Jeff Powell MBE, who has attended 12 World Cup finals, has compiled his definitive ranking of these prestigious matches. His list spans from England's iconic 1966 victory at Wembley to the 2026 final described as a "thug-fest."
Powell's experience covers 23 World Cup finals in total, witnessing 36 goals, five matches decided by extra time, and two penalty shootouts. His rankings are based on a career spent observing the sport's greatest spectacles.
The Top Ranks
At the pinnacle of Powell's list is England's 4-2 extra-time victory over West Germany in the 1966 final at Wembley. He recounts the personal connection of watching his friend Bobby Moore lift the Jules Rimet Trophy and the subsequent celebrations. The match itself was dramatic, featuring Geoff Hurst's controversial second goal and his final hat-trick.
Second place is awarded to the 1970 final, where Brazil's legendary team, featuring Pelé, defeated Italy 4-1 in Mexico City. Powell highlights Pelé's opening goal and the exquisite assist for Carlos Alberto's thunderous final goal, calling it one of the most glorious in World Cup history.
The third spot goes to the 1978 final, where Argentina secured their first World Cup title by beating the Netherlands 3-1 after extra time in Buenos Aires. Despite controversies surrounding the tournament, the final was celebrated with immense public fervor.
Memorable Finals and Controversies
Powell ranks the 2002 final, where Brazil defeated Germany 2-0 with two goals from Ronaldo, fifth. This match marked Brazil's record fifth World Cup title and saw Ronaldo claim the Golden Boot.
The 2006 final, Italy's penalty shootout victory over France after a 1-1 draw, is ranked eighth. This match is remembered for Zinedine Zidane's infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi, which led to his sending off in his final career match.
Lower Rankings and Criticisms
The 2026 final, Spain's 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina, is placed at the bottom of Powell's list at 13th. He criticizes the match as a "ghastly possibility" and a "thug-fest" due to Argentina's physical play, contrasting it with the "Beautiful Game" championed by Pelé.
The 1990 final, a 1-0 victory for West Germany over Argentina, is ranked 12th. Powell notes Diego Maradona playing through injury with heavily swollen ankles, a consequence of brutal tackles in earlier rounds.
A Journalist's Perspective
Powell's rankings also include personal anecdotes, such as breaking the news of Maradona's failed drug test in 1994, which led to his expulsion from the tournament. The 1994 final between Brazil and Italy, which ended 0-0 after extra time and was decided by penalties, is ranked 11th.
His firsthand accounts offer a unique perspective on the drama, the off-field events, and the iconic players who have graced the World Cup finals throughout the decades.