As the most prestigious soccer tournament in the world, the FIFA World Cup has seen many great teams crowned champions throughout its history. From Brazil to Germany, we have witnessed some of the most iconic moments in sports history.
Ranking the top 10 World Cup-winning teams of all time is a daunting task, but with careful consideration of their accomplishments, we have presented our list of the greatest footballing sides to have won the tournament.
1. Brazil 1970 – Arguably the greatest team to have ever taken to the field, Brazil’s 1970 World Cup side was a formidable force. Led by Pele, the team displayed a mesmerizing brand of football that saw them score 19 goals and win every game.
2. Spain 2010 – Spain’s World Cup triumph in 2010 cemented their status as one of the best teams of the modern era. They played an intricate and controlled passing game that earned them the nickname “Tiki-Taka” and saw them score goals at the right times.
3. Brazil 2002 – Brazil’s 2002 team was a perfect balance of skill, power, and speed. Led by Ronaldo, the side coasted through the tournament, winning seven games, scoring 18 goals, and conceding just four times.
4. Germany 2014 – Germany’s 2014 side was devastating on the counter-attack, with an impressive ability to transition from defense to attack at lightning speed. The team drew praise for their resilience and efficiency, winning their fourth World Cup title in style.
5. Italy 2006 – Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning side wasn’t as dominant as some of the teams on this list, but their resilience and toughness make them one of the best. The defense managed to shut down some of the world’s best players, and they eventually won on penalties against France in the final.
6. Argentina 1986 – Diego Maradona’s genius led Argentina’s 1986 World Cup-winning team to glory. Maradona produced one of the best individual performances in World Cup history, scoring five goals and providing five assists, cementing his legacy as one of the best players of all time.
7. Brazil 1994 – Brazil’s 1994 World Cup-winning team was a well-organized and disciplined outfit. While not as flamboyant as some Brazilian teams of the past, the squad’s solid defense and efficient attack saw them lift their fourth World Cup title.
8. West Germany 1974 – The West German team of 1974 was a versatile side that could adapt to different styles of play. The team’s captain and talisman Franz Beckenbauer led by example, ultimately lifting the World Cup trophy after beating the Netherlands in the final.
9. France 1998 – France’s World Cup-winning team in 1998 was a star-studded side that boasted players such as Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, and Patrick Vieira. The team played with confidence and flair, ultimately winning their first World Cup trophy after defeating Brazil in the final.
10. Argentina 1978 – Argentina’s World Cup-winning team in 1978 featured a balanced and talented squad. Led by striker Mario Kempes, who scored six goals in the tournament, the side overcame tough competition to win their first ever World Cup.
In conclusion, these ten teams are a testament to the beautiful game and the skill, power, and passion required to win a World Cup title. Each team has its own unique style and approach to the game, but they share a common bond in that they are some of the greatest sides to have ever graced the football field.