FIFA's Biggest World Cup Upsets ... The All-Time Number 1 Is

Senegal's Victory over France in the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup Ranks as the Greatest Upset
Hiddink's Team's Round of 16 Win against Italy Also Considered an Upset
Saudi Arabia, Who Defeated Argentina, Becomes the 11th Upset Champion

On the 22nd (local time), at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, during the first match of Group C in the 2022 Qatar World Cup between Argentina and Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia secured a 2-1 victory, prompting Saudi football fans to cheer. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lee Gyehwa] In the first match of Group C in the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup group stage, Saudi Arabia's victory over Argentina has drawn significant attention as one of the biggest upsets in history.

According to FIFA's official content platform FIFA＋, the top upset in World Cup history was the miracle shown by Senegal in the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup. The American sports media outlet Sporting News also ranked this match as the greatest upset in World Cup history. Senegal won 1-0 against France in the first group stage match. France was the defending champion, and Senegal was a country making its first appearance in the World Cup finals. France, stunned by Senegal, was eventually eliminated with 1 draw and 2 losses in the group stage.

The impressive performance of Guus Hiddink's South Korea team, which defeated Italy in the round of 16 of that tournament, was also ranked among the greatest upsets. In that match, South Korea, trailing 0-1, achieved a comeback victory with Seol Ki-hyeon's equalizer in the second half and Ahn Jung-hwan's "theater goal" in extra time. FIFA＋ explained, "At that time, the Italian squad was full of stars," and "South Korea also defeated Spain in the quarterfinals."

The match in the 1966 England World Cup where North Korea defeated Italy 1-0 is also considered an upset. North Korea, making its first appearance in the finals, achieved a miraculous victory against Italy with Park Du-ik's winning goal and advanced to the quarterfinals. Italy also lost 0-1 to Costa Rica in the group stage of the 2014 Brazil tournament.

Argentina, shocked by Saudi Arabia's defeat in this tournament, also suffered a painful 0-1 loss to Cameroon in their first match of the 1990 Italy World Cup. Cameroon, who defeated Argentina, also advanced to the quarterfinals.

Other notable upsets include the United States' 1-0 victory over England in the 1950 Brazil World Cup group stage, Algeria's 2-1 win over West Germany in the 1982 Spain World Cup, Norway's 2-1 victory over Brazil in the 1998 France tournament, and East Germany's 1-0 win over West Germany in the 1974 Germany World Cup.

FIFA＋ listed Saudi Arabia's dramatic comeback victory in the Qatar World Cup as the 11th biggest upset. Argentina, ranked 3rd in the FIFA rankings, took the lead with Lionel Messi's penalty kick goal but collapsed after conceding consecutive goals in the second half. Saudi Arabia became the first Asian country to defeat Argentina in the World Cup finals. Saudi Arabia also became the first Asian country to score multiple goals against Argentina in the World Cup finals on that day.