World Cup Finals- A Brief History

1934 FIFA World Cup

Host Nation: Italy

Final Match: Italy vs. Czechoslovakia

Winner: Italy 2-1 (Extra Time)

In the second edition of the FIFA World Cup, the host nation would again emerge victorious as Italy prevailed 2-1 in extra time. For the first time, radio broadcasts of the matches were transmitted to participating nations.

1938 FIFA World Cup

Host nation: France

Final Match: Italy vs. Hungary

Winner: Italy 4-2

By virtue of winning their second world cup in a row, Italy became the first nation to successfully defend their championship. They would remain the reigning champions for the next 12 years as subsequent world cups were cancelled due to WWII.

1950 FIFA World Cup

Host Nation: Brazil

Final Match: Uruguay vs. Brazil

Winner: Uruguay 2-1

After the return of the FIFA World Cup from the WWII hiatus, this final was unlike previous editions. The winner of this tournament was not determined through a final match, but rather through a final mini-league. In the most critical match, Uruguay, in front of nearly 200,000 Brazilian fans, defeated the host nation 2-1.

1954 FIFA World Cup

Host Nation: Switzerland

Final Match: West Germany vs. Hungary

Winner: West Germany 3-2

In a match known as the "Miracle in Berne", newly formed West Germany ended Hungary's 31-match undefeated streak as they won a stunner 3-2.

1958 FIFA World Cup

Host Nation: Sweden

Final Match: Brazil vs. Sweden 

Winner: Brazil 5-2

The first of Brazil's record 5 championships, Brazil also becomes the first team to win the tournament while playing outside of its home continent.

1962 FIFA World Cup

Host Nation: Chile

Final Match: Brazil vs. Czechoslovakia

Winner: Brazil 3-1

Brazil successfully completed their championship defense (currently the last such team to do so) as they overcome an early 1-0 deficit to defeat Czechoslovakia 3-1. This match marks Czechoslovakia's most current finals appearance.

1966 FIFA World Cup

Host Nation: England

Final Match: England vs. West Germany

Winner: England 4-2 (Extra Time)

The tournament's first (and currently only) appearance in the birthplace of soccer resulted in a championship for the host nation as England survived a late rally from the West Germans to prevail in extra time.

1970 FIFA World Cup

Host Nation: Mexico

Final Match: Brazil vs. Italy

Winner: Brazil 4-1

In the first North American hosting of the FIFA World Cup, Brazil finishes an undefeated run with a convincing victory over Italy 4-1. The championship marks Brazil's third title in four tries.

1974 FIFA World Cup

Host Nation: West Germany

Final Match: West Germany vs. Netherlands

Winner: West Germany 2-1

Playing in front of their home fans, West Germany survive an early conceded goal as they rally to score a 2-1 victory. The title was Germany's second.

1978 FIFA World Cup

Host Nation: Argentina

Final Match: Argentina vs. Netherlands

Winner: Argentina 3-1 (Extra Time)

For the second consecutive final, The Netherlands found itself facing the host nation on home turf. This time around, it was Argentina's turn to celebrate at home as they knocked off The Netherlands 3-1.

1982 FIFA World Cup

Host Nation: Spain

Final Match: Italy vs. West Germany

Winner: Italy 3-1

Despite terrific play from France and Brazil throughout the tournament, it was the Italians and West Germans who found themselves in the final match. Italy would seal their third championship (and first since WWII) with a 3-1 victory.

1986 FIFA World Cup

Host Nation: Mexico

Final Match: Argentina vs. West Germany

Winner: Argentina 3-2

A thrilling final match saw the West Germans rally from a 2-0 first half deficit, only for Diego Maradona to deliver a counter-goal and a 3-2 victory for Argentina. The match was West Germany's second consecutive final match defeat.

1990 FIFA World Cup

Host Nation: Italy

Final Match: West Germany vs. Argentina

Winner: West Germany 1-0

In a rematch of the 1986 final (as well as West Germany's third consecutive final match appearance), West Germany's late penalty goal was the difference as West Germany claimed their third championship.

1994 FIFA World Cup

Host Nation: United States of America

Final Match: Brazil vs. Italy

Winner: Brazil 0-0 (3-2 Penalties)

The first final match to end in a scoreless draw (as well as the first final match to be decided by a penalty shootout) resulted in a familiar champion: Brazil. The win was Brazil's fourth title.

1998 FIFA World Cup

Host Nation: France

Final Match: France vs. Brazil

Winner: France 3-0

Brazil, at this point a well-established soccer juggernaut, was no match for a French team playing on home soil as they knocked off Brazil 3-0. The win delivered France's first title.

2002 FIFA World Cup

Host Nations: Japan/South Korea

Final Match: Brazil vs. Germany

Winner: Brazil 2-0

Appearing in their third consecutive final match appearance, Brazil knocked off Germany, in their first final appearance since reunification, 2-0 for their record fifth title.

2006 FIFA World Cup

Host Nation: Germany

Final Match: Italy vs. France

Winner: Italy 1-1 (5-3 Penalties)

After a hard fought match that notably featured France's Zinedine Zidane's ejection, the title was decided by penalty kicks for only the second time. The title was Italy's fourth.

2010 FIFA World Cup

Host Nation: South Africa

Final Match: Spain vs. Netherlands

Winner: Spain 1-0 (Extra Time)

Making their first final match appearance, Spain scored a late goal in extra time to deliver their first ever world cup title. This was The Netherlands third finals appearance (all losses).

2014 FIFA World Cup

Host Nation: Brazil

Final Match: Germany vs. Argentina

Winner: Germany 1-0 (Extra Time)

Fresh off an infamous victory over host-Brazil 7-1 in the semifinals, Germany survived a valiant effort from Argentina to secure their fourth title, and first title since reunification.

2018 FIFA World Cup

Host Nation: Russia

Final Match: France vs. Croatia

Winner: France 4-2

After a thrilling run that saw upstarts Croatia reach their first final, it was eventually the French who pulled away 4-2 in the highest scoring final since 1966 for their second title.