History
Every World Cup, one place
Winners, runners-up, Golden Boots, hosts and the moments that defined the tournament.
Past Winners
2022 · Qatar
Argentina
def. France · 3–3 (4–2 pens)
2018 · Russia
France
def. Croatia · 4–2
2014 · Brazil
Germany
def. Argentina · 1–0 (a.e.t.)
2010 · South Africa
Spain
def. Netherlands · 1–0 (a.e.t.)
2006 · Germany
Italy
def. France · 1–1 (5–3 pens)
2002 · South Korea & Japan
Brazil
def. Germany · 2–0
1998 · France
France
def. Brazil · 3–0
1994 · United States
Brazil
def. Italy · 0–0 (3–2 pens)
1990 · Italy
West Germany
def. Argentina · 1–0
1986 · Mexico
Argentina
def. West Germany · 3–2
Golden Boot Winners
- 8 goals
Kylian Mbappé
France · 2022
- 6 goals
Harry Kane
England · 2018
- 6 goals
James Rodríguez
Colombia · 2014
- 5 goals
Thomas Müller
Germany · 2010
- 5 goals
Miroslav Klose
Germany · 2006
- 8 goals
Ronaldo
Brazil · 2002
- 6 goals
Davor Šuker
Croatia · 1998
- 6 goals
Hristo Stoichkov / Oleg Salenko
BUL / RUS · 1994
- 6 goals
Salvatore Schillaci
Italy · 1990
- 6 goals
Gary Lineker
England · 1986
Past Hosts
Tournament Timeline
2022 · Qatar
Argentina beat France (3–3 (4–2 pens))
The first World Cup in the Middle East, played in November/December, ended with one of the greatest finals ever.
2018 · Russia
France beat Croatia (4–2)
France's young, fast side outran Croatia's golden generation in Moscow.
2014 · Brazil
Germany beat Argentina (1–0 (a.e.t.))
Mario Götze's extra-time winner gave Germany their fourth star on home soil for Brazil.
2010 · South Africa
Spain beat Netherlands (1–0 (a.e.t.))
Africa's first World Cup, won by Spain in a bruising final against the Dutch.
2006 · Germany
Italy beat France (1–1 (5–3 pens))
Italy lifted the trophy in Berlin after a final defined by one infamous moment.
2002 · South Korea & Japan
Brazil beat Germany (2–0)
The first World Cup in Asia, and the first co-hosted tournament.
1998 · France
France beat Brazil (3–0)
France's multicultural 'black-blanc-beur' team united a nation.
1994 · United States
Brazil beat Italy (0–0 (3–2 pens))
The first World Cup decided on penalties — and the first hosted in the USA.
1990 · Italy
West Germany beat Argentina (1–0)
A defensive tournament settled by a late Brehme penalty in Rome.
1986 · Mexico
Argentina beat West Germany (3–2)
Diego Maradona's tournament — arguably the greatest individual World Cup ever.
Iconic Matches & Moments
2022
Messi finally lifts the trophy in a chaotic final against Mbappé's hat-trick.
2018
19-year-old Mbappé becomes the second teenager after Pelé to score in a World Cup final.
2014
Germany 7–1 Brazil — the most shocking semi-final in World Cup history.
2010
Iniesta's late winner in Johannesburg crowns Spain's tiki-taka generation.
2006
Zidane's headbutt on Materazzi in his final professional match.
2002
Ronaldo's redemption — eight goals four years after the 1998 final collapse.
1998
Zidane's two headers in the final on home soil.
1994
Roberto Baggio skies the decisive penalty in Pasadena.
1990
Gazza's tears in Turin after England's semi-final exit.
1986
Maradona's 'Hand of God' and 'Goal of the Century' against England.