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By Goli Innocent
The FIFA World Cup has produced some of football’s greatest moments, but few things capture the imagination like an upset.
From underdogs toppling defending champions to football minnows stunning global powerhouses, shock results have repeatedly rewritten World Cup history.
Here are seven of the biggest World Cup upsets from the modern era, spanning 2002 to 2022:
1. Saudi Arabia 2-1 Argentina (2022)
Few predicted what unfolded in Qatar when Saudi Arabia stunned Lionel Messi’s Argentina in one of the biggest shocks the tournament has ever seen.
Argentina arrived unbeaten in 36 matches and were widely tipped as favourites to lift the trophy. Messi gave them an early lead from the penalty spot, and many expected a routine victory.
Instead, Saudi Arabia produced a remarkable second-half comeback. Saleh Al-Shehri levelled the score before Salem Al-Dawsari curled home a sensational winner minutes later.
The result sent shockwaves across world football. Despite the defeat, Argentina recovered to win the World Cup, making Saudi Arabia’s triumph even more extraordinary.
2. Senegal 1-0 France (2002)
Senegal announced themselves on the world stage in dramatic fashion by defeating defending champions France in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup.
France entered the tournament as reigning world and European champions, packed with elite talent, although Zinedine Zidane was sidelined through injury.
But tournament debutants Senegal refused to be intimidated. Papa Bouba Diop scored the only goal, sparking wild celebrations.
The upset proved devastating for France, who crashed out in the group stage without scoring a single goal. Senegal, meanwhile, reached the quarter-finals in one of Africa’s most memorable World Cup campaigns.
3. Japan 2-1 Germany (2022)
Japan delivered one of Qatar 2022’s standout surprises by defeating four-time champions Germany.
Germany controlled much of the contest and took the lead through İlkay Gündoğan’s penalty. However, Japan mounted a stunning second-half fightback.
Ritsu Doan equalised before Takuma Asano fired in a brilliant late winner from a tight angle.
The defeat deepened Germany’s World Cup struggles, contributing to their second consecutive group-stage elimination.
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4. South Korea 2-0 Germany (2018)
Another painful chapter in Germany’s World Cup history came in Russia 2018.
As defending champions, Germany were expected to advance comfortably, but South Korea had other plans.
In stoppage time, Kim Young-gwon broke the deadlock before Son Heung-min sealed victory on the counterattack.
The result knocked Germany out in the group stage for the first time in decades and became one of the most shocking eliminations involving a defending champion.
5. Morocco 2-0 Belgium (2022)
Morocco’s victory over Belgium was more than a surprise result; it signalled the rise of a team ready to challenge football’s established order.
Belgium came into the tournament ranked among the world’s best and boasting a squad filled with experienced stars.
However, Morocco outplayed them with energy, discipline and attacking intent. The North Africans secured a deserved 2-0 victory and pushed Belgium towards a disappointing group-stage exit.
Morocco would go on to make history as the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final.
6. Switzerland 1-0 Spain (2010)
Spain eventually won the 2010 World Cup, but their campaign began with a major scare.
European champions Spain were heavy favourites against Switzerland, yet Gelson Fernandes’ goal handed the Swiss an unlikely victory.
Spain dominated possession and created chances but could not break down a stubborn Swiss defence.
Although Spain recovered to win the trophy, the result remains one of the tournament’s most unexpected outcomes.
7. South Korea 2-1 Italy (2002)
South Korea’s dramatic Round of 16 victory over Italy remains one of the most debated World Cup matches.
Italy, one of football’s traditional heavyweights, were expected to progress, but co-hosts South Korea fought relentlessly.
After extra time, Ahn Jung-hwan scored the decisive golden goal to eliminate the Italians.
The match was surrounded by controversy over refereeing decisions, but the result powered South Korea into the quarter-finals and cemented their remarkable 2002 run.
