Since the first tournament in Uruguay in 1930, only eight nations have been crowned world champions. As the 2026 edition begins, here is the complete history of who has lifted football's greatest prize.
Most Titles
- Brazil — 5 (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)
- Germany — 4 (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014)
- Italy — 4 (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006)
- Argentina — 3 (1978, 1986, 2022)
- France — 2 (1998, 2018)
- Uruguay — 2 (1930, 1950)
- England — 1 (1966)
- Spain — 1 (2010)
Recent Champions
Argentina are the reigning champions, having beaten France on penalties in a classic 2022 final in Qatar — Lionel Messi's crowning moment. France lifted the trophy in 2018 in Russia, with Germany (2014) and Spain (2010) the champions before them.
Records to Know
Brazil are the only nation to appear at every World Cup and hold the record for titles. Three players — Pelé, and more recently a select group of greats — have shaped the tournament's legend. As 2026 expands the field to 48 teams, the door is open for a ninth name to one day join this exclusive list.