Top 3 World Cup Underdog Winners

September 23, 2022

While domestic soccer in top leagues such as La Liga is fun to follow, many people will currently be looking ahead to the 2022 FIFA World Cup being held in Qatar. This should be a stunning competition and bring together the best teams and players to battle it out. The World Cup is not just about the favorites though! It can also be about underdog teams who pull off unexpected results against bigger teams. 

Of course, games like this are not only fun to watch, but they are also fantastic to bet on, and finding an underdog who you think could win is very entertaining – especially if you get it right. If you plan to do this, it is key to carefully pick which online sportsbook to use, wherever you are based. People in India for example should use sites like https://thebettingsites.com/in/ to find a safe sportsbook and the same idea is true for soccer bettors around the rest of the planet.

To give you an idea of the kind of underdog wins that crop up to enjoy, we have listed three of the biggest in World Cup history below. 

Senegal shocks France – 2002

The 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan got off to a shocking start, thanks to Senegal’s victory over reigning champions France. The French team included legendary players such as Thierry Henry and was expected to win. Senegal though was not overawed and midfielder Papa Bouba Diop scored in the 30th minute to clinch a stunning 1-0 victory for the African team.

Top 3 World Cup Underdog Winners - image 10 12

North Korea embarrass Italy – 1966 

While domestic soccer competitions such as the English Premier League may have their share of underdog wins each season, the FIFA World Cup has also had a lot over the years.

North Korea’s 1-0 win over Italy in 1966 remains one of the best. Indeed, North Korea going into their final group game against the Italians with a chance of progressing further was an unlikely outcome pre-tournament. North Korea showed all their battling qualities against a technically superior Italian team though and Pak Doo-ik’s low drive sent them into the quarterfinals. 

Top 3 World Cup Underdog Winners - image 10 13

Cameroon clinches a surprise win – 1990 

The 1990 World Cup in Italy is one that many people rate highly and seemed to have a real air of drama. This drama actually began with the first group game, as then reigning champions Argentina fell to Cameroon. 

The African nation’s triumph was not only an underdog win in terms of who they were playing, but also that they had two players sent off during the game! Despite this, Francois Omam-Biyik rose to the challenge to head past Argentine keeper Goycochea late in the game to give his team the 1-0 win. 

World Cup underdog tales key to tournaments appeal 

As in domestic soccer, the World Cup is not just about seeing the favorites always come out on top. It is also exciting to see underdog teams deliver shocking results to keep things fresh. If you are looking forward to the upcoming 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the above should set you up perfectly for any surprising results it brings. 

Add to Collection

No Collections

Here you'll find all collections you've created before.