The Greatest World Cup Upsets of All Time

The World Cup is football's greatest stage precisely because the script can be torn up on any given afternoon. For every coronation of a favourite, there is a giant-killing that lives forever. Here are the upsets that shook the tournament to its foundations.

Saudi Arabia 2–1 Argentina (2022)

On the opening day of their eventual title-winning campaign, Lionel Messi's Argentina were stunned by Saudi Arabia in one of the most shocking results in World Cup history. Argentina led through a Messi penalty, but two goals in five second-half minutes from Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari turned the football world upside down — before Argentina recovered to win the whole tournament.

Senegal 1–0 France (2002)

The reigning world champions and pre-tournament favourites France were beaten by World Cup debutants Senegal in the opening match of 2002, Papa Bouba Diop scoring the only goal. France would go home without scoring a single goal — one of the most spectacular title-defence collapses ever seen.

Cameroon 1–0 Argentina (1990)

Defending champions Argentina, with Diego Maradona in their ranks, were beaten by Cameroon in the 1990 opener despite the Indomitable Lions finishing the match with nine men. The result announced African football to the world and remains one of the tournament's iconic moments.

North Korea 1–0 Italy (1966)

Perhaps the original great shock: unheralded North Korea eliminated two-time champions Italy at Ayresome Park in 1966, Pak Doo-ik scoring the goal that sent the Italians home to a famously hostile reception.

Germany Out in the Group Stage (2018)

Reigning champions Germany arrived in Russia as one of the favourites and left bottom of their group, beaten by Mexico and then South Korea. It was the first time Germany had failed to reach the knockout stage since 1938.

Japan and Morocco Light Up 2022

Qatar 2022 was the tournament of upsets. Japan beat both Germany and Spain to top their group. Morocco went further than any African or Arab nation in history, eliminating Belgium, Spain and Portugal on the way to the semi-finals.

Why Upsets Matter More in 2026

With 48 teams and a brand-new Round of 32, the 2026 World Cup offers more opportunities than ever for the unfancied to make history. Every one of these shocks began with a team that, on paper, had no chance. Follow every potential giant-killing live on KickD.

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