On June 11, 2026, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will begin in North America, bringing together teams from across the globe. The tournament, to be jointly hosted by three countries and staged across 16 cities, will feature an expanded field of 48 teams, making it the largest edition in the competition’s history.
More than 1,000 footballers are expected to represent their countries, with each team permitted to name up to 26 players, including three goalkeepers.
Here is the list of FIFA World Cup champions from the inaugural edition in 1930 to 2022.
1930 FIFA World Cup, Uruguay
Thirteen nations — Argentina, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, France, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Romania, USA, Uruguay and Yugoslavia — took part in the inaugural World Cup. The hosts clinched the title, defeating Argentina 4-2 in a pulsating final.
Champions: Uruguay
Runner-up: Argentina
Third place: USA
1934 FIFA World Cup, Italy
Italy lifted the trophy after edging past Czechoslovakia in Rome. With the scores locked at 1-1 after regulation time, the hosts struck in extra time to secure victory.
Champions: Italy
Runner-up: Czechoslovakia
Third place: Germany
1938 FIFA World Cup, France
Italy became the first side to retain the World Cup, overcoming Hungary 4-2 in the final.
Champions: Italy
Runner-up: Hungary
Third place: Brazil
1950 FIFA World Cup, Brazil
The competition returned after a 12-year hiatus owing to World War II. Played in a new group format, the tournament ended with Uruguay stunning hosts Brazil 2-1 in the decisive match
Champions: Uruguay
Runner-up: Brazil
Third place: Sweden
1954 FIFA World Cup, Switzerland
West Germany secured their maiden title with a dramatic 3-2 victory over favourites Hungary.
Champions: West Germany
Runner-up: Hungary
Third place: Austria
1958 FIFA World Cup, Sweden
Brazil claimed their first World Cup crown, defeating Sweden 5-2 in the final.
Champions: Brazil
Runner-up: Sweden
Third place: France
1962 FIFA World Cup, Chile
Brazil successfully defended the title, registering a 3-1 win against Czechoslovakia.
Champions: Brazil
Runner-up: Czechoslovakia
Third place: Chile
1966 FIFA World Cup, England
England triumphed on home soil, beating West Germany 4-2 after extra time in the final.
Champions: England
Runner-up: West Germany
Third place: Portugal
1970 FIFA World Cup, Mexico
Brazil’s celebrated side capped a dominant campaign with a 4-1 win over Italy.
Champions: Brazil
Runner-up: Italy
Third place: West Germany
1974 FIFA World Cup, West Germany
West Germany claimed their second title, defeating the Netherlands 2-1.
Champions: West Germany
Runner-up: Netherlands
Third place: Poland
1978 FIFA World Cup, Argentina
Argentina lifted their maiden World Cup, beating the Netherlands 3-1 in the final.
Champions: Argentina
Runner-up: Netherlands
Third place: Brazil
1982 FIFA World Cup, Spain
Italy secured a third title, their first since 1938, with a 3-1 victory in the final in Madrid.
Champions: Italy
Runner-up: West Germany
Third place: Poland
1986 FIFA World Cup, Mexico
Argentina prevailed 3-2 in an absorbing final against West Germany.
Champions: Argentina
Runner-up: West Germany
Third place: France
1990 FIFA World Cup, Italy
West Germany avenged their 1986 defeat, edging Argentina 1-0 in Rome.
Champions: West Germany
Runner-up: Argentina
Third place: Italy
1994 FIFA World Cup, USA
Brazil claimed a fourth title, defeating Italy in a penalty shoot-out after a goalless draw.
Champions: Brazil
Runner-up: Italy
Third place: Sweden
1998 FIFA World Cup, France
France secured their first title on home soil, overcoming Brazil 3-0 in the final.
Champions: France
Runner-up: Brazil
Third place: Croatia
2002 FIFA World Cup, Korea/Japan
Brazil won a record fifth title, defeating Germany 2-0.
Champions: Brazil
Runner-up: Germany
Third place: Turkey
2006 FIFA World Cup, Germany
Italy clinched their fourth crown, prevailing over France on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Champions: Italy
Runner-up: France
Third place: Germany
2010 FIFA World Cup, South Africa
Spain lifted the trophy for the first time, beating the Netherlands 1-0 in extra time.
Champions: Spain
Runner-up: Netherlands
Third place: Germany
2014 FIFA World Cup, Brazil
Germany triumphed over Argentina 1-0 in the final, courtesy of an extra-time goal.
Champions: Germany
Runner-up: Argentina
Third place: Netherlands
2018 FIFA World Cup, Russia
France returned to the summit with a 4-2 win over Croatia.
Champions: France
Runner-up: Croatia
Third place: Belgium
2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar
Argentina claimed their third title in a memorable final, holding off France in a penalty shoot-out after a 3-3 draw, with Lionel Messi playing a decisive role.
Champions: Argentina
Runner-up: France
Third place: Croatia
Published – June 11, 2026 03:30 pm IST
