The 2026 World Cup starts in less than three weeks.
Argentina, France, Spain, Brazil and England are amongst the favourites, but Portugal and Belgium are also stacked with quality players and can beat any top team on their day.
While the best sides usually come out on top, the World Cup is renowned for producing shock results. Here are five of the biggest upsets.
England 0-1 United States -1950
England’s defeat against the United States in 1950 was one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.
The US team was made up of part-timers, including a dishwasher, a letter carrier and a teacher.
However, Joe Gaetjens scored in the 38th minute, and the US held on thanks to goalkeeper Frank Borghi’s brilliance.
Argentina 0-1 Cameroon – 1990
Argentina went into the 1990 World Cup as defending champions and with Diego Maradona as their captain.
They were expected to easily defeat World Cup debutants Cameroon at the San Siro.
The African nation stunned Argentina with an excellent performance. Francois Omam-Biyik scored the decisive goal in the second half.
Spain 1-5 Netherlands – 2014
The 2010 World Cup final was a heartbreaking moment for the Netherlands, as they lost 1-0 to Spain.
They took revenge four years later, inflicting a crushing defeat on their opponents in Brazil.
Xabi Alonso put Spain ahead, but the Dutch side roared back to claim an emphatic victory.
Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia – 2022
Argentina were on a 36-match unbeaten run and had won the Copa America before the 2022 World Cup.
They went ahead through Lionel Messi and had three goals ruled out in the first half.
Saudi Arabia made a stunning comeback after the break, with goals by Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Aldawsari securing a memorable win.
Spain 0-1 Switzerland – 2010
Spain’s 2010 World Cup campaign got off to the worst possible start in South Africa.
La Roja slipped to a 1-0 defeat by Switzerland courtesy of a goal from Gelson Fernandes.
But despite their shaky start, Spain recovered to top the group and went on to lift their first World Cup trophy.
Recent Posts
- Lyon 3-2 Crystal Palace: Eagles suffer Europa League defeat despite spirited second-half comeback
- Louis van Gaal believes Man City financial scandal contributed to Man Utd sacking
- Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola provides injury update before Brentford clash
- Steven Gerrard backs Florian Wirtz to turn Liverpool career around
- ‘You want to kill a player’ – Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho blasts Spanish FA over timing of Vinicius Junior’s ban
- Lisandro Martinez’s future at Manchester United in doubt after public outburst directed at club’s hierarchy
- Real Madrid need better protection before their attack can settle
- Michael Carrick retains Manchester United’s backing despite Champions League defeat
- Lisandro Martinez rips into Manchester United board after disappointing Champions League loss
- Julian Alvarez set to appoint Rodri’s agent to handle his professional affairs after dismissing long-time representative
