The FIFA World Cup has been played since 1930 and has produced some of the most memorable moments in sport. These are the team and tournament records that define its history.

Most World Cup titles: Brazil, 5

Brazil remain the most successful nation with five titles, the last in 2002. They are also the only team to have played at every World Cup. Germany and Italy have four titles each. See the full World Cup winners list.

Most finals played: Germany, 8

Germany, including West Germany, have reached eight World Cup finals, winning four. Argentina have now played seven finals, including the 2026 final against Spain, and Brazil six, plus the decisive final-round match of 1950.

Biggest win at a World Cup finals: 10-1

Hungary beat El Salvador 10-1 at the 1982 tournament in Spain. Hungary also hold the record for most goals in a single tournament, 27 in 1954.

The most shocking result: Brazil 1-7 Germany (2014)

In the semi-final of the 2014 World Cup in Belo Horizonte, hosts Brazil were 5-0 down after 29 minutes against Germany and eventually lost 7-1. Germany went on to win the tournament in Rio de Janeiro.

Fastest goal: 11 seconds

Turkey’s Hakan Sukur scored after about 11 seconds against South Korea in the third-place match at the 2002 World Cup, the fastest goal in tournament history.

Pele: the only three-time winner

Pele won the World Cup in 1958, 1962 and 1970. He was 17 when he scored twice in the 1958 final against Sweden, making him the youngest player to score in a World Cup final.

Famous upsets

• USA 1-0 England (1950): a team of part-timers beat one of the favourites in Brazil.
• North Korea 1-0 Italy (1966): Italy were knocked out by a team almost nobody had heard of.
• Cameroon 1-0 Argentina (1990): the holders, led by Diego Maradona, lost the opening match.
• Senegal 1-0 France (2002): the defending champions lost on debut day and went out without scoring.
• Saudi Arabia 2-1 Argentina (2022): Argentina lost their opener in Qatar, then went on to win the tournament.

Bigger tournaments, new records

The expansion to 48 teams and 104 matches in 2026 means individual records such as goals and appearances are now being challenged faster than ever, as players can play up to eight matches in a single tournament. Read how the expanded tournament worked in our World Cup 2026 review.