40+ of the Biggest Upsets in World Cup History
As we gear up for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, plenty of pundits and fans across the world have expressed their opinions on which teams they believe will lift the coveted World Cup trophy. Still, there have been those times when determined underdogs have unceremoniously defeated the tournament favorites. Let’s take a look at the most surprising World Cup upsets that even the most dedicated football experts may not have seen coming.
Bulgaria 2, Germany 1 – 1994 Quartefinals
Having won their group and defeated Belgium 3-2 in the Round of 16, Germany seemed to be in fine form going into the quarterfinals. Bulgaria, on the other hand, were surprise packages, clinching second place in their group and sneaking through to the quarters by defeating Mexico on penalties.
Form didn’t matter much once the match got underway, however, as Bulgaria came from behind to send the Germans packing, proving themselves to be the dark horses of the tournament.
USA 1, England 0 – 1950 Group Stage
Going into this game, the United States looked particularly shaky, having lost seven consecutive matches. In fact, the USA conceded 45 goals in those seven games while managing to score just two. This made the result of the game with England all the more astonishing.
Dubbed the “Miracle on Grass”, the rag-tag American team managed to hold on for the win after scoring in the 38th minute, effectively eliminating England from the tournament.
Switzerland 1, Spain 0 – 2010 Group Stage
While Spain may have gone on to win the World Cup in South Africa, few would have expected “La Furia Roja” to lose their opening game; particularly given how strong their squad was on paper. Still, this didn’t deter the Swiss from causing the upset of the tournament.
Despite dominating possession, Spain was unable to claw their way back after Gelson Fernandes opened the scoring for the Swiss.
Scotland 3, Netherlands 2 – 1978 Group Stage
In an era where Dutch “Total Football” reigned supreme, few could believe it when minnows Scotland managed to put three goals past the highly-rated Dutch defense. What’s more, the Netherlands made it all the way to the previous World Cup final; a feat that many believed they could repeat this time around.
Ultimately, the result made little difference to the tournament outcome, as the Dutch reached yet another World Cup final. Still, Scotland’s victory will not easily be forgotten.