With an expanded format featuring 48 teams and more minnows present than ever before, there is every chance of a few World Cup upsets occurring at this summer’s tournament. Here, we take a look back at 10 of the biggest World Cup shocks from past events and have ranked them in reverse order:
South Korea 2 Germany 0
10. SOUTH KOREA 2 GERMANY 0 (Russia, 2018)
Die Mannschaft arrived in Russia as holders but went into this final group-stage game needing a win to progress.
Try as they might, Germany just couldn’t break through and South Korea’s Kim Young-gwon scored from a corner in stoppage time before Son Heung-min added a second into an empty net after Manuel Neuer joined the attack, handing the four-time champions an early exit for the first time since 1938.
Italy 1 South Korea 2
9. ITALY 1 SOUTH KOREA 2 (Japan and South Korea, 2002)
Ahn Jung-hwan , who missed a first-half penalty, was the South Korean hero with the dramatic winner three minutes from the end of extra-time in this second-round match. In an extraordinary encounter, Seol Ki-hyeon scored in the 88th minute to cancel out Christian Vieri’s opener. Italy striker Francesco Totti was also dismissed in extra-time.
Republic of Ireland 1 Italy 0
8. REPUBLIC OF IRELAND 1 ITALY 0 (United States, 1994)
Even Ireland’s travelling army could surely not have believed their side would defeat the mighty Italy . But Jack Charlton’s men did exactly that, thanks to Ray Houghton’s 25-yard strike. The Irish defence kept the Italian strike force at bay as Charlton’s men sent their supporters into ecstasy.
United States 3 Portugal 2
7. UNITED STATES 3 PORTUGAL 2 (Japan and South Korea, 2002)
USA surged into an incredible 3-0 lead after only half an hour through John O’Brien , an own goal from Jorge Costa and Brian McBride . Beto scored just before the interval to give the fancied Europeans hope and Jeff Agoos’ second-half own goal set American nerves jangling but they held on for a famous triumph.
United States 1 England 0
6. UNITED STATES 1 ENGLAND 0 (Brazil, 1950)
The most humiliating defeat in England’s history. The tournament favourites dominated to start with but in the 37th minute the United States stunned them by taking the lead through Larry Gaetjens . Walter Winterbottom’s side could not hit back and suffered a hugely embarrassing loss.
North Korea 1 Italy 0
5. NORTH KOREA 1 ITALY 0 (England, 1966)
The Azzurri were expected to thump the Asian minnows but, against all the odds, the North Korea defence held firm against the might of the Europeans. Pak Doo Ik was on hand to score a scarcely believable winner that earned them their sole World Cup victory and sent Italy home early.
Early Payout Offer
2+ Goals Early Payout at BOYLE Sports
Forget the sweat with BOYLE Sports' Early Payout offer! Back a team in the match betting market and if they go 2 goals ahead at any stage during the 90 minutes, your bet is settled as a winner, regardless of the final score. T&Cs apply.
France 0 Senegal 1
4. FRANCE 0 SENEGAL 1 (Japan and South Korea, 2002)
The world and European champions were left shellshocked in their opening game of the tournament through a goal from El Hadji Diouf. Les Bleus went close and hit the woodwork twice, but the African nation held on for victory.
Cameroon 1 Argentina 0
3. CAMEROON 1 ARGENTINA 0 (Italy, 1990)
The Indomitable Lions were reduced to nine men against the Diego Maradona -led reigning champions due to a double sending-off but still managed to upset the odds. In only their second appearance in the finals, Cameroon stunned the South Americans and stole the hearts of supporters when Omam Biyik headed home the winner.
West Germany 1 Algeria 2
2. WEST GERMANY 1 ALGERIA 2 (Spain, 1982)
The reigning European champions were expected to breeze through this group-stage curtain raiser against World Cup debutants, but things did not go to plan. Algeria were always a threat on the break and went ahead in the 54th minute through Rabah Madjer.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge equalised for West Germany but the North Africans replied immediately through Lakhdar Belloumi and held on with the help of the crossbar.
Argentina 1 Saudi Arabia 2
1. ARGENTINA 1 SAUDI ARABIA 2 (Qatar, 2022)
Huge underdogs Saudi Arabia looked set for a heavy defeat in this Group C opener when Lionel Messi scored a 10th-minute penalty. However, the Gulf state hit back in the second half as Saleh Al Shehri and Al Dawsari’s quickfire double gave them the greatest win in their history.
The result was made even more bizarre by the fact that Argentina went on to lift the trophy, while Saudi Arabia subsequently lost to Poland and Mexico .
Bet on Football Odds at BOYLE Sports
Prices are subject to fluctuation
Remember, Always Gamble Responsibly
Not all opinions are equal. The BOYLE Sports Team is made up of experts who know the sports and betting world inside out, delivering the kind of insights and analysis that give you a real edge where it matters most.
