The FIFA World Cup has always been the stage where football delivers its most unforgettable drama. While stunning upsets often steal the headlines, nothing captures the imagination quite like a comeback. From legendary finals to chaotic knockout clashes, teams have overturned seemingly impossible deficits to script history.
The latest addition to that grand list came at the FIFA World Cup 2026, where Argentina produced a sensational turnaround against Egypt. Trailing 2-0 with little over 10 minutes remaining, Lionel Messi and company inspired the reigning champions to three late goals and a remarkable 3-2 victory that instantly entered World Cup records.
Let’s take a detailed look at the five greatest comebacks in FIFA World Cup history.
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Top 5 Biggest Comebacks in FIFA World Cup
5. Argentina 3-2 Egypt (2026)
Argentina looked destined for elimination after Egypt took a deserved two-goal lead through Ibrahim Adel and Zizo. The African side controlled proceedings for nearly 80 minutes and had one foot in the quarter-finals.
However, the defending champions produced one of the greatest late comebacks in tournament history. Cristian Romero headed home in the 79th minute before Lionel Messi levelled four minutes later. Deep into stoppage time, Enzo Fernández completed the comeback with a dramatic winner.
4. Belgium 3-2 Japan (2018)
The 2018 Round of 16 clash in Rostov produced one of the finest counter-attacking goals ever seen at a World Cup.
Japan shocked the favourites by forcing their way into a 2-0 lead through Genki Haraguchi and Takashi Inui. Belgium responded later through Jan Vertonghen and Marouane Fellaini before producing a phenomenal winning move.
With almost the final kick of the match, Nacer Chadli finished off a lightning-fast counter initiated by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and orchestrated by Kevin De Bruyne, completing one of the greatest World Cup comebacks ever.
3. Portugal 5-3 North Korea (1966)
Portugal's quarter-final against North Korea remains one of the most extraordinary recoveries in football history.
The Asian underdogs stunned everyone by storming into a 3-0 lead inside the opening 25 minutes. Goodison Park was left in disbelief as Portugal stared at elimination. Then came Eusébio magic.
The Portuguese legend scored four goals, including a penalty he won himself, dragging his side level before José Augusto added the decisive fifth. Eusébio eventually finished as the tournament's top scorer with nine goals, while Portugal reached the semi-finals in their debut World Cup appearance.
2. Austria 7-5 Switzerland (1954)
Known as the "Heat Battle of Lausanne," this remains the highest-scoring match in FIFA World Cup history.
Host nation Switzerland raced into a stunning 3-0 lead after just 20 minutes and looked firmly in control. Instead, Austria produced one of football's most astonishing responses. Led by Theodor Wagner and Erich Probst, Austria scored five goals before half-time and eventually secured an unforgettable 7-5 victory.
To date, Austria and Portugal remain the only nations to have overturned a three-goal deficit to win a FIFA World Cup match.
1. West Germany 3-2 Hungary (1954)
Few matches in football history carry the significance of the "Miracle of Bern." Hungary's legendary Mighty Magyars, led by Ferenc Puskás, were unbeaten for four years and had already demolished West Germany 8-3 earlier in the tournament. When Puskás and Zoltán Czibor gave Hungary a 2-0 lead inside eight minutes, another comfortable victory appeared predictable.
Instead, West Germany mounted an incredible comeback. Max Morlock pulled one back before Helmut Rahn scored twice, including the famous winning goal in the 84th minute.
The victory delivered West Germany's first-ever World Cup title and remains one of the greatest upsets and comeback victories the tournament has ever witnessed.
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Special Mentions
Senegal 2-3 Belgium (2026): Belgium recovered from two goals down to keep their World Cup dream alive in one of the biggest knockout escapes of the tournament.
Sweden 3-1 West Germany (1958 Semi-final): Sweden recovered after conceding early to book a place in the World Cup final.
West Germany 3-3 France (1982 Semi-final): Trailing 3-1 in extra time, West Germany fought back before winning on penalties in the iconic "Night of Seville."