Top 5 Upsets in FIFA World Cup Knockout History
Quick Look
- Germany, a title contender, was surprisingly defeated by Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup round of 32.
- This article highlights the top five biggest upsets in World Cup knockout history, including other notable matches.
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Why It Matters
The FIFA World Cup is a major international football tournament. Upsets in the knockout stages often create significant drama and historical moments.
Monday’s action in the FIFA World Cup 2026 added another chapter to the book of all-time knockout upsets in the tournament, with title contenders Germany stunned by Paraguay at the round of 32 stage, adding yet more spice to an event that has already delivered plenty of drama at the group stage.
Al Jazeera takes a look at the top five upsets in World Cup knockout history:
1. Germany vs Paraguay (2026)
Jose Canale wrote his name in the history books, steering longshots Paraguay to a thrilling shootout win over four-time champions Germany in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup.
Many thought Paraguay would be sent home packing after the group stage when the USA thrashed them in their tournament opener, but the South Americans turned their pain into purpose in no time, knocking out Germany 4-3 on penalties for the biggest upset in World Cup knockout history.
2. Germany vs Bulgaria (1994)
Germany have been on the receiving end of more than one knockout upset – and this one dates back to the 1994 World Cup on American soil.
In their first-ever and only meeting at the World Cup, minnows Bulgaria toppled the defending champions in the quarterfinals, sealing a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Germany that went down as one of the biggest shocks of the competition.
3. Italy vs South Korea (2002)
A rare golden goal decided Italy’s fate at the 2002 World Cup when co-hosts South Korea knocked them out in the round of 16.
The Italians got off to a promising start when Christian Vieri gave them an early lead, but South Korea’s Seol Ki-Hyun struck a late equaliser, and Ahn Jung-Hwan sealed the deal, becoming the third of just four to score a golden goal at the global finals.
The 2-1 victory helped South Korea achieve a deep run at the tournament as they finished fourth, their best result in the World Cup to date.
4. Brazil vs Germany (2014)
Germany handed Brazil an infamous 7-1 semifinal thrashing at the 2014 World Cup, breaking Brazilian hearts on their own soil.
Five players found the net for Germany, with Oscar netting a 90th-minute consolation for Brazil – capping a humiliating result which left Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari calling it the “worst day of my life”.
Germany went on to win that tournament, lifting their fourth world title.
5. Morocco vs Portugal (2022)
Morocco – who stunned the Netherlands on Monday to reach the round of 16 – are no strangers to pulling off an upset, especially against European teams.
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Atlas Lions tamed Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal, beating them 1-0 in the quarterfinals despite finishing the game with 10 players.
The monumental victory saw Morocco become the first African and Arab side to reach the World Cup semifinals.
