From tears of glory to tears of heartbreak: Story behind every FIFA W…

Doha, Qatar: From Uruguay captain Jose Nasazzi becoming the first man to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy in Montevideo in 1930 to Lionel Messi fulfilling his lifelong dream beneath the lights of Lusail Stadium in Qatar in 2022, FIFA World Cup finals have produced some of the most unforgettable moments in sporting history. rocore.sbs

For nearly a century, the final match of the world’s biggest sporting event has served as the ultimate stage for football’s greatest heroes and its most painful disappointments. It has witnessed legendary triumphs, dramatic comebacks, controversial decisions, historic firsts and heartbreaking defeats that have shaped the legacy of nations and players alike.

Across 22 editions, World Cup finals have delivered stories that transcend football itself, from the silence that swept across the Maracana in 1950 and Pele’s emergence as a global superstar in 1958, to Diego Maradona’s crowning moment in 1986, Zinedine Zidane’s dramatic farewell in 2006 and Messi’s long-awaited coronation in 2022.

Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, The Peninsula looks back at every World Cup final and the defining moments that turned each one into a chapter of football history.

1930 – Uruguay 4-2 Argentina

The first-ever FIFA World Cup final saw hosts Uruguay overcome neighbours Argentina at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo. Goals from Pablo Dorado, Jose Pedro Cea, Santos Iriarte and Héctor Castro secured a comeback victory and crowned Uruguay as football’s inaugural world champions.

1934 – Italy 2-1 Czechoslovakia

Italy claimed its maiden World Cup title on home soil at Stadio Nazionale PNF (Rome) after Angelo Schiavio scored the decisive goal in extra time. The victory marked the beginning of Italy’s emergence as one of football’s traditional powerhouses.

1938 – Italy 4-2 Hungary

Led by the prolific Silvio Piola and Gino Colaussi, Italy became the first nation to successfully defend the World Cup trophy, defeating Hungary at Stade Olympique de Colombes, Colombes, and establishing a record that would stand for decades.

1950 – Uruguay 2-1 Brazil

Although not officially a final under the tournament’s format, the decisive match between Brazil and Uruguay effectively determined the champion. Before nearly 174,000 spectators at the Maracana, Alcides Ghiggia stunned the host nation with the winning goal in one of football’s greatest upsets, forever remembered as the “Maracanazo.”

1954 – West Germany 3-2 Hungary

Heavy favourites Hungary entered the final unbeaten in four years and had already defeated West Germany 8-3 earlier in the tournament. Yet Germany staged one of the greatest shocks in football history at Wankdorf Stadium, Bern, recovering from a two-goal deficit to lift its first World Cup trophy.

1958 – Brazil 5-2 Sweden

A 17-year-old named Pelé introduced himself to the world with two goals as Brazil defeated hosts Sweden at Rasunda Stadium, Solna. The teenager’s brilliance helped launch one of football’s greatest careers while delivering Brazil’s first World Cup title.

1962 – Brazil 3-1 Czechoslovakia

Despite losing Pelé to injury early in the tournament, Brazil retained the trophy at Estadio Nacional, Santiago, through a collective effort led by Amarildo, Zito and Vavá. The victory cemented Brazil’s status as the dominant force in world football.

1966 – England 4-2 West Germany

England captured its only World Cup title at Wembley Stadium in one of the most debated finals in history. Geoff Hurst scored a hat-trick, including the famous disputed goal that remains one of football’s most controversial moments.

1970 – Brazil 4-1 Italy

Widely regarded as one of the greatest teams ever assembled, Brazil’s 1970 side dazzled the football world. The final is remembered for Carlos Alberto’s iconic goal following a flowing team move that many consider the greatest goal in World Cup history at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City.

1974 – West Germany 2-1 Netherlands

The Netherlands took the lead through Johan Neeskens before West Germany had touched the ball. Yet the hosts recovered to win through Paul Breitner and Gerd Müller, denying Johan Cruyff’s revolutionary Dutch side a world title at Olympiastadion, Munich.

1978 – Argentina 3-1 Netherlands

Mario Kempes delivered one of the finest performances in World Cup final history, scoring twice as Argentina secured its first world title on home soil at Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, after extra time.

1982 – Italy 3-1 West Germany

Italy completed a remarkable resurgence after a difficult start to the tournament. Paolo Rossi, Marco Tardelli and Alessandro Altobelli scored in Madrid, while Tardelli’s emotional celebration became one of football’s most enduring images.

1986 – Argentina 3-2 West Germany

Although he did not score in the final, Diego Maradona orchestrated Argentina’s triumph and completed one of the greatest individual World Cup campaigns ever witnessed. Jorge Burruchaga’s late winner sealed Argentina’s second title at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City.

1990 – West Germany 1-0 Argentina

One of the most defensive World Cup finals in history was settled by Andreas Brehme’s late penalty at Stadio Olimpico, Rome. It remains the only World Cup final won through a penalty goal scored during normal play.

1994 – Brazil 0-0 Italy (Brazil 3-2 on penalties)

For the first time, a World Cup final was decided by a penalty shootout. Roberto Baggio’s decisive penalty sailed over the crossbar, handing Brazil a record fourth World Cup title and producing one of football’s most heartbreaking images at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California.

1998 – France 3-0 Brazil

Zinedine Zidane scored twice with headers as hosts France claimed their first World Cup title at Stade de France, Saint-Denis. The victory sparked celebrations across the country and transformed Zidane into a national icon.

2002 – Brazil 2-0 Germany

Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima completed one of football’s greatest comeback stories after his knee injury by scoring both goals in Yokohama to secure Brazil’s fifth World Cup crown.

2006 – Italy 1-1 France (Italy 5-3 on penalties)

The final is remembered as much for Zinedine Zidane’s infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi as for Italy’s triumph at Olympiastadion, Berlin. The incident ended one of football’s greatest careers dramatically before Italy prevailed on penalties.

2010 – Spain 1-0 Netherlands

Andrés Iniesta’s extra-time strike at Soccer City in Johannesburg delivered Spain’s first World Cup title and completed an era of dominance built around possession-based football.

2014 – Germany 1-0 Argentina

Mario Götze emerged from the bench to score a stunning extra-time winner at the Maracanã, giving Germany its fourth World Cup title and denying Lionel Messi the trophy he coveted most.

2018 – France 4-2 Croatia

France captured its second World Cup title in Moscow, while 19-year-old Kylian Mbappé became the first teenager since Pelé in 1958 to score in a World Cup final.

2022 – Argentina 3-3 France (Argentina 4-2 on penalties)

Often described as the greatest World Cup final ever played, the match featured Lionel Messi’s brace, Kylian Mbappé’s hat-trick and a dramatic penalty shootout. Argentina emerged victorious as Messi finally lifted the trophy that had eluded him throughout his illustrious career, before being presented the iconic Qatari bisht during the trophy ceremony at Lusail Stadium.

From Nasazzi’s pioneering triumph in Montevideo to Messi’s crowning moment in Lusail, every World Cup final has added a unique chapter to football’s greatest story. Together, they form a timeline of unforgettable memories, defining generations of players and inspiring billions of fans around the world.

Doha, Qatar: A record eight Arab nations will compete at this month’s expanded FIFA World Cup 2026. As well as every minute of all104 matches available to watch live across the Middle East and North Africa exclusively on beIN Sports, the region’s leading sports and entertainment broadcaster will also air specially produced original content.

Alongside a series of documentaries profiling each of the participating Arab teams– exploring their strengths, ambitions, and journey to the World Cup–beIN Sports Max 1-4,as well as beIN 4K, will broadcast Legend & Legacy, a 30-minute documentary on the legacy of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and Qatar’s continued development since hosting the tournament.

Featuring a range of prominent voices and contributors, including Sir David Beckham, Ronaldo Nazario, and Kaka, the documentary offers insights into the country’s world-class infrastructure, its position as a global events destination, and the growing international recognition of its diplomatic, organisational and leadership capabilities.

Once the competition gets underway on 11 June, beIN will also broadcast a series of short films spotlighting the journeys of the Arab sides.

Entitled My Country, beIN goes behind the scenes during a World Cup match of each of the eight countries, from Iraq to Saudi Arabia, Jordan to Algeria, living the build-up, watching the game, and capturing the passion for football in each nation.

Revisiting those teams who progress, an evergreen documentary will also be produced to run after the final wraps on 19 July.

With beIN closely following each of the eight teams, we take a look at one star from each expected to shine in North America this summer.

Riyad Mahrez, Algeria (Group J)

Captain Riyad Mahrez will be trusted to help the Fennec Foxes progress to the knockout stages — a feat they have achieved only once. The Al-Ahli Jeddah winger averages a goal every three games at international level and will be extra motivated as, with 113 caps, he is just four appearances away from being Algeria’s most-capped player of all time.

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Also keep an eye on: Houssem Aouar (Al-Ittihad)

Catch Algeria’s opening match against Argentina on 17 June at 04:00 MECCA, live on beIN Sports Max 1 & beIN Sports Max 3 in Arabic, and on beIN Sports Max 5 in English.

Mohamed Salah, Egypt (Group G)

Where Mohamed Salah will be playing post-World Cup remains unknown, but for now his focus is on Egypt. The Pharaohs are huge underachievers on the global stage having qualified for the World Cup only once since 1990 and are yet to ever win a World Cup match. With a motivated Salah, they will fancy progressing from a group that includes Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand.

Also keep an eye on: Omar Marmoush (Manchester City)

Catch Egypt’s opening match against Belgium on 15 June at 22:00 MECCA, live on beIN Sports Max 2 & beIN Sports Max 4 in Arabic, and on beIN Sports Max 5 in English.

Aymen Hussein, Iraq (Group I)

The decisive goal that saw Iraq qualify came from the 30-year-old Al-Karma striker, who celebrated his country’s return to the global stage for the first time in 40 years by posting a video from 2017 in which he stated his goal was to take Iraq back to the World Cup. Mission accomplished, the Lions of Mesopotamia will hope to surprise in a group that includes France, Senegal, and Norway.

Also keep an eye on: Ali Al Hamadi (Luton Town)

Catch Iraq’s opening match against Norway on 17 June at 01:00 MECCA, live on beIN Sports Max 2 & beIN Sports Max 4 in Arabic, and on beIN Sports Max 5 in English.

Musa Al-Taamari, Jordan (Group J)

Jordan will make their World Cup debut this summer, 40 years after their first qualifying campaign. Rennes winger Musa Al-Taamari is one of only a handful of players plying their trade outside of Asia and will carry the responsibility of a nation. Aged 28, the captain has netted 24 goals in 90 games, including in an Asian Cup semi-final win and a further seven during World Cup qualifying.

Also keep an eye on: Yazan Al Arab (FC Seoul)

Catch Jordan’s opening match against Austria on 17 June at 07:00 MECCA live on beIN Sports Max 2 & beIN Sports Max 4 in Arabic, and on beIN Sports Max 5 in English.

Achraf Hakimi, Morocco (Group C)

Having shocked the world by reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2022, more focus will be on the Atlas Lions when they start their 2026 campaign. With the powerful presence of captain Achraf Hakimi — widely regarded as one of the best players on the planet — it speaks volumes that topping a group that includes Brazil, as well as Scotland and Haiti, would no longer be a surprise.

Also keep an eye on: Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal)

Catch Morocco’s opening match against Brazil on 14 June live at 01:00 MECCA, on beIN Sports Max 2 & beIN Sports Max 4 in Arabic, and on beIN Sports Max 5 in English.

Akram Afif, Qatar (Group B)

Qatar will be looking to build on a maiden campaign that underwhelmed and much of their hopes are pinned on Akram Afif once again. The mercurial forward, twice named AFC Player of the Year and winner of the Golden Boot and Best Player at the Asian Cup Qatar 2023, will arrive determined to put points on the board in a favourable group that contains Canada, Bosnia, and Switzerland.

Also keep an eye on: Almoez Ali (Al Duhail)

Catch Qatar’s opening match against Switzerland on 13 June at 22:00 MECCA, live on beIN Sports Max 1 & beIN Sports Max 3 in Arabic, and on beIN Sports Max 5 in English.

Salem Al-Dawsari, Saudi Arabia (Group H)

Known as the man for the big occasion, the Al Hilal attacker shocked the world when he struck the decisive goal to beat Argentina 2-1 in 2022. Now 34, he is still putting in eye-catching performances, and in a group that includes Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde, nobody is more likely to help the Green Falcons progress than the reigning AFC Asian Player of the Year.

Also keep an eye on: Musab Al-Juwayr (Al Qadsiah)

Catch Saudi Arabia’s opening match against Uruguay on 16 June at 01:00 MECCA, live on beIN Sports Max 1 & beIN Sports Max 3 in Arabic, and on beIN Sports Max 5 in English.

Montassar Talbi, Tunisia (Group F)

Drawn with the Netherlands, Sweden, and Japan, Tunisia aim to progress for the first time in seven finals appearances.

Their hopes lie in a defence that did not concede a single goal during qualifying. Montassar Talbi, the 6ft3in centre-back, is key to the Eagles of Carthage’s impenetrable defensive structure.

His reading of the game and on-field leadership will prove critical.

Also keep an eye on: Hazem Mastouri (Dynamo Makhachkala)

Catch Tunisia’s opening match against Sweden on 15 June at 05:00 MECCA, live on beIN Sports Max 2 & beIN Sports Max 4 in Arabic, and on beIN Sports Max 5 in English.

أعلنت القيادة العامة لقوة دفاع البحرين اليوم، أن منظومات الدفاع الجوي تمكنت من اعتراض وتدمير عدد من الصواريخ والطائرات المسيرة الإيرانية.
وقالت القيادة العامة في بيان اليوم إن إيران تواصل نهجها العدائي الممنهج عبر اعتداءاتها الآثمة بالصواريخ والطائرات المسيرة التي تستهدف المدنيين في البحرين.
وشدد البيان على أن تعمد استخدام الصواريخ والطائرات المسيرة في استهداف المدنيين والممتلكات الخاصة، يعد انتهاكا صارخا للقانون الدولي الإنساني.

Doha, Qatar: Argentina head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup aiming to defend the title they won so memorably in Qatar four years ago, carrying the confidence of a team that has enjoyed one of the most successful periods in its football history.

La Albiceleste arrive as reigning world champions after lifting their third FIFA World Cup trophy in 2022. The triumph added to their previous titles in 1978 and 1986 and cemented their status among the sport’s greatest national teams.

Argentina have also strengthened their legacy in recent years by winning back-to-back Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, extending their record haul in the competition to 16 championships.

Under head coach Lionel Scaloni, Argentina have built a squad that combines experience, talent and continuity.

Much of the core that conquered the world in Qatar remains intact, with captain Lionel Messi still leading the side, alongside key figures such as Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.

Argentina’s most recent outing was a 2-0 victory over Honduras in a friendly on June 6, providing another positive result ahead of the tournament.

The South Americans have been drawn in Group J, where they will face Algeria, Austria and debutants Jordan. Their campaign begins against Algeria on June 17, with expectations high that they can advance deep into the competition.

Despite Argentina’s recent success, Scaloni has repeatedly warned against complacency and stressed the difficulty of defending a World Cup title.

“It will be a very complex and difficult World Cup. We have to prepare the players because what’s coming is going to be tough; you can’t always win,” the coach said.

Scaloni, who guided Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 and Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, has emphasized the importance of managing his squad carefully throughout a demanding tournament schedule.

At the centre of attention once again will be Messi. The 38-year-old captain enters what could be his final World Cup, still determined to compete at the highest level.

“I love playing football, and I’m going to do it until I can’t anymore,” Messi said.

While Argentina are among the favourites, Messi believes several nations arrive in strong form and expects another highly competitive tournament. He highlighted France, Brazil and Portugal among the teams capable of challenging for the title, while also noting that surprises are always part of World Cup history.

The depth of Argentina’s squad provides further reason for optimism. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez remains one of the world’s best in his position, while defenders Romero, Nicolás Otamendi and Lisandro Martinez offer leadership and experience at the back. In midfield, De Paul, Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández continue to drive the team, while Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez provide a potent attacking threat alongside Messi.

Forward Julian Alvarez acknowledged the significance of what could be Messi’s final appearance on football’s biggest stage.

“We’re all fully aware that this could well be Leo’s last World Cup,” Alvarez said. “It’ll certainly make for a special World Cup.”

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