The Most Successful World Cup, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the World Cup you think is the most successful!

Updated on Apr 26, 2024 06:58

Over the years, the World Cup has captured the imagination and passion of millions around the globe, making it more than just a series of soccer matches. It's a festivity of national pride and a showcase of world-class skill. Understanding which World Cup stands out as the most successful can spark lively debates and foster a deeper appreciation of the game's history and its pivotal moments. By casting your vote on which World Cup you believe was the most triumphant, you contribute to a collective assessment that helps highlight the tournaments that resonated most with fans. Through your participation, you not only share your personal perspective but also see how your views compare with those of other soccer enthusiasts from around the world.

What Is the Most Successful World Cup?

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55
votes
1994 World Cup (USA)

The highest average attendance in World Cup history and a record-breaking 3.6 million in total attendance. It also featured a dramatic final between Brazil and Italy, which ended in a penalty shootout.
The 1994 World Cup, officially known as the FIFA World Cup USA '94, was the 15th edition of the international soccer tournament organized by FIFA. It was hosted by the United States, marking the first time the event was held in North America.

Best Goalkeeper: Michel Preud'homme (Belgium)

Fair Play Award: Brazil

Host Country: United States

Number of Participating Teams: 24

Matches Played: 52
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30
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2014 World Cup (Brazil)

The tournament was widely regarded as one of the most entertaining and competitive in recent memory, with many upsets and surprise performances. It also saw the rise of Germany as a dominant force in world football.
The 2014 World Cup, held in Brazil, was one of the most successful tournaments in the history of the FIFA World Cup. It brought together 32 national teams from around the world to compete for the prestigious title. The matches were played in twelve different cities across Brazil, including Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Brasilia.

Matches Played: 64

Participating Teams: 32

Host Country: Brazil

Total Goals Scored: 171

Average Attendance: 52,918
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10
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1970 World Cup (Mexico)

Considered by many to be the greatest World Cup of all time, with a star-studded lineup of teams and some of the most iconic moments in football history. It also saw the emergence of Brazil's legendary team led by Pele.
The 1970 World Cup, hosted by Mexico, is widely regarded as one of the most successful tournaments in the history of the FIFA World Cup. It featured memorable matches, iconic players, and a high level of technical quality.

Host Country: Mexico

Dates: May 31 to June 21, 1970

Number of Teams: 16

Venues: 5 (Estadio Azteca, Estadio Jalisco, Estadio Azul, Estadio Luis Dosal, Estadio Nou Camp)

Attendance: Average of 50,000 spectators per match
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19
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2002 World Cup (South Korea/Japan)

The first World Cup to be held in Asia, it featured some of the most exciting and high-scoring matches in recent history. It also saw the surprise success of South Korea, who reached the semi-finals.
The 2002 World Cup, officially known as the FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan 2002, was the 17th edition of the FIFA World Cup. It was held jointly in South Korea and Japan from May 31 to June 30, 2002. The tournament showcased thrilling matches, unexpected outcomes, and memorable moments, making it one of the most successful World Cups in history.

Host Countries: South Korea and Japan

Dates: May 31 - June 30, 2002

Number of Teams: 32

Matches Played: 64

Stadiums: 20
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8
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1986 World Cup (Mexico)

The tournament featured Diego Maradona's infamous "Hand of God" goal and his solo effort against England, widely regarded as one of the greatest goals in World Cup history. It also saw the emergence of several young stars, including Gary Lineker and Enzo Scifo.
The 1986 World Cup, hosted by Mexico, is considered one of the most successful editions of the tournament. It was held from May 31st to June 29th, 1986.

Host Country: Mexico

Number of Teams: 24

Venues: 12

Matches Played: 52

Total Goals: 132
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5
votes
1978 World Cup (Argentina)

Hosted by Argentina, the tournament featured some of the most exciting and attacking football in recent history. It also saw the emergence of Mario Kempes as a superstar, leading Argentina to their first World Cup triumph.
The 1978 World Cup, officially known as the FIFA World Cup Argentina '78, was the 11th edition of the FIFA World Cup. It took place in Argentina from June 1 to July 25, 1978. This tournament is widely regarded as one of the most successful World Cups in history, both in terms of quality of football and organization.

Host Country: Argentina

Number of Teams: 16

Number of Matches: 38

Winner: Argentina

Runners-up: Netherlands
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12
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1998 World Cup (France)

The tournament was notable for its high level of technical skill and tactical sophistication, as well as the emergence of several young stars such as Thierry Henry and Michael Owen. It also saw France win their first World Cup on home soil.
The 1998 World Cup, officially known as the FIFA World Cup France 1998, was the 16th edition of the FIFA World Cup. It was held in France from June 10 to July 12, 1998. The tournament featured 32 teams from around the world competing in 64 matches to determine the world champion.

Host Country: France

Dates: June 10 to July 12, 1998

Teams: 32

Matches: 64

Champion: France
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9
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1966 World Cup (England)

Hosted by England, the tournament featured the first-ever televised World Cup final and some of the most memorable moments in football history, including Geoff Hurst's hat-trick in the final. It also saw England win their first and only World Cup to date.
The 1966 World Cup, also known as the 8th FIFA World Cup, was an international football tournament held in England from July 11th to July 30th, 1966. It is considered one of the most successful World Cups in history.

Host Country: England

Number of Teams: 16

Matches Played: 32

Final Match: England vs. West Germany

Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
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5
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1974 World Cup (West Germany)

FIFA

The tournament featured some of the most attacking football in recent history, with a total of 97 goals scored. It also saw the emergence of Johan Cruyff as a superstar and the rise of the Netherlands as a dominant force in world football.
The 1974 World Cup, held in West Germany, was the tenth edition of the FIFA World Cup. It took place from June 13 to July 7, 1974. The tournament featured a total of 16 teams competing for the prestigious title. The matches were held in nine different stadiums across West Germany.

Host Country: West Germany

Dates: June 13 - July 7, 1974

Number of Teams: 16

Stadiums: 9

Winner: West Germany
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2018 World Cup (Russia)

Hosted by Russia, the tournament was notable for its high level of competitiveness and tactical sophistication, as well as the emergence of several young stars such as Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane. It also saw France win their second World Cup in 20 years.
The 2018 World Cup, officially known as the FIFA World Cup 2018, was the 21st edition of the international men's football tournament. It took place in Russia from June 14 to July 15, 2018, and featured a total of 32 national teams competing for the coveted title.

Hosting Country: Russia

Number of Teams: 32

Matches Played: 64

Venues: 12

Opening Match: Russia vs. Saudi Arabia

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most successful World Cup. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Cup is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1213 views
150 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Cup once every 24 hours. The rank of each Cup is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most successful world cup

The FIFA World Cup is the most prestigious tournament in international football, held every four years since 1930. Throughout its history, there have been numerous exciting and memorable tournaments, but which one was the most successful? Success can be measured in different ways, such as the quality of the teams, the level of competition, the number of goals scored, or the impact on the sport. In this article, we will explore some of the most successful World Cups and the reasons behind their success. Get ready to relive some of the greatest moments in football history!