Greatest World Cup Upsets

The World Cup is renowned for producing unscripted drama. Over the years, the established superpowers have, at some point or another, fluffed their lines and been toppled by the underdog on the international stage.

We’re fast approaching the 23rd edition of the World Cup, which gets underway on June 11, 2026. A fresh and exciting narrative will surface, and games will be laden with tense-inducing moments.

But before we fix our gaze on this summer’s blue ribbon event, let’s take a trip down memory lane and relive some of the greatest World Cup upsets that sent shockwaves through the game.

Starting as the second favourites, Argentina had high hopes heading into the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Pitted against minnows Saudi Arabia in Group C, Argentina appeared to be in full control when Lionel Messi gave them the lead from the penalty spot.

However, Saudi Arabia hit back, and goals from Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Aldawsari gave them the most unlikely of victories. The win sparked pandemonium in the stands, and it was arguably the greatest day in Saudi Arabia’s history.

Although Argentina went on to hoist the World Cup, it was an inauspicious start to their campaign, and a game they won’t forget in a hurry!

There is such a thing as a champion’s curse. Just ask France! Yes, Les Bleus, who are among this year’s World Cup contenders, trading at an inviting 6.00 with most reputable online operators, including MyStake, were given a sharp dose of reality in 2002.

Having arrived at the tournament with a bounty of stars at their disposal, including Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira, it seemed almost fanciful that Senegal would cause them problems. Well, France were bereft of Zinedine Zidane, and they certainly missed their talismanic midfielder.

Senegal’s speed and cutting-edge put France on the ropes, and Papa Bouba Diop’s tap-in proved to be the difference on what was an incredible night. 

Popping up again on our list is Argentina. Four years earlier, Diego Maradona inspired Argentina to World Cup glory in Mexico.

But against Cameroon, they had no answer. Francois Omam-Biyok’s second-half header was enough to secure the win. What was even more remarkable was that Cameroon clinched three points despite playing a chunk of the game with nine men after Andre Kana-Biyik and Benjamin Massing were dismissed. Nevertheless, their physical approach paid dividends.

Spain have a decorated World Cup history, but 1982 may have left them feeling a bit bruised. Going into the game, Spain had built up some momentum after a 1-0 win over Yugoslavia.

However, Northern Ireland failed to read the script. They kept the hosts at bay with plenty of defensive resolve before Gerry Armstrong fired home, scoring the most famous goal in Northern Ireland’s history. Incredible scenes!

England have a chequered World Cup record, defined by both success and extraordinary failures. The defeat to the USA is certainly filed under the latter category – biggest FIFA World Cup upsets of all time.

Heading into the 1950 installment as a serious contender, England were expected to cruise past a USA side comprising amateurs and semi-professionals.

The Three Lions huffed and puffed, but they were outdone by Haiti-born Joe Gaetjens, an accounting student, who netted the winner, and England came home with their tail between their legs.

As we have seen, shocks and greatest World Cup upsets come in all guises at the World Cup, and every dog has its day.

At the time, the top teams that were humbled in the past weren’t quite at the races, and sometimes a good World Cup betting strategy is to lean into sides that have longer odds attached.