The World Cup isn’t just about dominance—it’s about resilience, belief, and rewriting the script. The greatest comebacks in World Cup history remind us why we love the game: it’s never over until it’s over. Here are 15 jaw-dropping matches where teams defied the odds to pull off unforgettable turnarounds.

1. Germany vs. Hungary – Final (1954)

Down 2-0 in the first eight minutes to the mighty “Mighty Magyars,” West Germany stunned Hungary with a 3-2 win in the final. This shocker is known as “The Miracle of Bern.”

2. Belgium vs. Japan – Round of 16 (2018)

Japan led 2-0 early in the second half. Belgium hit back with three goals, including a 94th-minute counterattack winner by Nacer Chadli. A modern masterpiece of transition football.

3. Portugal vs. North Korea – Quarterfinal (1966)

Portugal trailed 3-0 after 25 minutes. Enter Eusébio. He scored four goals and led his team to a stunning 5-3 win. A one-man rescue mission.

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

Argentina led 2-0, but West Germany came back to level 2-2. Just when momentum shifted, Maradona slipped a killer pass to Burruchaga, who scored the winner.

5. South Korea vs. Italy – Round of 16 (2002)

Italy led 1-0 deep into the match. South Korea equalized and then won in extra time through Ahn Jung-hwan, sparking wild home celebrations.

6. England vs. Cameroon – Quarterfinal (1990)

Cameroon went 2-1 up against England, but two Gary Lineker penalties—one in regulation and one in extra time—secured a dramatic 3-2 win.

7. Brazil vs. Sweden – Group Stage (1978)

Sweden led 1-0, but Brazil bounced back with a 1-1 draw courtesy of Zico’s last-second header. It was controversial, but it kept Brazil alive.

Watch Brazil’s Last-Gasp Equalizer

8. Germany vs. England – Round of 16 (2010)

Technically not a comeback, but memorable for England’s near comeback denied by a disallowed goal (Lampard’s ghost goal). Germany led 2-0, England clawed to 2-1, but ultimately lost 4-1.

9. Mexico vs. Croatia – Group Stage (2014)

With qualification on the line, Mexico went from 0-0 to scoring 3 in 10 minutes late in the second half. A tactical masterclass from Miguel Herrera’s side.

10. France vs. Argentina – Round of 16 (2018)

Argentina led 2-1. Then France exploded with goals from Pavard and Mbappé. The 4-3 win announced France as title favorites—and eventual champs.

11. Spain vs. South Africa – Group Stage (2002)

Spain fell behind 2-1, only to storm back with two goals and win 3-2. Raúl led the charge in a thrilling group stage game.

12. Switzerland vs. Serbia – Group Stage (2018)

Down 1-0, Switzerland came back with second-half goals from Xhaka and Shaqiri. Both celebrated with controversial hand signs in a politically charged finish.

13. Costa Rica vs. Uruguay – Group Stage (2014)

Uruguay led through Cavani’s penalty, but Costa Rica exploded with three second-half goals. The 3-1 win stunned the world and marked the start of their dream run.

14. USA vs. Algeria – Group Stage (2010)

A nail-biter. With time running out, Landon Donovan tapped in the rebound to secure a 1-0 win and send the U.S. into the knockout stage.

15. Italy vs. Nigeria – Round of 16 (1994)

Nigeria led 1-0 until the 88th minute. Roberto Baggio equalized and later scored in extra time to rescue Italy and knock Nigeria out.

These are the Greatest Comebacks in World Cup

Comebacks are what make the World Cup magical. They prove that belief, courage, and momentum can flip even the most hopeless situations. These 15 matches show why fans around the world are glued to every second of this legendary tournament.