Top 10 Biggest World Cup Upsets Ever

North Korea shocked the footballing world by eliminating two-time world champions Italy with a 1-0 victory, sending the Italians home to be pelted with rotten tomatoes at Genoa airport. North Korea then led Portugal 3-0 in the quarterfinals before Eusébio scored four to win 5-3 — compounding one of the most extraordinary tournament runs in history.

Reigning world and European champions France were beaten by Senegal in the opening match of 2002 — a team of largely French-based players defeating their colonial rulers in football's ultimate setting. France went on to be eliminated without scoring a single goal. Papa Bouba Diop's goal sparked wild celebrations across Africa.

Algeria became the first African nation to beat a European power at a World Cup when they defeated West Germany 2-1 in Gijón. The Germans subsequently arranged a result with Austria — the infamous "Disgrace of Gijón" — that eliminated Algeria on goal difference. FIFA responded by making final group games simultaneous at future tournaments.

Reigning world champions Argentina were beaten 1-0 by Cameroon in the opening match of Italia 90, with two Cameroonian players sent off. Roger Milla, brought out of retirement aged 38, became the tournament's breakout star as Cameroon reached the quarterfinals — the first African team to do so.

South Korea co-hosts eliminated both Italy and Spain on their way to a stunning semifinal appearance — the first by any Asian nation. Both eliminations were contentious: disallowed goals, a suspicious red card for Ruben Baraja, and referee Byron Moreno's later conviction for match-fixing clouded a remarkable tournament run.

Defending world champions Germany were eliminated in the group stage after losing 2-0 to South Korea, who had already been eliminated from the tournament. Both goals came in stoppage time. Germany's exit — the earliest by a defending champion in 80 years — marked the end of an era of German football dominance.

Argentina, unbeaten in 36 games and heavy favourites under Messi, conceded twice in the second half to Saudi Arabia's relentless high defensive line that caught the Argentines offside 16 times. It was the biggest odds upset in World Cup history, with Argentina priced at 1/9 before kick-off.

Morocco became the first African or Arab nation to reach a World Cup semifinal, eliminating Belgium, Spain (on penalties), and Portugal along the way. Their defensive organisation under Walid Regragui was the tournament's tactical revelation, conceding just once in open play across six knockout games.

Defending world champions Germany were eliminated by Bulgaria's Hristo Stoichkov and a free-kick from Yordan Letchkov that left Bodo Illgner helpless. Bulgaria, making only their third World Cup appearance, went on to reach the semifinals — the greatest overachievement in Eastern European football history.

North Korea shocked the footballing world by eliminating two-time world champions Italy with a 1-0 victory, sending the Italians home to be pelted with rotten tomatoes at Genoa airport. North Korea then led Portugal 3-0 in the quarterfinals before Eusébio scored four to win 5-3 — compounding one of the most extraordinary tournament runs in history.

Reigning world and European champions France were beaten by Senegal in the opening match of 2002 — a team of largely French-based players defeating their colonial rulers in football's ultimate setting. France went on to be eliminated without scoring a single goal. Papa Bouba Diop's goal sparked wild celebrations across Africa.

Algeria became the first African nation to beat a European power at a World Cup when they defeated West Germany 2-1 in Gijón. The Germans subsequently arranged a result with Austria — the infamous "Disgrace of Gijón" — that eliminated Algeria on goal difference. FIFA responded by making final group games simultaneous at future tournaments.

Reigning world champions Argentina were beaten 1-0 by Cameroon in the opening match of Italia 90, with two Cameroonian players sent off. Roger Milla, brought out of retirement aged 38, became the tournament's breakout star as Cameroon reached the quarterfinals — the first African team to do so.

South Korea co-hosts eliminated both Italy and Spain on their way to a stunning semifinal appearance — the first by any Asian nation. Both eliminations were contentious: disallowed goals, a suspicious red card for Ruben Baraja, and referee Byron Moreno's later conviction for match-fixing clouded a remarkable tournament run.

Defending world champions Germany were eliminated in the group stage after losing 2-0 to South Korea, who had already been eliminated from the tournament. Both goals came in stoppage time. Germany's exit — the earliest by a defending champion in 80 years — marked the end of an era of German football dominance.

Argentina, unbeaten in 36 games and heavy favourites under Messi, conceded twice in the second half to Saudi Arabia's relentless high defensive line that caught the Argentines offside 16 times. It was the biggest odds upset in World Cup history, with Argentina priced at 1/9 before kick-off.

Morocco became the first African or Arab nation to reach a World Cup semifinal, eliminating Belgium, Spain (on penalties), and Portugal along the way. Their defensive organisation under Walid Regragui was the tournament's tactical revelation, conceding just once in open play across six knockout games.

Defending world champions Germany were eliminated by Bulgaria's Hristo Stoichkov and a free-kick from Yordan Letchkov that left Bodo Illgner helpless. Bulgaria, making only their third World Cup appearance, went on to reach the semifinals — the greatest overachievement in Eastern European football history.