Five biggest upsets in World Cup history | OneFootball

The 2026 World Cup starts in less than three weeks.

Argentina, France, Spain, Brazil and England are amongst the favourites, but Portugal and Belgium are also stacked with quality players and can beat any top team on their day.

While the best sides usually come out on top, the World Cup is renowned for producing shock results. Here are five of the biggest upsets.

England 0-1 United States -1950

England’s defeat against the United States in 1950 was one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.

The US team was made up of part-timers, including a dishwasher, a letter carrier and a teacher.

However, Joe Gaetjens scored in the 38th minute, and the US held on thanks to goalkeeper Frank Borghi’s brilliance.

Argentina 0-1 Cameroon – 1990

Argentina went into the 1990 World Cup as defending champions and with Diego Maradona as their captain.

They were expected to easily defeat World Cup debutants Cameroon at the San Siro.

The African nation stunned Argentina with an excellent performance. Francois Omam-Biyik scored the decisive goal in the second half.

Spain 1-5 Netherlands – 2014

The 2010 World Cup final was a heartbreaking moment for the Netherlands, as they lost 1-0 to Spain.

They took revenge four years later, inflicting a crushing defeat on their opponents in Brazil.

Xabi Alonso put Spain ahead, but the Dutch side roared back to claim an emphatic victory.

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia – 2022

Argentina were on a 36-match unbeaten run and had won the Copa America before the 2022 World Cup.

They went ahead through Lionel Messi and had three goals ruled out in the first half.

Saudi Arabia made a stunning comeback after the break, with goals by Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Aldawsari securing a memorable win.

Spain 0-1 Switzerland – 2010

Spain’s 2010 World Cup campaign got off to the worst possible start in South Africa.

La Roja slipped to a 1-0 defeat by Switzerland courtesy of a goal from Gelson Fernandes.

But despite their shaky start, Spain recovered to top the group and went on to lift their first World Cup trophy.