Top Five World Cups That Delighted Football Fans

This winter sees the football World Cup touchdown in the Middle East for the first time.

Summer temperatures in Qatar were deemed unsuitable for the tournament, so world football has shifted to accommodate a November kick-off. CNN confirmed the World Cup final will be played on December 18, making it a very happy Christmas for one nation.

It will be a groundbreaking tournament for many reasons; it’s the final competition that will feature 32 teams, it’s being crammed into a shorter time frame, so games will take place at the same time, and the USMNT are expected to do well!

After failing to qualify for the 2018 tournament in Russia, Gregg Berhalter’s team will feature in Group B in Qatar, joined by Iran, Wales and England. That group is certainly favorable, and they’re rated as second favorites to qualify for the last 16, behind England in the latest football odds listed on Coral. They’re joined in Qatar by Canada, who are not expected to get out of their group, but it’s good preparation for the next event, in 2026, jointly held by the US, Canada and Mexico.

That World Cup will be equally as groundbreaking; never before have three countries hosted the event, and it will extend to 48 teams. It will also signal a landmark for Mexico, who will play host to a third tournament hosted in 1970 and again in 1986 after Colombia withdrew.

The next two competitions might be breaking new ground on paper, but what of the ones that have gone before? Which were the best? We’ve got the top ten, counting down, with some cool video clips to enjoy.

USA 1994

1994 brought ‘soccer’ to the United States, and it was a landmark tournament for many reasons. It saw some smaller European nations excel; Bulgaria went to the semifinals by beating pre-tournament favorites Germany in the quarterfinals. Romania beat a shellshocked Argentina 3-2 with the legendary Ghoerge Hagi pulling the strings. Nigeria and Saudi Arabia surprised everyone by making the last 16. With so many shocks, it was a shame the final is best remembered for Diana Ross’s terrible pre-match penalty.

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