The FIFA World Cup finals have long been seen as tense, tactical affairs. But over the years, several World Cup finals have defied that expectation, delivering thrilling, high-scoring clashes that became instant classics. While the magnitude of the event often leads to cautious gameplay, these iconic matches proved otherwise. In this article, we look back at the top 10 highest scoring World Cup finals (Men’s) based on total goals scored, where drama and goalscoring brilliance took center stage.
10. France 3-0 Brazil – 1998
While not among the top goal counts, France’s 3-0 win over Brazil in 1998 deserves mention for its impact in World cup Final. Zinedine Zidane scored twice, and Petit added a third to seal France’s first title. The victory came on home soil and marked a turning point in global football, elevating France to elite status.
9. Argentina 3-2 West Germany – 1986
Led by Diego Maradona, Argentina overcame a strong West Germany side 3-2 in the 1986 final. Goals from Brown, Valdano, and Burruchaga were enough to hold off a German comeback. Maradona’s leadership and creativity were central to Argentina’s success. This final capped off one of the greatest individual tournaments in World Cup Finals history.
8. Brazil 4-1 Italy – 1970
Brazil dazzled the world in 1970, defeating Italy 4-1 to claim their third World Cup title. Goals from Pelé, Gerson, Jairzinho, and Carlos Alberto capped off a beautiful team performance. This Brazil side is often cited as the greatest team in football history. Pelé became the first player to win three World Cups.
7. West Germany 3-2 Hungary – 1954
The “Miracle of Bern” saw underdogs West Germany come from 2-0 down to beat Hungary 3-2 in the 1954 final. Hungary’s Golden Team, led by Ferenc Puskás, was undefeated for years but faltered on the biggest stage. Goals from Morlock and Rahn completed the upset. It remains one of the most famous World Cup Finals upsets ever.
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6. Uruguay 4-2 Argentina – 1930
The very first World Cup finals was a goal-fest, as Uruguay overcame a 2-1 halftime deficit to beat Argentina 4-2. Dorado, Cea, Iriarte, and Castro scored for Uruguay in front of a roaring home crowd at Estadio Centenario. This victory sparked a national celebration, with the following day declared a public holiday. Uruguay remains the only team to win a final after trailing at half-time.
5. Italy 4-2 Hungary – 1938
The 1938 final in France saw Italy successfully defend their 1934 title, beating Hungary 4-2. Goals from Gino Colaussi and Silvio Piola sealed the victory. Italy became the first nation to win back-to-back World Cups, and coach Vittorio Pozzo remains the only manager to achieve this feat. This final also featured four first-half goals, a joint record.
4. England 4-2 West Germany
England won their only World Cup title in 1966, defeating West Germany 4-2 after extra time. Geoff Hurst made history by scoring the only hat-trick in a World Cup final. Alan Ball and Bobby Moore also starred in the match. This final remains England’s greatest football moment, and is remembered for the controversial “was it over the line” goal in extra time.
3. France 4-2 Croatia – 2018
In 2018, France claimed their second World Cup title in a thrilling six-goal final against Croatia. Goals from Griezmann, Pogba, and Mbappé, along with an own goal, helped France secure the win. Croatia fought hard with goals from Perisic and Mandzukic, but couldn’t stop France’s attacking power. This match also marked the first World Cup final to feature an own goal and VAR intervention.
2. Argentina 3-3 France (4-2 pens)
The 2022 final was one of the most dramatic in World Cup history. Argentina led 2-0 through Messi and Di Maria, but Mbappé struck twice late to equalize. Messi scored again in extra-time, only for Mbappé to complete his hat-trick and force penalties. Argentina triumphed 4-2 in the shootout, giving Messi his long-awaited World Cup. The final had everything: drama, comebacks, and history-making moments.
1. Brazil 5-2 Sweden – 1958
The 1958 final is the highest scoring World Cup final in history. Brazil defeated hosts Sweden 5-2 to win their first-ever World Cup. This match showcased the brilliance of a 17-year-old Pelé, who scored twice and became the youngest scorer in a World Cup final. Vavá also bagged a brace. Nils Liedholm scored for Sweden, becoming the oldest scorer in a final. This epic final set the tone for Brazil’s dominance in international football.
| Rank | Match | Year | Final Score | Total Goals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brazil vs Sweden | 1958 | 5-2 | 7 | Pelé shines as youngest scorer in final |
| 2 | Argentina vs France | 2022 | 3-3 (4-2 pens) | 6 | Mbappé hat-trick, Messi lifts the trophy |
| 3 | France vs Croatia | 2018 | 4-2 | 6 | VAR era begins, own goals and wonder strikes |
| 4 | England vs West Germany | 1966 | 4-2 (aet) | 6 | Geoff Hurst scores only WC final hat-trick |
| 5 | Italy vs Hungary | 1938 | 4-2 | 6 | Italy defends title, Pozzo makes history |
| 6 | Uruguay vs Argentina | 1930 | 4-2 | 6 | First-ever World Cup final |
| 7 | West Germany vs Hungary | 1954 | 3-2 | 5 | “Miracle of Bern” comeback victory |
| 8 | Brazil vs Italy | 1970 | 4-1 | 5 | Brazil wins third title, Pelé leads the way |
| 9 | Argentina vs West Germany | 1986 | 3-2 | 5 | Maradona’s brilliance fuels Argentina |
| 10 | France vs Brazil | 1998 | 3-0 | 3 | Zidane’s double crowns France on home soil |
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Q1: What is the highest scoring World Cup final of all time?
The highest scoring World Cup final is Brazil’s 5-2 win over Sweden in 1958, with seven goals scored.
Q2: Has any World Cup final gone to penalties after a 3-3 draw?
Yes, the 2022 final between Argentina and France ended 3-3 before Argentina won 4-2 in the penalty shootout.
Q3: Who scored the only hat-trick in a World Cup final?
Geoff Hurst scored the only hat-trick in a World Cup final, for England in 1966.
Q4: Which World Cup final featured the youngest goal scorer?
Pelé became the youngest scorer in a final at age 17 during Brazil’s 1958 victory over Sweden.