Ranking the World Cups: Legends, Underdogs, and Triumphs
WHO:
The New York Times - Brazil's football team, Argentina's football team, Cafu, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Roberto Carlos, Romario, Bebeto, Roberto Baggio, Diego Maradona, and Mario Kempes are mentioned as key figures in World Cup history.
WHAT:
The New York Times - The 2026 World Cup final was held between Spain and Argentina, with Spain winning 1-0 after extra time.
TRT World - Norway eliminated Brazil in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, marking their first quarter-final appearance in history.
TRT World - Cape Verde held Spain to a scoreless draw in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup and lost to Argentina 3-2 in the Round of 32.
TRT World - Paraguay eliminated Germany on penalties in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup, considered one of the tournament's biggest upsets.
TRT World - Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha made a combined 18 saves during the 2026 World Cup, gaining international acclaim and increasing his Instagram following from around 50,000 to over 18 million.
TRT World - Norway reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup for the first time in their history, eliminating Brazil in the Round of 16 with Erling Haaland scoring twice, including a late winner.
TRT World - Cape Verde held eventual champions Spain to a scoreless draw in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup and advanced to the knockout rounds, where they lost to Argentina 3-2 in the Round of 32.
TRT World - Paraguay eliminated Germany on penalties in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup, marking one of the tournament's biggest upsets.
The New York Times - Brazil won the World Cup in 1962 and 1970, and again in 1994 and 2002.
SportsGrid - Cafu is the only player to have featured in three consecutive World Cup finals (1994, 1998, and 2002).
SportsGrid - The 1994 World Cup final ended in a penalty shootout, with Brazil defeating Italy 3-2 after a goalless draw.
SportsGrid - Brazil's 2002 World Cup squad included Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho, all of whom are Ballon d'Or winners.
The New York Times - The 2022 World Cup final ended with Argentina defeating France 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw.
WHERE:
The New York Times - The 1994 World Cup was held in the United States.
The New York Times - The 2002 World Cup was co-hosted by Japan and South Korea.
The New York Times - The 2022 World Cup was held in Qatar.
WHEN:
The New York Times - The 1994 World Cup final took place in 1994.
The New York Times - The 2002 World Cup final took place in 2002.
The New York Times - The 2022 World Cup final took place in 2022.
WHY:
SportsGrid - Winning back-to-back FIFA World Cups is described as an extraordinary achievement, with only two nations managing this feat.
SportsGrid - Cafu described winning the World Cup as the ultimate honor, representing hard work and national pride.
HOW:
SportsGrid - Brazil's 1994 World Cup victory was marked by pivotal roles from Romario and Bebeto, with Romario scoring a late goal against Sweden in the semifinals.
SportsGrid - Brazil's 2002 squad was noted for its superior quality compared to the 1994 team, with key players providing unmatched speed and skill.
Spain triumphed over Argentina with a score of 1-0 after extra time in the thrilling final of the 2026 World Cup. In a historic moment, Norway eliminated Brazil in the Round of 16, securing their first-ever quarter-final appearance. Meanwhile, Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha gained international acclaim for making 18 saves throughout the tournament, skyrocketing his Instagram following from around 50,000 to over 18 million.