Throughout the history of the FIFA World Cup, certain rivalries have emerged, pitting nations against each other in intense battles on the pitch.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 biggest World Cup rivalries in international football.
1. Brazil vs. Argentina
The rivalry between Brazil and Argentina is one of the most heated in football, and it extends to the World Cup stage.
These two South American powerhouses have faced each other several times in the tournament, with memorable encounters that have captivated fans worldwide.
The clash between Brazil’s attacking flair and Argentina’s gritty determination is always a spectacle to behold.
2. Germany vs. Italy
Germany and Italy have a storied history in the World Cup, and their rivalry is one of the most intense in the tournament’s history.
These two European giants have faced each other in numerous high-stakes matches, with each team showcasing their tactical prowess and resilience.
The battles between them have often been decided by the finest of margins, making for thrilling encounters.
3. England vs. Germany
The rivalry between England and Germany dates back decades and has produced some of the most iconic moments in World Cup history.
From the controversial “Hand of God” goal to England’s triumph in the 1966 final, these two nations have a long-standing rivalry that adds an extra layer of excitement whenever they meet on the World Cup stage.
4. Argentina vs. England
The rivalry between Argentina and England reached its peak during the 1986 World Cup, when Diego Maradona scored the infamous “Hand of God” goal and the “Goal of the Century” in the same match.
This contentious encounter has fueled the rivalry between the two nations, making their clashes in subsequent World Cups highly anticipated.
5. Netherlands vs. Germany
The rivalry between the Netherlands and Germany is not limited to football, but the World Cup has been a stage for their intense battles.
These two European powerhouses have a history of producing thrilling encounters, with their clashes often characterized by fast-paced, attacking football.
The rivalry between the Netherlands and Germany adds another layer of excitement to the tournament.
6. Brazil vs. Italy
Brazil and Italy have a rich history in the World Cup, and their rivalry has produced some of the most memorable matches in the tournament’s history.
From Brazil’s dominance in the 1970 final to Italy’s triumph in the penalty shootout in 1994, these two nations have a fierce rivalry that has captivated football fans around the world.
7. Argentina vs. Germany
Argentina and Germany have faced each other in several World Cup finals, adding to the intensity of their rivalry.
From Argentina’s victory in 1986 to Germany’s triumph in 2014, these two nations have a history of producing high-quality matches when they meet on the World Cup stage.
8. England vs. Argentina
The rivalry between England and Argentina has been fueled by their contentious encounters in the World Cup.
From the infamous “Hand of God” goal to David Beckham’s red card in 1998, these two nations have a history of producing dramatic and highly charged matches that have left a lasting impact on the tournament.
9. Brazil vs. France
Brazil and France have a history of producing thrilling encounters in the World Cup. From Brazil’s triumph in 1958 to France’s victory in 1998, these two nations have showcased their attacking prowess and technical skills in their clashes.
The rivalry between Brazil and France adds an extra layer of excitement to the tournament.
10. Mexico vs. United States
The rivalry between Mexico and the United States extends beyond football, but their clashes in the World Cup have added another dimension to their fierce competition.
These two nations have faced each other several times in the tournament, with each match showcasing the passion and intensity of their rivalry.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
