IN the 96-year history of the men’s Fifa World Cup, just eight nations have won the tournament. Of those eight, six have done it multiple times.
Brazil hold the record for most World Cup wins with five, emerging victorious in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002.
Germany and Italy are the next most successful nations with four trophies each. Three of Germany’s wins were as West Germany, prior to the national teams of West and East Germany merging after the 1990 World Cup.
Defending champions Argentina have three World Cups to their name, while France and Uruguay have two tournament wins each.
England and Spain are the only winners that are one-time champions.
With France, Spain, Argentina and England making the semi-finals, it is guaranteed that a previous winner will lift the trophy again this summer.
The full list of World Cup winners by year is as follows:
• 1930 – Uruguay
• 1934 – Italy
• 1938 – Italy
• 1950 – Uruguay
• 1954 – West Germany
• 1958 – Brazil
• 1962 – Brazil
• 1966 – England
• 1970 – Brazil
• 1974 – West Germany
• 1978 – Argentina
• 1982 – Italy
• 1986 – Argentina
• 1990 – West Germany
• 1994 – Brazil
• 1998 – France
• 2002 – Brazil
• 2006 – Italy
• 2010 – Spain
• 2014 – Germany
• 2018 – France
• 2022 – Argentina
Which nations and players have the most World Cup goals?
Former Germany striker Klose had held the record for most World Cup goals prior to the 2026 tournament, but now finds himself third.
Former Brazil forward Ronaldo ranks in fourth place with 15 goals from 19 games.
In joint-fifth place is Gerd Muller, whose international career was spent representing West Germany. He netted 14 World Cup goals in just 13 appearances. At this World Cup, England captain Harry Kane has moved level with Muller for World Cup goals.
Former France striker Just Fontaine is in seventh place and Brazil’s three-time World Cup `
Joint-ninth on the list are Sandor Kocsis (Hungary), Jurgen Klinsmann (West Germany/Germany) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) with 11 goals each
