Soccer, or football as it’s known in most parts of the world, has given us countless unforgettable moments. But nothing beats the pure thrill of an underdog victory. When the teams we least expect to win turn the tables on football giants, we get stories that will be told for generations. Below are seven of the biggest upsets in soccer history—moments that had fans in awe and bookies in shock.
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1. Leicester City’s 2016 Premier League Triumph
No list of soccer upsets would be complete without Leicester City’s incredible Premier League victory. Going into the 2015-16 season, they were far from favourites. In fact, many predicted a relegation battle for the Foxes. But as the weeks passed, Leicester began pulling off win after win. Fans initially thought it was a fluke, but by the time they reached the top of the league in December, the dream was very much alive.
If you’d bet on Leicester winning the title at the start of the season at a top situs judi bola, you would have found odds of around 5,000/1. The team that had barely survived relegation the previous year stunned the world by finishing 10 points clear of their nearest rivals. It was one of the greatest sporting achievements, not just in soccer but in all sports.
2. Greece’s Euro 2004 Victory
When Greece qualified for Euro 2004, not many people gave them a second thought. The team had never really done anything of note on the international stage. Fast forward to the final, and they were standing tall as champions of Europe. Greece didn’t have a star-studded line-up; instead, they relied on solid defence and well-organised tactics. Every match was a hard-fought battle, but they got the job done.
In the final, they beat host nation Portugal 1-0, a team full of talent, including a young Cristiano Ronaldo. It was a victory no one saw coming, and it sent shockwaves through the footballing world.
3. Denmark’s Euro 1992 Surprise
Denmark wasn’t even supposed to be in Euro 1992. They had failed to qualify and were only brought in as a last-minute replacement after Yugoslavia was disqualified due to political issues. Denmark took full advantage of their second chance, playing with freedom and determination. They eventually faced reigning champions Germany in the final and managed to secure a stunning 2-0 victory.
This was a tournament where everything fell into place for Denmark, but it was far from a fluke. They beat some of the best teams in the world to lift the trophy, earning their spot in football history.
4. USA Defeats England in the 1950 World Cup
Going back to one of the earliest soccer upsets, the USA’s 1-0 win over England in the 1950 World Cup is still talked about today. At the time, England was considered one of the best teams in the world, while the USA was far from a footballing powerhouse. No one expected them to even put up a fight.
England had chances but just couldn’t find the net. Meanwhile, the USA scored the game’s only goal in what is still regarded as one of the greatest David vs Goliath moments in football history. For a long time, it was considered one of the biggest shocks the World Cup had ever seen.
5. South Korea Knocks Out Italy in 2002 World Cup
The 2002 World Cup was a tournament full of surprises, but South Korea’s win over Italy in the Round of 16 stands out. Italy came into the match as strong favourites, boasting a team full of top players. South Korea, co-hosting the tournament, had already impressed by making it out of their group, but few expected them to go further.
In an intense match that went to extra time, South Korea won 2-1, sending Italy home and advancing to the quarter-finals. The Italian team, known for their solid defence, just couldn’t contain South Korea’s relentless energy.
6. Cameroon’s 1990 World Cup Run
Cameroon entered the 1990 World Cup as underdogs, but they quickly made a name for themselves by shocking reigning champions Argentina in the opening game. With a 1-0 victory, Cameroon didn’t just win the match—they put African football on the map.
The team went on to reach the quarter-finals, where they were narrowly defeated by England. However, their remarkable run inspired a generation of players from across Africa and cemented Cameroon’s status as a footballing force.
7. Iceland’s Victory Over England at Euro 2016
England went into their Euro 2016 match against Iceland expecting an easy win. After all, Iceland was making its debut in a major tournament, and England had a squad packed with talent. But football, as we know, is unpredictable.
Iceland played with passion and determination, stunning England with a 2-1 victory that sent them to the quarter-finals. For a country with a population of around 330,000, their performance on the international stage was nothing short of extraordinary.
These upsets remind us why we love soccer—it’s a game where anything can happen. Whether it’s a small nation overcoming football giants or a club defying the odds to take the title, the unexpected is always just around the corner. What’s your favourite upset? Have these moments changed the way you watch the beautiful game?
