersey for the coveted trophy. Here at From The Spot, we rank the ten greatest FIFA World Cup finals of all time, arranged from the least dramatic to the most dramatic.
10. 1930: Uruguay 4 – 2 Argentina. The very first World Cup final was staged at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, inaugurating football’s premier international competition. It marked the first encounter between two South American nations in a World Cup final, producing a historic, fiercely contested clash. Uruguay took an early lead through Pablo Dorado in the 12th minute, but Argentina surged ahead before halftime with goals from Carlos Peucelle and Guillermo Stábile. Argentina appeared to control the match, yet Uruguay delivered a dominant second half performance, with goals from Pedro Cea, Santos Iriarte, and Héctor Castro completing a remarkable comeback. Uruguay claimed the first World Cup title on home soil, signaling the dawn of the tournament as we know it today.
9. 1966: England 4 – 2 West Germany (after extra time). This final at Wembley Stadium in London delivered a dramatic narrative, culminating in Geoff Hurst’s hat-trick and a controversial late extra-time period that sealed England’s success on home soil. The match swung through twists and turns, with West Germany forcing extra time after levelling the score late in regular play, only for England to prevail in the extra frame and lift the trophy in front of a raucous home crowd.
8. 2010: Spain 1 – 0 Netherlands (aet). Held at Soccer City (FNB Stadium) in Johannesburg, this final was a tense, often foul-laden affair featuring 14 yellow cards and a single sending-off for the Netherlands. Neither side could break the deadlock in regular time, as the match became a battle of discipline and restraint. Spain finally ended the stalemate in extra time when Andrés Iniesta volleyed home from a pass by Cesc Fàbregas, clinching Spain’s first World Cup title.
7. 1986: Argentina 3 – 2 West Germany. staged at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, this final brimmed with dramatic tension from start to finish. Argentina struck first through José Luis Brown in the 23rd minute, with Jorge Valdano extending the lead early in the second half. Germany, undeterred, mounted a late surge to set up a frantic finish, but Argentina held on for the victory to claim their second World Cup crown.
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