The greatest World Cup semi-finals ever played

Last Updated on 14 July 2026

The World Cup 2026 is coming to a close as we enter the final few days of an extremely competitive tournament.

At times, it was controversial, too, but as France, Spain, England, and Argentina prepare for this year’s semi-finals, history offers a reminder of just how dramatic this stage can get.

Here are five semi-finals that defined the World Cup’s greatest week.

Brazil 5-2 France, 1958

A 17-year-old Pele announced himself to the world in this semi-final. Brazil struck early, but France’s Just Fontaine equalized before halftime drama swung the game back Brazil’s way. Then, shortly after the interval, Pele took over completely.

He scored a hat-trick within twenty minutes, including a stunning volley from the edge of the box. France pulled one back late, yet the damage was already done. Consequently, Brazil marched into their first-ever World Cup final. Pele’s coronation had officially begun, and football would never be quite the same again.

Italy 4-3 West Germany, 1970

Nobody expected fireworks when Italy led 1-0 for most of this match. Then West Germany equalized in stoppage time, and everything changed. Extra time produced five goals, still a World Cup record today. Gerd Muller scored twice, but Gianni Rivera settled it with the winner.

Franz Beckenbauer played through a dislocated shoulder rather than leave the pitch. It’s also called the ‘Game of the Century’. Italy lost the final, yet nobody remembers that as vividly as this game. Even now, a plaque outside Mexico’s Estadio Azteca commemorates the occasion.

West Germany 3-3 France (5-4 pens), 1982

This match, known as the Night of Seville, combines brilliance and controversy in equal measure. Goalkeeper Harald Schumacher’s challenge on Patrick Battiston left the Frenchman unconscious. France still led 3-1 in extra time, only for West Germany to claw back level at 3-3.

Consequently, the match produced the first-ever World Cup semi-final penalty shootout. West Germany eventually won 5-4, and Michel Platini later called it his most beautiful game, despite the heartbreak. Decades later, fans still debate whether justice was served that night.

West Germany 1-1 England (4-3 pens), 1990

England’s Paul Gascoigne inspired his nation before tears defined his tournament. A yellow card in extra time meant a final ban if England advanced, and Gascoigne broke down on the pitch. Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle then missed decisive penalties.

West Germany went to the final instead. Nevertheless, this defeat sparked genuine footballing romance back home. England haven’t reached a World Cup final since, yet this semi-final still shapes how the nation remembers 1990.

Germany 7-1 Brazil, 2014

Nothing in World Cup history compares to this collapse. Brazil came into it highly motivated, playing in front of a home crowd. Only problem was, they were without the injured Neymar, host nation Brazil crumbled as Germany scored five goals in twenty-nine first-half minutes.

Miroslav Klose became the tournament’s all-time top scorer along the way. Consequently, the result earned a permanent name in Brazil: the Mineirazo. Germany went on to lift the trophy, but this semi-final remains the moment people remember first.