Every World Cup final carries its own unique weight, but some transcend the sport. As the world eagerly awaits the next chapter, BBC Sport has attempted the impossible: ranking the best men's World Cup finals of all time. Using criteria of goals, drama, superstar performances, and lasting legacy, the list spans over 90 years of football history.
"So how do you quantify the 'best' - is it goals, drama, superstars at their peak?" asks BBC Sport's Alex Bysouth. "Well, I have tried to take into account all of those aspects, as well as the showpieces that provided the most compelling storylines and delivered the most enduring legacies."
The Contenders: A Journey Through World Cup History
The countdown begins with finals that are more than just the sum of their scorelines. At number 10 sits Brazil's 2-0 victory over Germany in 2002, a tale of Ronaldo's redemption after the trauma of 1998 and a career-threatening injury. His second-half brace sealed the Seleção's fifth star, though no one knew it would be their last to date.
Ninth is the 2006 final between Italy and France, forever defined by Zinedine Zidane's infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi and Italy's eventual shootout triumph. The image of Zidane walking past the trophy remains a haunting symbol of the fine line between genius and madness.
Eighth spot goes to West Germany's 2-1 comeback win over the Netherlands in 1974. The Dutch, led by Johan Cruyff and their Total Football, scored before the Germans even touched the ball. But Gerd Müller's winner flipped the script on a generation that promised so much more.
Completing the top 10 are a mix of historic romps and nail-biters: the 1954 "Miracle of Bern" when West Germany stunned Hungary's Mighty Magyars; Argentina's 3-1 victory over the Netherlands in 1978 on home soil; and the 1998 final where Zidane's France dismantled Brazil 3-0. But the podium is where the debate truly ignites.
The Bronze: 2022 Argentina vs. France
Considered by many as the most exhilarating final ever, the 2022 showpiece in Lusail had everything. Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé traded blows in a 3-3 classic that featured a hat-trick from the Frenchman, a penalty shootout, and the crowning of Messi as the undisputed GOAT. The narrative of Messi finally claiming the one trophy that eluded him makes this an instant classic.
The Silver: England 1966 – A Nation's Undisputed Zenith
For England, 1966 remains the defining moment. A 4-2 extra-time victory over West Germany at Wembley, complete with Geoff Hurst's hat-trick—including the contentious third goal that still sparks debate. It's the final that gave birth to the "they think it's all over" commentary, an immortal line that still echoes. The sight of Bobby Moore lifting the Jules Rimet trophy remains English football's most iconic image.
The Gold: 1970 Brazil 4-1 Italy – The Beautiful Game Defined
At number one, BBC Sport crowns Brazil's 4-1 demolition of Italy in 1970. Played at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, it was the culmination of the most celebrated team in history. Pelé opened the scoring with a header, set up two more, and with Jairzinho, Gérson, and Carlos Alberto, orchestrated a symphony of attacking football. Carlos Alberto's thunderous fourth goal, crafted by a sweeping nine-pass move involving almost the entire team, is routinely labeled the greatest team goal ever. This final wasn't just a match; it was a manifesto of how football should be played.
BBC Sport's ranking reaffirms what many know: the best finals are not merely decided by trophies, but by the stories they tell and the generations they inspire.
Full ranking and interactive vote available at BBC Sport.
