The FIFA World Cup is truly the most prestigious tournament in international football, uniting the top national teams globally every four years. Since its start in 1930, the World Cup has been a symbol of footballing excellence.
Initially, only men's teams competed in this quadrennial event, with the women's FIFA World Cup being introduced in 1991.
In this piece, GOAL explores which country holds the most FIFA men's World Cup wins.
Which country has won the most men’s FIFA World Cups?
Brazil has the claim to being the "Kings of the World Cup," having won the official men's FIFA World Cup five times, more than any other nation.
The only country to have played in every FIFA World Cup, Brazil's first World Cup win was in 1958, featuring the debut of a 17-year-old Pele, who would score two goals in the final. Successfully defending the crown in 1962, becoming the first nation to win back-to-back World Cup titles, their next victory, when Brazil were allowed to permanently keep the Jules Rimet Trophy.
After a 24-year wait, Brazil claimed their fourth title in the first-ever World Cup final decided by a penalty shootout. Selecao's most recent World Cup victory came in 2002.
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Brazil’s golden legacy is marked by legendary players like Pele, Zico, Romario, Ronaldo Nazario, Ronaldinho, and Cafu, who helped shape the country's attacking and flair-filled style of play, known worldwide as “jogo bonito”—the beautiful game.
Pele remains the only player in history to have won three World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970), solidifying Brazil’s dominance during the early decades of the tournament.
Challengers to the Throne
While Brazil leads the pack, a few other nations are not far behind:
Germany – 4 titles (1954, 1974, 1990 as West Germany; 2014 as unified Germany)
Italy – 4 titles (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006)
Argentina – 3 titles (1978, 1986, 2022)
France – 2 titles (1998, 2018)
Uruguay – 2 titles (1930, 1950)
Germany and Italy, with their four trophies each, have both had periods of dominance, especially in Europe. Argentina has emerged more recently as a force, especially with Lionel Messi leading them to their third title in 2022.
Which continent has won the most men's FIFA World Cups?
Europe has won the most World Cups with 12 victories, with five different winners: Italy, Germany, England, France, and Spain. South America is second with ten victories and three different winners: Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. Africa, Asia, and North America have not yet won the World Cup.