Some World Cup finals are etched in history—France 2018, Brazil 1970, or the infamous Zidane headbutt in 2006. But others, while equally significant, have faded from mainstream memory. This post shines a light on 15 forgotten World Cup finals—each of them crucial to football history, yet often overlooked.

15 forgotten World Cup finals

1. Uruguay vs. Argentina – Final (1930)

The very first World Cup final. Uruguay beat Argentina 4-2 in Montevideo to become the inaugural champions. Political tensions and wild fan behavior surrounded the match.

2. Italy vs. Czechoslovakia – Final (1934)

Hosted by Mussolini’s Italy, the 1934 final ended 2-1 in extra time. It was Italy’s first title—but controversy over political pressure and refereeing decisions still lingers.

3. Italy vs. Hungary – Final (1938)

Italy defended their title with a 4-2 win. Despite its importance, it’s one of the least referenced finals—overshadowed by WWII’s outbreak just a year later.

4. Uruguay vs. Brazil – Final (1950)

Technically a group stage decider, but effectively the final. Uruguay’s 2-1 win in the Maracanã stunned 200,000 fans and is still considered Brazil’s darkest football moment.

5. West Germany vs. Hungary – Final (1954)

The “Miracle of Bern.” Hungary were unbeaten for four years and led 2-0. West Germany came back to win 3-2. This upset often gets lost between Brazil’s glories.

6. Brazil vs. Czechoslovakia – Final (1962)

Brazil won their second consecutive title without Pelé, who was injured early in the tournament. Garrincha stepped up—but this final is rarely discussed today.

7. England vs. West Germany – Final (1966)

Yes, it’s famous in England, but internationally it’s overshadowed. Geoff Hurst’s hat trick and the controversial third goal are often lost on younger generations.

8. Brazil vs. Italy – Final (1970)

Pelé’s last World Cup and arguably the greatest team ever. Still, this final doesn’t get as much modern recognition compared to France 2018 or Germany 2014.

9. Argentina vs. Netherlands – Final (1978)

A politically charged tournament under Argentina’s military regime. Argentina won 3-1 in extra time. Match-fixing rumors and political tension haunt this forgotten classic.

10. Italy vs. West Germany – Final (1982)

Italy’s 3-1 win is best remembered by Italians, but globally it’s less discussed. Rossi, Tardelli, and Altobelli made headlines, yet it’s rarely shown in highlight reels today.

11. Argentina vs. West Germany – Final (1986)

Though iconic for Maradona’s tournament, the final itself—ending 3-2—often plays second fiddle to the “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” from earlier matches.

12. West Germany vs. Argentina – Final (1990)

The rematch. One of the most defensive finals ever. A single penalty gave West Germany the win, and the final is rarely fondly remembered.

13. Brazil vs. Italy – Final (1994)

Ended 0-0 after extra time and went to penalties. Baggio’s miss is remembered, but the match is often criticized as one of the dullest finals ever.

14. France vs. Brazil – Final (1998)

While France celebrates this, the mystery around Ronaldo’s pre-match illness and Brazil’s poor showing make it a strange, under-discussed final abroad.

15. Spain vs. Netherlands – Final (2010)

Iniesta’s winner gave Spain their first title. But the match itself was gritty and physical, often overshadowed by Spain’s tiki-taka dominance throughout the tournament.

The emotion of World Cup finals

These finals were all historic, but for one reason or another, they’ve been pushed aside in football’s collective memory. From political tension to tactical battles and forgotten legends, revisiting these showdowns reminds us that history isn’t only written by the flashy—it’s built on every kick, pass, and final whistle.