# What is the greatest FIFA World Cup tournament of all time?

> Vote for the FIFA World Cup tournament that delivered the most unforgettable moments — from miraculous upsets to iconic goals that wrote football history.

*By YPB Team · Published April 22, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/what-is-the-greatest-fifa-world-cup-tournament-of-all-time*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **1970 Mexico**
   The 1970 tournament in Mexico is widely regarded as the most beautiful World Cup ever played, featuring Pelé's legendary Brazil winning the Jules Rimet Trophy permanently.
2. **1986 Mexico**
   The 1986 tournament in Mexico was defined by Diego Maradona's transcendent individual brilliance, including the infamous Hand of God and the Goal of the Century.
3. **1998 France**
   The 1998 tournament in France saw the host nation lift the trophy for the first time, with Zinedine Zidane's brace in the final becoming one of football's iconic images.
4. **2002 Korea/Japan**
   The 2002 co-hosted tournament was the first held in Asia and produced stunning upsets, with underdogs South Korea reaching the semi-finals and Ronaldo's redemption arc for Brazil.
5. **2006 Germany**
   The 2006 summer fairy tale in Germany is remembered for stunning football, Zinedine Zidane's headbutt finale, and Italy's dramatic penalty shootout triumph.
6. **2010 South Africa**
   The 2010 tournament made history as Africa's first World Cup, unforgettable for the vuvuzelas, Paul the Octopus, and Spain's historic first title.
7. **2014 Brazil**
   The 2014 tournament in Brazil is remembered for spectacular goals and the shocking 7-1 semi-final demolition of the host nation by eventual winners Germany.
8. **2018 Russia**
   The 2018 tournament in Russia delivered endless drama, England's semi-final run, Croatia's fairytale journey, and France's dominant final victory.
9. **2022 Qatar**
   The 2022 Qatar tournament, the first held in the Middle East, gave the world Lionel Messi's long-awaited coronation in one of the greatest finals ever played.
10. **1966 England**
   The 1966 tournament on English soil saw the host nation win its only World Cup title, with Geoff Hurst's controversial hat-trick goal in the final against West Germany.
11. **1982 Spain**
   The 1982 tournament in Spain is celebrated for its attacking football, Brazil's beautiful yet eliminated squad, and Italy's eventual surprise triumph through Paolo Rossi.
12. **1994 USA**
   The 1994 tournament in the USA introduced the World Cup to a new audience and ended with Brazil's fourth title claimed via penalty shootout after a goalless final.

Tags: sports, historical, soccer, football, classics