Legends are made in the FIFA World Cup, from Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ to Messi’s long-awaited triumph. Over the last 10 editions, the tournament has seen dominant forces and surprise champions alike. Since 1986, only six different nations have lifted football’s most prestigious trophy: Argentina, Germany, Brazil, France, Spain, and Italy.
Argentina and Germany have each won it twice in the last 10 editions, as have Brazil and France. Spain and Italy, meanwhile, claimed their respective victories in 2010 and 2006.
The Last 10 FIFA World Cup Winners
2022 – Argentina (Messi’s long-awaited crowning moment in a thrilling final)
1986 – Argentina (Maradona’s iconic tournament, featuring the ‘Hand of God’ and the Goal of the Century)
1990 – Germany (A revenge victory over Argentina in the final)
1994 – Brazil (Romário and Bebeto led the way in the USA)
1998 – France (Zidane’s heroics in a 3-0 triumph over Brazil)
2002 – Brazil (Ronaldo’s redemption with a stunning final performance)
2006 – Italy (A defensive masterclass and Zidane’s infamous headbutt)
2010 – Spain (Tiki-taka dominance, capped by Iniesta’s extra-time winner)
2014 – Germany (Mario Götze’s moment of magic against Argentina)
2018 – France (Mbappé announced himself on the world stage)
The Era of European Dominance
One clear pattern emerges from these victories: European dominance. Since 1998, only one South American nation (Argentina in 2022) has won the World Cup, with five of the last six tournaments have largely dominated by UEFA nations, thanks to their advanced youth academies, tactical evolution, and deep player pools.
Meanwhile, South America has struggled to keep pace, despite producing generational talents like Messi and Neymar.
Underdogs & Surprise Performances
While these tournaments were mostly won by footballing giants, a few nations defied expectations:
- South Korea (2002): Reached the semifinals in a historic run.
- Croatia (2018): Stunned the world by reaching the final.
- Morocco (2022): The first African nation to reach the semifinals.
These teams proved that football is unpredictable and that surprises can shake the elite hierarchy.
Looking Ahead: Who Will Dominate the Next Decade?
The next three editions of the World Cup promise to be unique:
- 2026: Co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, with an expanded 48-team format.
- 2030: A historic split across Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
- 2034: Heading to Saudi Arabia, marking the second Middle Eastern World Cup after Qatar 2022.
With powerhouse nations continuing to develop young talent, the next decade promises exciting battles for football’s ultimate prize. Will Europe’s reign continue, or can South America reclaim its dominance? Time will tell. With rising stars like Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and emerging African talents, the future of football is bright. Will Europe continue its reign, or is it time for South America—or even Africa or Asia—to make history?
What do you think? Can Brazil, Argentina, or an unexpected contender rise to challenge Europe’s dominance? Who do you think will lift the next World Cup?
