Top 10 FIFA World Cup Comebacks of All Time

The FIFA World Cup has given us countless moments of joy, heartbreak, and sheer astonishment. Among these, the comebacks stand out as some of the most thrilling and unforgettable experiences in the history of the tournament. From underdog victories to stunning reversals of fortune, let’s delve into the top 10 FIFA World Cup comebacks that have left an indelible mark on the beautiful game.

1. Italy vs. West Germany (1970)

In the 1970 semi-final, Italy and West Germany clashed in a match that would go down in history as one of the greatest comebacks. Italy took an early lead, but West Germany fought back to equalize in the dying moments. The match went into extra time, with Italy eventually securing a 4-3 victory in a nail-biting finish.

2. Portugal vs. North Korea (1966)

In an iconic quarter-final match, Portugal faced a 3-0 deficit against North Korea. Eusébio, the legendary Portuguese forward, single-handedly orchestrated a stunning comeback, scoring four goals and leading his team to a remarkable 5-3 victory.

3. Brazil vs. Sweden (1958)

The 1958 World Cup final saw Brazil trailing Sweden 1-0 at halftime. The Brazilians, led by a young Pelé, made an incredible comeback, scoring five unanswered goals to claim their first-ever World Cup title.

4. Spain vs. Yugoslavia (2000)

In the Euro 2000 quarter-final, Spain found themselves 3-2 down against Yugoslavia. A dramatic last-minute goal from Alfonso Pérez forced extra time, where Spain secured a 4-3 victory in a pulsating encounter.

5. England vs. West Germany (1966)

The 1966 World Cup final remains etched in history for England’s dramatic comeback. Geoff Hurst’s hat-trick in extra time propelled England to a 4-2 victory over West Germany, securing their first and only World Cup title.

6. France vs. Argentina (2018)

In the 2018 World Cup Round of 16, France faced a resilient Argentina side. Trailing 2-1, France executed a remarkable comeback with goals from Pavard and Mbappé, ultimately winning 4-3 in a thriller that showcased the young French talent.

7. Germany vs. Hungary (1954)

The 1954 World Cup final featured a remarkable comeback by West Germany against Hungary. Trailing 2-0, Germany rallied to win 3-2, marking their first World Cup title in what is now known as the “Miracle of Bern.”

8. Netherlands vs. Germany (1974)

In the 1974 World Cup final, the Netherlands trailed West Germany 1-0. Despite their defeat, the Dutch team’s attacking prowess and Johan Cruyff’s brilliance left an enduring legacy, showcasing one of the most memorable comebacks in World Cup history.

9. Brazil vs. Costa Rica (2002)

In the 2002 World Cup group stage, Brazil found themselves 1-0 down against Costa Rica. Ronaldo’s equalizer and Rivaldo’s late winner secured a crucial comeback victory, setting the tone for Brazil’s eventual triumph in the tournament.

10. Sweden vs. Germany (2018)

In a thrilling 2018 World Cup group stage match, Sweden came from behind to defeat defending champions Germany 2-1. The result marked a stunning upset and showcased the unpredictable nature of football on the grandest stage.