During the World Cup, a team has the potential to become eternal.
On the World Cup stage, great teams are made, but excellent teams can thrive anywhere. If you succeed in the global summit of the game, immortality is yours.
Winning the competition is the most straightforward approach to become well-known for the long run. This list proves that it’s also possible to be remembered without winning the grand prize, though.
The list of the top 20 teams in World Cup history may be seen on the following slide.
10. Netherlands 1974
The Dutch have a negative reputation for producing excellent teams that are unable to capture a title. All through the 1970s, it was especially true.
The Dutch reached the 1974 World Cup final with their alluring brand of “total football,” but they fell short against rival West Germany. Nevertheless, their engaging playing style is still acknowledged today.
9. Brazil 2002
This squad is the only Brazilian World Cup team to achieve seven victories. They defeated their competitors 18 to 4 to win the title with ease.
They were equally skilled on offence and defense, allowing just one goal throughout the knockout rounds. With Ronaldo’s eight goals, they were both an unstoppable force and an immovable object.
8. Netherlands 1978
The team that has lost two straight finals is also one of the best teams in the history of this competition.
After losing to West Germany in 1974, the Dutch were devastated to lose at the very last moment once more in 1978. This time, it was the Argentines who bade them farewell.
In hindsight, the Netherlands should have won the World Cup in the 1970s.
7. Hungary 1954
The world referred to this squad, led by the legendary Ferenc Puskas, as “The Magical Magyars.”
The Hungarians put up a fantastic performance during the campaign, winning against Brazil and Uruguay along the way, but West Germany stunned them in the 1954 final game.
It was their lone defeat in 50 international contests played between 1950 and 1956.
6. Brazil 1982
The best international team to have placed second in a World Cup is generally considered as the 1982 Brazil squad.
This was a typical Brazilian squad, one that was talented and had many memorable moments. Thanks to players like Zico, Socrates, and Eder, they were deserving successors to the storied team of 1970. Even though their defeat by Italy came as a huge shock, their talent remains undeniable.
5. Brazil 1962
Any team that wins two consecutive World Cups must have some fairly exceptional members. Due to their great performance, Brazil was able to prevail despite missing their best player, injured forward Pele.
Concerns about Pele’s absence from the latter stages were allayed by Garrincha’s brilliance, who shone in the final as Brazil firmly established their position as the best team in the world.
4. Brazil 1958
Brazil defeated Sweden 5-2 to claim the 1958 World Cup title. Being the youngest player to play in a World Cup final, the youngest player to score in a World Cup final, and the youngest player to win the cup, Pele created history throughout the game.
The young Pele was only one factor in this team’s success. The entire starting lineup is hailed as a legend for bringing Brazil its first World Cup. They were all heroes.
3. Spain 2010
The 2010 Spain team, which won every game, would have been a good fit for any World Cup.
They suffocated opponents with their “tiki-taka” style, lulling them into a state of exhaustion that allowed players like Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Xabi Alonso to easily take them out.
2. West Germany 1974
After winning the 1972 European Championships, West Germany went on to control the world in 1974.
Franz Beckenbauer, a slick sweeper who oversaw his troops from the back of the field, served as the focal point of this squad. They were able to use Gerd Mueller’s predatory tendencies up top.
1. Brazil 1970
The finest World Cup team ever was the Brazil squad from 1970. No team has ever completely dominated a competition the way the Selecao did that summer. Brazil’s accomplishments went beyond simply taking first place. A generation was motivated by them. Their play had an almost supernatural quality, exemplified by that iconic Carlos Alberto goal in the championship game against Italy. This team and that particular moment will live on forever.