Despite a final matchup featuring soccer giants Argentina and France, many fans will remember the 2022 World Cup for its unlikely heroes and upset outcomes.
As the tournament draws to a close, here’s a look at some of the World Cup’s most shocking victories and underdog moments:
Saudi Arabia beats Argentina
Messi and the rest of La Albiceleste are a win away from being crowned champions of this World Cup, but their journey got off to an inauspicious start.
When Saudi Arabia beat Argentina 2-1 in the tournament’s group stage, it marked the biggest upset in World Cup history, according to sports data group Gracenote.
Many had expected Argentina to sweep aside Saudi Arabia, with 48 places separating the two teams in the world rankings. But second-half goals from Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari turned the game on its head.
Al-Dawsari’s incredible winner from distance and subsequent acrobatic celebration was a defining moment of this World Cup, and the highlight for a Saudi Arabia team that was eliminated shortly after.
Japan beats Germany and Spain to top its group
Japan’s surprising 2-1 comeback win against Germany helped establish the idea that this tournament could be a showcase for the strength of soccer’s continents outside of Europe and South America.
Japan narrowly lost its second World Cup Group E game to Costa Rica, but then shocked Spain – one of the favorites to win the tournament – with a second 2-1 comeback win.
Ultimately, Japan finished the group stage on top of the Group E standings, a shock in its own right.
The Samurai Blue exited the tournament after a Group of 16 shootout loss to Croatia, but they endeared themselves to fans and fellow teams for their dramatic wins and their grace, on and off the pitch. Images went viral of the team’s spotless locker rooms after victory celebrations and of their fans helping clean the stands after matches.
Morocco’s upset victories propel historic run
Morocco shocked the world when it won its first World Cup match since 1998 – and its third ever – 2-0 over heavyweight Belgium, which entered ranked No. 2 in the world.
It turned out to be just the beginning of a magical run for the Atlas Lions, who captured hearts with their touching celebrations with family members who attended the tournament in Qatar.
Morocco went on to shock Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal with a 1-0 win in the Group of 16, becoming both the first African country and first Arab nation to reach the World Cup semifinals.
Though it ended in a heartbreaking loss to France, Morocco’s deep run upended all expectations.
Read more about the tournament’s big upsets, and the factors that may have contributed to them, here.
