The five biggest World Cup upsets ever

The World Cup has a long tradition of producing moments nobody saw coming. Small nations defeating giants, tournament favourites crashing out in the group stage, scorelines that defy belief. These are the five biggest upsets in World Cup history — and a reminder of what the expanded 2026 format might have in store.

1. North Korea beat Italy — 1966

The 1966 World Cup in England produced one of the most shocking results in tournament history. North Korea, making their first ever World Cup appearance, faced Italy in the group stage. Italy were two-time world champions and heavy favourites. North Korea were largely unknown.

Pak Doo-ik scored the only goal of the game in the 42nd minute, and North Korea held on for a 1-0 win that sent shockwaves through the football world. It was the first time an Asian nation had beaten a European or South American opponent at a World Cup. Italy were eliminated in the group stage. North Korea reached the quarter-finals.

The scenes at Middlesbrough's Ayresome Park that day became legend. Italy's players reportedly needed police protection on their return home. Pak Doo-ik became a national hero.

2. Senegal beat France — 2002

France entered the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea as defending world champions and heavy favourites to retain the title. They had Zidane, Trezeguet, Henry, Vieira — arguably the strongest squad in the world. Their opening match was against Senegal, who were making their World Cup debut.

Senegal won 1-0 through a Papa Bouba Diop goal, and France were bundled out of the tournament without scoring a single goal. Zidane never appeared due to injury. The defending champions were eliminated in the group stage — one of the most stunning collapses in tournament history.

Senegal went on to reach the quarter-finals in 2002. Twenty years later, in Qatar 2022, they went one better and reached the round of 16. African football has never looked back.

3. Cameroon beat Argentina — 1990

The 1990 World Cup opened with a sensation. Defending champions Argentina, captained by Diego Maradona, faced Cameroon in the opening match of the tournament. Argentina were clear favourites. Cameroon had two players sent off during the game.

Omam-Biyik headed in the only goal, and Cameroon — finishing with nine men — held on for a famous 1-0 victory. It was a turning point for African football and one of the most dramatic opening matches in World Cup history.

Cameroon went on to reach the quarter-finals, where they lost narrowly to England. Roger Milla, at 38 years old, became the tournament's unlikely star. The image of Milla dancing at the corner flag became one of football's most iconic sights.

Nine men. Defending champions. One goal. Cameroon's 1990 upset changed how the world saw African football.

4. South Korea reach the semi-finals — 2002

Co-hosting the 2002 World Cup with Japan, South Korea produced the most sustained upset run in tournament history. They beat Spain in the quarter-finals and Italy in the round of 16 — both on penalties, both in circumstances that sparked worldwide debate about refereeing decisions.

Whatever the controversy, the result stands in the books: South Korea became the first Asian nation to reach a World Cup semi-final. The entire country was gripped by football fever. Their run ended against Germany in the semis, and they lost the third-place match to Turkey.

Two decades later, the question remains: was it the greatest achievement of an underdog in World Cup history, or the most aided? Probably a bit of both.

5. Germany humiliate Brazil — 2014

The most famous result of the modern era. Brazil, playing at home, faced Germany in the semi-final of the 2014 World Cup. Neymar was injured. Thiago Silva was suspended. The host nation needed a miracle.

What they got was a nightmare. Germany scored five goals in the first 29 minutes. By half-time it was 5-0. The final score: 7-1. The Mineirão stadium fell silent. Brazilian fans in tears. The images of grown men and women sobbing in the stands became some of the most powerful in football history.

It was not an underdog defeating a favourite — it was a top nation dismantling another top nation in a way that had simply never happened before at this stage of a World Cup. The 'Mineirazo' entered football vocabulary permanently.

In 2026, with 48 teams and a round of 32, more matches mean more opportunities for drama. Which team creates the next moment that enters the history books?