FIFA World Cup: 10 Biggest Upsets in World Cup History That Shocked The World

FIFA World Cup has previously witnessed many shocks where underdogs or dark horses have pulled off several upsets. The recent chapter began when the Paraguay national football team stunned four-time world champions Germany in the Round of 32.

The list of giant-killings grew even bigger after the Norway national football team, led by Erling Haaland's sensational brace, shocked five-time world champions Brazil 2-1 in the Round of 16 to book a historic place in the round of 16 clash.

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Julio Enciso and his teammates stayed composed in the penalty shootout to seal a dramatic 4-3 victory, sending the football world into disbelief. The historic triumph sparked wild celebrations across Paraguay, with President Santiago Peña even declaring a national holiday.

Football has witnessed similar fairy tales before. Japan and South Korea have both humbled Germany on the grandest stage, while Morocco stunned Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal to become the first African nation to reach a FIFA World Cup semi-final.

Every upset serves as a reminder that the World Cup rewards courage, resilience, and the willingness to fight until the very last whistle. Let’s take a look at the top 10 biggest upsets in the FIFA World Cup campaign.

10 Biggest Upsets in FIFA World Cup History

North Korea 1-0 Italy (1966)

Two-time world champions Italy were expected to enter the knockout stage, but North Korea had other plans. Pak Doo-ik's historic goal knocked the Italians out of the tournament and announced Asian football's arrival on the biggest stage.

Cameroon 1-0 Argentina (1990)

Defending champions Argentina, inspired by Diego Maradona, entered the tournament as overwhelming favourites. Cameroon produced a fearless display and defeated the world champions despite finishing the match with nine players.

Bulgaria 2-1 Germany (1994)

Germany looked set for another World Cup semi-final before Bulgaria turned the game around in dramatic fashion. Hristo Stoichkov inspired a memorable comeback that became the greatest victory in Bulgarian football history.

Senegal 1-0 France (2002)

World Cup debutants Senegal were given little chance against defending champions France. However, Papa Bouba Diop's winner completed a famous upset and kick-started one of Africa's finest World Cup campaigns.

South Korea 2-1 Italy (2002)

Italy National football team arrived with a squad packed with world-class talent and were favourites to advance. However, South Korea refused to surrender, winning after extra time in one of the most dramatic knockout matches of the tournament.

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South Korea 2-0 Germany (2018)

Germany needed only a victory to qualify for the knockout stage, but South Korea under Son produced a stunning performance. Two stoppage-time goals sent the defending champions crashing out in the group stage for the first time in their history.

Japan 2-1 Germany (2022)

Germany controlled much of the game and even took the lead before Japan produced an incredible second-half comeback. The Samurai Blue's resilience and clinical finishing once again exposed Germany's World Cup struggles.

Morocco 1-0 Portugal (2022)

Portugal were favourites after an impressive run, but Morocco defended with remarkable discipline throughout the contest. Youssef En-Nesyri's first-half goal helped the Atlas Lions become the first African nation to reach a FIFA World Cup semi-final.

Germany 1-1 (3-4 Pens) Paraguay (2026)

Germany were expected to overcome Paraguay comfortably, but the South Americans changed the story. Orlando Gill's brilliant saves and Paraguay's composure in the penalty shootout completed one of the biggest shocks in FIFA World Cup history.

Brazil 1-2 Norway (2026)

Erling Haaland and company shocked the five-times World Cup champions in a thrilling round of 16 clash. Norway defeated Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil 2-1 after Haaland scored a briiliant brace. Selecao's missed chances was surely one of reasons for their shocking exit.

The FIFA World Cup has never belonged only to the favourites. Every edition produces a story that reminds fans why football remains the world's most unpredictable sport. Saudi Arabia had even dismayed Lionel Messi’s Argentina in 2022. In the quest for more thrillers, the World Cup 2026 is awaiting some more twists.