Some of the greatest teams in World Cup history never managed to lift the trophy. From the Netherlands’ golden generation to Brazil’s 1982 squad, here’s a look at the best teams that came close but fell short.
The Best World Cup Teams That Never Won the Trophy
The FIFA World Cup is the ultimate stage for football’s finest teams, where legends are made, and dreams are fulfilled. However, throughout history, some of the greatest teams to ever grace the tournament failed to win the trophy, despite having world-class talent, incredible performances, and unforgettable moments.
Some were unlucky, others were robbed by controversial refereeing decisions, and some simply fell short at the final hurdle. In this article, we take a look at the best World Cup teams that never lifted the trophy, proving that greatness isn’t always measured in silverware.
1. Netherlands (1974 & 1978) – The Masters of Total Football
🔹 Best Finish: Runners-up (1974, 1978)
🔹 Key Players: Johan Cruyff, Johan Neeskens, Ruud Krol
The Dutch team of the 1970s revolutionized football with Total Football, a tactical system where players could switch positions fluidly. Led by the iconic Johan Cruyff, the Netherlands dominated the 1974 World Cup, breezing through the tournament with their attacking style.
Why They Didn’t Win
Despite taking an early lead in the 1974 final against West Germany, the Netherlands lost 2-1, unable to capitalize on their dominance. In 1978, they reached the final again but fell to host nation Argentina, missing out on their golden opportunity.
🔹 Legacy:
The Netherlands of the 1970s remain one of the most influential teams in football history, inspiring future generations with their attacking philosophy.
2. Brazil (1982) – The Most Entertaining Team Ever?
🔹 Best Finish: Quarter-finals (1982)
🔹 Key Players: Zico, Socrates, Falcão, Eder
The Brazilian squad of 1982 is often called the greatest team to never win the World Cup. With their beautiful, attacking football, they played with a freedom and creativity that mesmerized fans.
Why They Didn’t Win
Brazil’s 1982 campaign ended in heartbreak. In a crucial match against Italy, they lost 3-2, despite being the better team. Italy’s Paolo Rossi scored a hat-trick, knocking Brazil out in a shocking result.
🔹 Legacy:
Even without a trophy, Brazil 1982 is remembered as one of the greatest teams ever, proving that beautiful football matters more than results.
3. Hungary (1954) – The Mighty Magyars
🔹 Best Finish: Runners-up (1954)
🔹 Key Players: Ferenc Puskás, Sándor Kocsis, József Bozsik
The Hungarian team of the 1950s, also known as the Mighty Magyars, was one of the most dominant teams in history. They were unbeaten for four years before the 1954 World Cup final.
Why They Didn’t Win
Hungary was the clear favorite to win the 1954 final against West Germany. They took an early 2-0 lead, but in a shocking turn of events, Germany made a comeback to win 3-2 in what became known as the Miracle of Bern.
🔹 Legacy:
Hungary’s innovative playing style influenced modern football, and their Puskás-led team remains legendary despite the heartbreaking loss.
4. Portugal (1966) – Eusebio’s Golden Generation
🔹 Best Finish: Third place (1966)
🔹 Key Players: Eusebio, Mario Coluna, José Torres
Portugal’s 1966 World Cup campaign was led by the legendary Eusebio, one of the greatest players of all time. Portugal played attacking football, and Eusebio finished as the tournament’s top scorer with nine goals.
Why They Didn’t Win
In the semi-finals against England, Portugal suffered a controversial defeat, as the match was moved to Wembley, giving host nation England an advantage. England won 2-1, and Portugal had to settle for third place.
🔹 Legacy:
This Portugal team inspired future generations, proving that they could compete at the highest level.
5. Argentina (2006 & 2014) – Messi’s Painful Misses
🔹 Best Finish: Runners-up (2014), Quarter-finals (2006)
🔹 Key Players: Lionel Messi, Juan Román Riquelme (2006), Ángel Di María
Argentina had two brilliant squads in 2006 and 2014, but both failed to win the World Cup.
Why They Didn’t Win?
- 2006: Argentina played beautiful football and were one of the favorites. However, they lost in the quarter-finals against Germany on penalties, despite having one of the best midfields in the tournament.
- 2014: Messi led Argentina to the final against Germany, but Mario Götze’s extra-time goal crushed their dreams in a 1-0 defeat.
🔹 Legacy:
Argentina’s 2014 team remains one of the best squads in recent history, and Messi finally got his redemption by winning the 2022 World Cup.
6. Italy (1994) – Baggio’s Heartbreak
🔹 Best Finish: Runners-up (1994)
🔹 Key Players: Roberto Baggio, Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi
Italy’s 1994 World Cup campaign was all about Roberto Baggio, who carried his team to the final against Brazil.
Why They Didn’t Win?
The final ended 0-0, and the match was decided by penalties. In the most iconic moment of the tournament, Baggio missed the decisive penalty, handing Brazil the title.
🔹 Legacy:
Baggio’s miss remains one of the saddest moments in World Cup history, but Italy’s 1994 squad was one of the strongest defensive teams ever.
7. France (1982 & 1986) – Platini’s Nearly Team
🔹 Best Finish: Third place (1986), Semi-finals (1982)
🔹 Key Players: Michel Platini, Alain Giresse, Jean Tigana
France’s golden generation of the 1980s, led by Michel Platini, played attacking, stylish football.
Why They Didn’t Win?
- 1982: France lost in one of the most dramatic semi-finals ever against West Germany in a penalty shootout.
- 1986: They reached the semi-finals again, but lost to Maradona’s Argentina.
🔹 Legacy:
Their failure to win the World Cup was a disappointment, but they set the stage for France’s 1998 triumph.
Conclusion
These teams did not win the World Cup, but they left an unforgettable legacy in football history. From Brazil 1982’s beautiful football to the Netherlands’ Total Football revolution, their influence on the game is undeniable.
Winning the World Cup is the ultimate achievement, but these teams proved that greatness is more than just lifting a trophy. Which of these legendary teams do you think deserved to win?
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