During the current World Cup matches held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the tournament was not without surprises, as some teams ranked high in the FIFA rankings made early exits, causing bewilderment and astonishment among football fans.

Unexpectedly, Germany, ranked 10th in the FIFA World Rankings, was eliminated by Paraguay, ranked 41st. Also, Brazil was eliminated by Norway thanks to two goals scored by Haaland.

Additionally, previous editions were not devoid of shocking surprises, as teams that were favorites to win the World Cup left early after losing to weaker teams.

West Germany in 1954

Cuba's victory and the USA vs. England match

During the 1938 World Cup, Cuba recorded its first participation in this global tournament. From the start, everyone expected Cuba to withdraw from the first round and exit with a heavy defeat. But in the round of 16, Cuba stunned everyone by eliminating Romania to advance to face Sweden. In that match, Cuba lost 8-0 and left the World Cup.

In the following World Cup, held in 1950 after a hiatus due to World War II, the United States defeated England 1-0 in the group stage. At that time, England was a favorite to win the title. This victory stunned many, to the extent that some suspected a typographical error when reading the result in newspapers.

Brazil after winning the 1994 World Cup

The Miracle of Bern and North Korea

In 1954, Hungary caused a surprise by defeating West Germany, considered one of the strongest teams at the time, 8-3 in the group stage. In the final, the two teams met again. While many believed the first match's scenario would repeat, West Germany surprised everyone and defeated Hungary 3-2 to win the tournament, in what was then called the Miracle of Bern.

During the 1966 tournament, everyone was amazed when they saw the result of the match between Italy and North Korea, which was making its debut. While everyone expected an easy Italian victory, North Korea caused an upset and won 1-0, thus securing the second qualification spot in the group and eliminating Italy and Chile.

Photo from the Germany vs. Bulgaria match in 1994

The shock of Belgium and Argentina

During the 1986 World Cup, everyone was stunned watching the match between Belgium and the Soviet Union. At that time, everyone expected the Soviet Union to win and advance to the quarterfinals. But strangely, Belgium snatched the qualification ticket by winning 4-3 after extra time, astonishing the fans. Also, Belgium eliminated Spain and reached the semifinals, where they lost 2-0 to Argentina.

In the same tournament, the Argentina vs. England match caused a shock. In it, Maradona secured Argentina's qualification by scoring a first goal with his hand and a second goal, four minutes later, during which he dribbled past several English players and the goalkeeper.

Maradona during the 1986 World Cup

The shock of Germany and Argentina

In the 1994 World Cup, the result of the Bulgaria vs. Germany quarterfinal match caused a shock. While many expected Germany, the defending champions, to easily advance, Bulgaria eliminated Germany 2-1 and reached the semifinals, where they were defeated by Italy.

In the same tournament, Argentina stunned many after being eliminated in the round of 16. In that match, Romania defeated Argentina 3-2 and advanced to the next round.

In the 1998 World Cup, Germany again shocked followers. In the quarterfinals, Germany lost to Croatia 3-0.

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