The FIFA World Cup has produced some of football's greatest moments, legendary players and unforgettable finals across the last four decades.
From Diego
Maradona's magic in 1986 to Lionel Messi finally lifting the trophy in 2022, every World Cup has carried its own story and legacy.
Here is a complete look at every FIFA World Cup winner from 1982 to 2022.
FIFA World Cup winners list (1982-2022)
| Year | Host Nation | Champions | Runners-up | Third Place |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Spain | Italy | West Germany | Poland |
| 1986 | Mexico | Argentina | West Germany | France |
| 1990 | Italy | West Germany | Argentina | Italy |
| 1994 | USA | Brazil | Italy | Sweden |
| 1998 | France | France | Brazil | Croatia |
| 2002 | Korea/Japan | Brazil | Germany | Turkey |
| 2006 | Germany | Italy | France | Germany |
| 2010 | South Africa | Spain | Netherlands | Germany |
| 2014 | Brazil | Germany | Argentina | Netherlands |
| 2018 | Russia | France | Croatia | Belgium |
| 2022 | Qatar | Argentina | France | Croatia |
Italy's emotional return in 1982
Italy lifted their third FIFA World Cup title in Spain after a stunning turnaround inspired by Paolo Rossi.
Rossi became the hero of the tournament with six goals, including a famous hat-trick against Brazil and the opening goal in the final against West Germany. Italy eventually defeated the Germans 3-1 in Madrid to claim their first World Cup title since 1938.
Maradona's legendary 1986 World Cup
Argentina's triumph in Mexico remains one of the most iconic World Cup campaigns ever because of Diego Maradona.
The legendary No.10 produced two unforgettable goals against England in the quarter-finals - the controversial "Hand of God" and arguably the greatest solo goal in World Cup history.
Maradona then guided Argentina past Belgium and West Germany as La Albiceleste secured their second world title.
West Germany finally avenge Argentina in 1990
Four years after losing the 1986 final, West Germany got revenge against Argentina in Rome.
The final was a tense and physical affair before Andreas Brehme converted a late penalty to seal a 1-0 victory and Germany's third World Cup crown.
Brazil reclaim the throne in USA 1994
The 1994 World Cup saw Brazil return to the top after a 24-year wait.
Led by Romario, Bebeto and captain Dunga, Brazil defeated Italy in the first World Cup final ever decided by penalties after a goalless draw. Roberto Baggio's famous miss handed Brazil their fourth title.
Zidane powers France to first World Cup in 1998
France became world champions for the first time on home soil in 1998.
Zinedine Zidane dominated the final against defending champions Brazil, scoring twice in a stunning 3-0 victory in Paris. The tournament also became heavily remembered for Ronaldo's mysterious illness before kickoff.
Ronaldo completes redemption story in 2002
After heartbreak in the 1998 final, Ronaldo produced one of football's greatest comeback stories in Korea/Japan 2002.
The Brazilian striker scored eight goals during the tournament, including both goals in the final against Germany, as Brazil lifted a record fifth World Cup title.
Italy survive Zidane drama in 2006
Italy defeated France in one of the most dramatic finals in World Cup history.
The final is remembered for Zinedine Zidane's infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi during extra time. After a 1-1 draw, Italy held their nerve in the shootout to secure their fourth World Cup title.
Spain's golden generation dominates in 2010
Spain completed their era of dominance by winning the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Built around players like Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and David Villa, Spain controlled matches with possession-heavy football before Iniesta scored the winning goal against the Netherlands in extra time.
It remains Spain's only World Cup triumph.
Germany destroy Brazil en route to 2014 title
Germany produced one of the most shocking results in football history during the 2014 semi-finals, demolishing hosts Brazil 7-1.
Joachim Low's side later defeated Argentina in the final thanks to Mario Gotze's extra-time winner, securing Germany's fourth World Cup title.
Mbappe announces himself in 2018
France's 2018 triumph in Russia introduced Kylian Mbappe as football's next global superstar.
Didier Deschamps' side defeated Croatia 4-2 in the final, with Mbappe becoming the first teenager since Pele to score in a World Cup final.
Messi finally completes football in 2022
The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar delivered what many consider the greatest final ever played.
Lionel Messi inspired Argentina throughout the tournament after an opening defeat to Saudi Arabia. In the final, Messi scored twice while Kylian Mbappe netted a hat-trick for France in an extraordinary 3-3 thriller.
Argentina eventually won on penalties, allowing Messi to finally lift the one trophy missing from his career and secure Argentina's first World Cup title since 1986.
