2026 the worst? Ranking the World Cup finals of this century | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, the seven World Cup finals this century are ranked for drama and emotion, with Spain 1-0 after extra time against Argentina in 2026 placed last. It was scrappy, Argentina disrupted more than created. Nico Williams set up Ferran Torres in the 106th minute.

Top is 2022, Argentina 3-3 France then 4-2 on penalties. After 80 one-sided minutes, Kylian Mbappé scored twice in 97 seconds, Lionel Messi completed a double, Mbappé a hat-trick, and Emiliano Martinez denied Randal Kolo Muani in the 123rd minute.

Next is 2006, Italy 1-1 France then 5-3 on penalties. Zinedine Zidane’s early panenka was matched by Marco Materazzi, France grew stronger, Gianluigi Buffon tipped a Zidane header wide in extra time, then Zidane was sent off before Italy won the shootout.

Third is 2018, France 4-2 Croatia. Croatia began better, an own goal and a penalty flipped it, Paul Pogba and Mbappé scored after the break, Hugo Lloris erred, yet at 4-1 after 65 minutes the suspense had ebbed.

Fourth, 2002, Brazil 2-0 Germany, defined by Ronaldo. Germany resisted and hit the post before Oliver Kahn’s mistake let him score on 67 minutes, he added another 12 minutes later.

Fifth is 2010, Spain 1-0 Netherlands. A bruising 14 yellow cards smothered play, Arjen Robben was foiled by Iker Casillas, then Andrés Iniesta struck on 116 minutes.

Sixth, 2014, Germany 1-0 Argentina after extra time. Argentina had the clearer chances, notably Gonzalo Higuaín, before Mario Götze chested and volleyed the 113th-minute winner.

Seventh, 2026, Spain 1-0 Argentina after extra time. Spain persisted and Torres delivered, chances were scarce and Argentina carried little threat, the least stirring final of the century in this list.

Source: L'Équipe