Since the FIFA World Cup's inaugural tournament in 1930, 23 competitions have occurred up to 2026.
Interestingly, only eight countries have succeeded in claiming the famous trophy.
Spain, the winners of FIFA World Cup 2026, have now won it twice, jubilantly lifting the cup July 19 at the New York New Jersey stadium!
Who were the others? Read on...
1. Spain: Two-Time Winner
16 years after Spain took home the World Cup trophy in their 2010 red letter year, La Roja did it again, in style!
With Coach Luis de la Fuente vigilantly looking on, on a warm Sunday afternoon at the New York New Jersey stadium, as the frustrating match went into nail-biting extra time, Ferran Torres' goal held, and 120 minutes after it began, the final whistle heralded Spain's brave victory.
In 2010, they won their first global crown, triumphing in the tournament staged in South Africa. In the decisive final, they edged past The Netherlands to claim the trophy, marking the country's first success at football's biggest international event.
2. Brazil: Five-Time Winner
Top soccer honours came for Brazil in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002, making them the most successful side in the tournament's history. They also appeared in 7 final matches overall.
Legendary striker Ronaldo Luí's Nazário de Lima holds the nation's World Cup scoring record with 15 goals, while the iconic Pelé remains unmatched, having collected three winners' medals.
3. Germany: Four-Time Winner
The Germans secured FIFA world titles in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014, establishing themselves among the most consistent sides in tournament history. They have reached the finals 8 times, a tally that includes appearances by both West Germany and the reunified nation.
4. Italy: Four-Time Winner
Repubblica Italiana lifted the Cup in 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006, becoming the first side to successfully retain the title with consecutive victories back in the 1930s.
Their last triumph arrived at the Olympiastadion in Berlin in 2006, where they overcame France via a 5-3 penalty shootout following a 1-1 stalemate after extra time.
The Azzurri have appeared in 6 finals, but did not qualify for the 2018, 2022 and 2026 World Cups.
5. Argentina: Three-Time Winner
Global soccer glory was claimed by Argentina in 1978, 1986 and 2022, with the 1986 success famously dominated by the brilliance of El Pibe de Oro (Diego Maradona).
Their more recent triumph? The 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which brought an end to a 36-year drought when they won the final against France. Overall, the Argentines have featured in 6 World Cup finals.
And 2026 narrowly missed being their fourth time, with star player Lionel Messi exiting in tears at what could have been, an emotion that the most of the stadium probably felt too.
6. France: Two-Time Winner
The football world title went to France in 1998 and again in 2018. Their maiden success arrived on home soil, where they defeated Brazil at the Stade de France in Paris. Two decades later, Les Bleus secured a second crown at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow, overcoming Croatia.
7. Uruguay : Two-Time Winner
Wee Uruguay proudly made it to this list twice, capturing the championship in 1930 and again in 1950, with both victories coming from just two appearances in the final.
They inaugurated the competition in super-memorable fashion, lifting the trophy on home ground in the first-ever World Cup tournament by defeating Argentina in the final at Montevideo, the very first country to earn a place in football history.
8. England: One-Time Winner
England secured their sole world championship in 1966, with their only appearance in the final culminating in victory at Wembley stadium in London.
On that occasion, England overcame West Germany to lift the trophy, marking a historic moment that remains the nation's greatest football achievement on the global stage.
