11 May,2026 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Ronan Carvalho
Fabio Cannavaro, Andres Iniesta, Manuel Neuer, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi. Pics/Getty Images
Winner: Italy
Final: Italy 1(5) -1(3) France
Manager: Marcello Lippi
Captain: Fabio Cannavaro
Historically, Italy were renowned for their Catenaccio (a system that focussed heavily on defending) playing style. But Lippi's men surprised their foes by adopting an attacking approach, while maintaining defensive solidity. The Azzurri went on to win the tournament, conceding just twice in seven games and scoring 12 goals. Skipper Cannavaro won the Ballon d'Or, becoming the only defender to do so since Germany's Matthias Sammer 20 years ago.
Two
No. of goals conceded by Italy in seven ties at the 2006 World Cup
Winner: Spain
Final: Spain 1-0 Netherlands
Manager: Vicente del Bosque
Captain: Iker Casillas
Spain's philosophy was built around Tiki-Taka - a series of rapid, short passes, combined with intricate movements. Del Bosque expertly crammed a surfeit of world-class midfielders (Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso) despite having to play Iniesta on the wing and Xavi as the No. 10 - roles they weren't used to at Barcelona. Spain tormented teams with their possession-based approach, while maintaining a stingy defence that conceded only two goals.
First
Spain had never won a World Cup before 2010
Winner: Germany
Final: Germany 1-0 Argentina
Manager: Joachim Low
Captain: Philipp Lahm
Joachim Low's Germany were a good all-round team. They were strong in possession, efficient on the counter, and could disrupt opponents with their high-pressing. Their weakness was their defence, but that's where goalkeeper Manuel Neuer stood up. He revolutionised the role as a sweeper-keeper, rushing out of the box to clear balls and start counter-attacks, while also producing top-class saves. In attack, Thomas Muller registered five goals and three assists as Germany blitzed 18 goals in seven games - including seven vs Brazil in the semi-final.
18
No. of goals scored by Germany in the 2014 World Cup
Winner: France
Final: France 4-2 Croatia
Manager: Didier Deschamps
Captain: Hugo Lloris
France were blessed with an array of attacking talent, and while some feel Didier Deschamps's counter-attacking style did not help them make the most of their star power, it ultimately led them to glory. Kylian Mbappe's pace and efficient finishing was complimented by Antoine Griezmann's creativity, Olivier Giroud's hold-up play, and N'golo Kante's work rate.
20
No. of year's between France's two World Cup titles
Winner: Argentina
Final: Argentina 3 (4) - 3 (2) France
Manager: Lionel Scaloni
Captain: Lionel Messi
None of the previous winners were as reliant on one individual as Argentina. But it makes sense when that player is Lionel Messi. At 35, Messi's best years were behind him, but his teammates made sure to put in twice the effort off the ball to cover for his defensive work rate. That ensured Messi saved his best for when he had the ball at his feet, and he delivered by netting seven goals to go with three assists.
35
Lionel Messi's age when he won the World Cup in 2022
