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FourFourTwo looks back at the 26 greatest upsets in World Cup history as Cape Verde earn their place among football’s most shocking stories.

With the 2026 tournament expanding to 48 teams and featuring more underdogs than ever, surprises are bound to happen – just as these past moments of glory remind us.

Cape Verde demonstrated it perfectly in their debut World Cup 2026 match, holding reigning European champions Spain to a goalless draw in a thrilling encounter in Atlanta that sent shockwaves across the football world.

As one of four debutant nations, the Blue Sharks were given little chance of taking even a single point off Spain. But having already made history by qualifying, they were in no mood to stop there.

Cape Verde, the third-smallest nation ever to compete at a World Cup by population, delivered a stunning introduction to the global stage against the 2010 champions. The Blue Sharks earned a valuable point in their opening Group H match and even came close to stealing victory late on. Though they couldn’t quite find the winner, the result alone was monumental.

In front of a global audience, the tiny island nation off the African coast pulled off one of football’s greatest surprises. Goalkeeper Vozinha, at 40 years old, produced a performance that will be remembered for generations. Spain’s lack of a clinical finish cost them dearly, but Cape Verde’s defensive heroics and spirit created a memorable chapter in World Cup history.

At the 1998 World Cup, tensions were high when Iran faced the United States in Lyon under heavy police presence. Iran triumphed 2-1 thanks to goals from Hamid Estili and Mehdi Mahdavikia, sealing their first-ever World Cup victory and eliminating their political rivals. Ayatollah Khamenei stated, “Tonight, again, the strong and arrogant opponent felt the bitter taste of defeat.” Their latest encounter in 2022 was far less dramatic, with the US winning 1-0.

In 1998, reigning champions Brazil were stunned by Norway in the group stage. Despite a star-studded attack featuring Ronaldo, Bebeto, Rivaldo and Denilson, Tore Andre Flo equalised late before Kjetil Rekdal converted a controversial penalty to secure Norway’s place in the last 16. Norway remain the only nation never to have lost to Brazil.

At Italia ’90, Scotland, appearing in their fifth consecutive World Cup, expected an easy win over debutants Costa Rica. Instead, Bora Milutinovic’s team defended superbly and won 1-0 through Juan Cayasso, helping them progress from the group while Scotland failed to do so once again.

France’s 2010 World Cup campaign was in disarray – after drawing with Uruguay and losing to Mexico, Nicolas Anelka was sent home following a row with manager Raymond Domenech. The team refused to train before losing 2-1 to hosts South Africa, who became the first host nation ever to fail to reach the knockout round. Domenech was dismissed soon after.

Germany’s 2018 title defence ended in embarrassment. Four years after becoming the first European side to win the World Cup in the Americas, they crashed out in the group stage after a 2-0 defeat to South Korea. Manuel Neuer ventured far upfield late in the game, only to lose possession and watch Son Heung-min score into an empty net.

Spain’s 2010 campaign also began disastrously. As reigning European champions, they were favourites but lost 1-0 to Switzerland after Gelson Fernandes scored the only goal. Remarkably, Spain responded by winning every subsequent match to lift the trophy, while Switzerland went out in the group stage.

In 1978, Scotland produced one of their finest ever performances, beating the Netherlands 3-2. Archie Gemmill’s stunning solo goal remains iconic, even though the Scots were ultimately eliminated due to goal difference.

At USA ’94, Argentina began strongly with wins over Greece and Nigeria, but Diego Maradona’s expulsion after a failed drugs test derailed them. Romania, led by Gheorghe Hagi, triumphed 3-2 in the round of 16. Hagi orchestrated the win with two assists for Ilie Dumitrescu and scored the third himself – Romania’s greatest ever World Cup victory.

At the 1994 World Cup, Ireland avenged their 1990 quarter-final loss to Italy with a 1-0 win in New Jersey, courtesy of Ray Houghton’s long-range strike. Despite later setbacks, including a defeat to Mexico and a draw with Norway, Ireland advanced from the group.

Morocco’s 2022 campaign made history. After drawing with Croatia and beating Belgium, they topped their group, knocked out Spain on penalties, and defeated Portugal to become the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals. The Atlas Lions’ disciplined play and passionate support captivated global audiences.

Italy’s 2010 title defence ended miserably with a 3-2 defeat to Slovakia, following draws with Paraguay and New Zealand. Since their 2006 triumph, the Azzurri have managed just one World Cup victory – ironically, against England.

Bulgaria’s 1994 run was equally remarkable. Down 1-0 to holders Germany in the quarter-finals, they came back to win 2-1 through goals from Hristo Stoichkov and Yordan Letchkov, securing one of Eastern Europe’s great football moments.

In 1950, hosts Brazil needed only a draw against Uruguay to win the World Cup. In front of an official crowd of 173,850 at the Maracana, they lost 2-1 after goals from Juan Alberto Schiaffino and Alcides Ghiggia. The shock, known as the “Maracanazo,” remains one of football’s most dramatic defeats.

At the 2014 World Cup, Spain’s reign ended brutally in a 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands. Robin van Persie’s flying header and Arjen Robben’s relentless brilliance tore apart the champions. Spain were eliminated after losing their next match to Chile.

Italy’s 2002 exit to South Korea remains infamous. After a controversial golden-goal defeat, sealed by Ahn Jung-hwan’s header, Italian outrage followed. Ahn’s club Perugia even terminated his contract temporarily. Referee Byron Moreno later became notorious for unrelated legal troubles.

Algeria’s 1982 debut saw them beat West Germany 2-1, the first African and Arab team ever to defeat a European side at a World Cup. Yet their campaign ended unfairly after Austria and West Germany played out a cynical match that ensured both advanced – the infamous “Disgrace of Gijon.”

That same year, Northern Ireland shocked hosts Spain 1-0 through Gerry Armstrong’s goal, even holding on with 10 men after Mal Donaghy was sent off, securing both teams’ progression.

At the 1954 final, Hungary – unbeaten in four years – lost 3-2 to West Germany despite leading 2-0 early on. Known as “The Miracle of Bern,” it remains one of the sport’s most unexpected results.

At the 2022 World Cup, Saudi Arabia came from behind to beat Argentina 2-1, ending the Albiceleste’s 36-match unbeaten run. Salem Al Dawsari’s stunning strike sealed a famous win. Coach Herve Renard predicted Argentina would still win the tournament – and they did.

In 2002, holders France, missing injured Zinedine Zidane, lost their opener 1-0 to debutants Senegal. Papa Bouba Diop scored the winner, assisted by El Hadji Diouf. France exited without scoring a single goal.

England’s 1950 campaign ended in humiliation as they lost 1-0 to the USA, a team largely composed of part-timers. It remains one of the greatest shocks in World Cup history.

At the 1974 tournament, East Germany beat West Germany 1-0 in Hamburg through Jurgen Sparwasser. Though East Germany exited in the next round, West Germany went on to win the World Cup.

Cameroon’s 1-0 win over holders Argentina in 1990 was another iconic upset. Despite finishing with nine men, the Indomitable Lions triumphed through Francois Omam-Biyik’s header and went on to reach the quarter-finals – a first for an African nation.

In 1966, North Korea shocked Italy 1-0 thanks to Pak Doo-ik’s goal, becoming the first Asian side to reach a World Cup quarter-final. They even led Portugal 3-0 before Eusebio’s four-goal comeback ended their dream.

And finally, the most unforgettable collapse of all – Brazil’s 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany in 2014. Without Neymar, the hosts imploded, conceding five goals in 29 minutes. The “Mineirazo” joined the “Maracanazo” in Brazilian football folklore as one of the sport’s darkest nights.