In shortNumber 1 in our ranking is Argentina 3–3 France (4–2 on penalties), followed by England 4–2 West Germany and Uruguay 2–1 Brazil, the Maracanazo.
The best World Cup finals are remembered decades later for their drama, their goals or their shocks. We weighed the match itself, what was at stake and its place in football history.
Which is yours? Vote below or add the one we missed.
Thanks. You voted for . Your vote counts.
We'll publish the readers' ranking once there are enough votes for it to be representative.
1. Argentina 3–3 France (4–2 on penalties)
Qatar 2022
Argentina led 2–0, Mbappé equalised in two minutes and scored a hat-trick, and it went to penalties. Messi finally won the World Cup in what many consider the best final ever.
2. England 4–2 West Germany
England 1966 · After extra time
England's only World Cup, with a Geoff Hurst hat-trick. One of his goals, which bounced on the line, is still debated.
3. Uruguay 2–1 Brazil, the Maracanazo
Brazil 1950 · Deciding match of the final round
Brazil only needed a draw in front of around 200,000 fans at the Maracanã. Uruguay came from behind to deliver the biggest shock in World Cup history.
4. Brazil 4–1 Italy
Mexico 1970
Pelé's final and one of the greatest teams of all time. The fourth goal, by Carlos Alberto, sums up Brazilian football of the era.
5. Spain 1–0 Netherlands
South Africa 2010 · After extra time
Iniesta scored in the 116th minute and Spain won its first World Cup. It was the culmination of the passing game that dominated that era.
6. West Germany 3–2 Hungary
Switzerland 1954 · The Miracle of Bern
Hungary, the clear favourites who had thrashed Germany in the group stage, lost after leading 2–0. For Germany it became a symbol of post-war recovery.
7. Argentina 3–2 West Germany
Mexico 1986
Maradona's World Cup. Germany came back from 2–0 down and Burruchaga won it for Argentina from a Maradona pass.
8. France 3–0 Brazil
France 1998
Zidane scored two headers and France won its first World Cup on home soil. It was the greatest night in French football.
9. Italy 1–1 France (5–3 on penalties)
Germany 2006
Remembered for Zidane's headbutt on Materazzi in extra time, in his final match. Italy won its fourth World Cup on penalties.
10. Germany 1–0 Argentina
Brazil 2014 · After extra time
Mario Götze scored in extra time and Germany won its fourth title. It came after the historic 7–1 against the hosts in the semi-finals.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best World Cup final of all time?
In our ranking, Argentina–France in 2022, for its drama, its comebacks and Messi's title. England–West Germany in 1966 and the Maracanazo complete the podium.
Was the Maracanazo a final?
Not officially: the 1950 World Cup was decided by a final round-robin. But that Uruguay–Brazil match decided the title.
Would you change the order?
Tell us what's missing, what shouldn't be here or what you'd put at number 1.