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Top 5 Biggest Upsets in FIFA World Cup History: The FIFA World Cup 2026 witnessed a match that completely altered the landscape of the football world. No one had even imagined that a team which had barely scraped through the group stage would humble the four-time world champions.
We are talking about the historic clash between Paraguay and Germany a match that has written a new chapter in the history of World Cup knockout stages. After a grueling 120-minute battle, Paraguay defeated Germany 4-3 in a penalty shootout to secure their spot in the Round of 16. Based on FIFA rankings, this victory ranks as the fourth-biggest upset in World Cup knockout history.
Let’s take a look at the five biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup knockout history that stunned the world
Top 5 Biggest Upsets in FIFA World Cup Knockout History
5. Bulgaria vs Germany (1994) – The Day the Defending Champions Fell
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Ranking Gap: Germany (No. 1) vs. Bulgaria (No. 29)
What happened: Germany entered the 1994 World Cup as the defending champions and the world's top-ranked team. In the quarter-final, Germany's Lothar Matthäus gave his team the lead by scoring from a penalty. However, Bulgaria had the legendary Hristo Stoichkov in their ranks. Bulgaria scored two quick goals in the 75th and 78th minutes to eliminate Germany with a 2-1 victory.
4. Paraguay vs Germany (2026) – A Historic Victory Defying All Odds
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Ranking Gap: Germany (No. 10) vs. Paraguay (No. 41)
The Miracle Story: Paraguay had a disastrous start to the tournament, suffering a 4-1 defeat against the USA. However, they bounced back by beating Türkiye and drawing with Australia, scraping their way into the knockout stage.
Match Drama: Germany’s dominance was evident in this Round of 32 clash they completed 719 passes throughout the match, whereas Paraguay managed only 161. Yet, the real drama unfolded during the penalty shootout. Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gil made two brilliant saves. In the final moments, Germany's Jonathan Tah missed his spot-kick, and José Canale scored the decisive goal to send Paraguay through to the Round of 16.
Also Read: Messi vs Ronaldo FIFA World Cup Stats, Goals, and Records, who is the best?
3. South Korea vs Spain (2002) – The Unforgettable Penalty Shootout Drama
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Ranking Gap: Spain (No. 8) vs. South Korea (No. 40)
What Happened: The 2002 World Cup was like a dream for co-hosts South Korea. In the quarter-final against a strong Spanish side, the match remained deadlocked at 0-0 after 120 minutes. In the ensuing penalty shootout, Spain's Joaquín missed his fourth kick, while the Korean players converted all five of their penalties to secure a spot in the semi-finals for the first time.
2. South Korea vs Italy (2002) – That historic 'Golden Goal'
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Ranking gap: Italy (No. 6) vs. South Korea (No. 40)
What happened: Just before defeating Spain, South Korea had left a powerhouse like Italy in tears during the pre-quarterfinals. Christian Vieri put Italy ahead with a goal in the first half, but Seol Ki-hyeon scored in the 88th minute to force the match into extra time. Subsequently, Ahn Jung-hwan scored the historic 'Golden Goal' that brought Italy's campaign to an abrupt end.
1. Russia vs Spain (2018) – The Greatest World Cup Knockout Shocker
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Ranking gap: Spain (No. 10) vs. Russia (No. 70)
The biggest upset in history: Hosts Russia were ranked very low (70th place) heading into the 2018 World Cup. They faced former champions Spain in the Round of 16. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation time. Russia's goalkeeper, Igor Akinfeev, then emerged as the hero; he saved penalties from Koke and Iago Aspas to propel Russia into the quarter-finals. However, Russia's magical run eventually ended in the quarter-finals, also via a penalty shootout, against Croatia.
Also Read: FIFA World Cup Day 19 Highlights (30 June): Germany & Netherlands Out
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