Soccer

World Cup Winners: A Century of Glory

From Uruguay's inaugural triumph to the upcoming 2026 showdown

A Century of Glory

The story of the FIFA World Cup begins in 1930, when Uruguay hosted the first edition and secured the trophy with a 4-2 victory over Argentina in Montevideo. The early finals set a precedent for dramatic contests on the world stage.

Four years later, Italy claimed its second championship in Rome, defeating Hungary 4-2. The tournament continued to evolve, and the post‑war era produced memorable finals such as Uruguay's 1950 win over Brazil in the iconic Maracanazo, a 2-1 result that still reverberates through football history.

West Germany broke new ground in 1954 with a 3-2 triumph over Hungary in Bern, while Brazil celebrated its third title in 1970, thrashing Italy 4-1 in Mexico City's Estadio Azteca. That match is forever linked to Pele's brilliance and is regarded as one of the sport's greatest showcases.

Argentina's golden moments arrived in 1986, when Diego Maradona's masterful performances led a 3-2 victory over West Germany. The nation returned to the summit in 2022, edging France on penalties after a 3-3 draw, cementing a legacy of resilience and star power.

France added its second crown in 2018, beating Croatia 4-2 in Moscow, a win that placed Didier Deschamps among the exclusive club of those who have lifted the trophy both as a player and a manager. Looking ahead, the 2026 edition is slated to be hosted across three North American nations, and according to the provided data, Spain is projected to win the final 1-0 over Argentina, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal.

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