Greatest Football Upsets Ever: 20 Shocking Underdog Wins in History

Football has given us moments that defy logic and prediction. The beautiful game thrives on the possibility that any team, on any given day, can topple giants who seemed untouchable just hours before kickoff.

These upsets remind us why millions watch with hope each weekend, believing that this could be the day their underdogs write history.

What follows are twenty of the most stunning upsets the beautiful game has produced.

Some changed the trajectory of entire nations. Others just proved that talent on paper means nothing when 11 players step onto the pitch with belief burning in their chests.

1. Leicester City Win the Premier League (2015/16)

When the 2015/16 Premier League season began, bookmakers offered odds of 5,000-1 on Leicester City winning the title. The Foxes had narrowly escaped relegation the previous season, surviving only through a remarkable run of seven wins in their final nine matches.

Nobody expected them to challenge the established powers of English football.

The squad cost a fraction of what their rivals had invested. Jamie Vardy had been playing non-league football four years earlier. N’Golo Kante arrived from French club Caen.

Riyad Mahrez came from Le Havre. Manager Claudio Ranieri, though experienced, had never won a major league title and was considered past his prime by many observers.

What unfolded over the following nine months remains the most extraordinary season-long performance in modern football history. Leicester played with belief and cohesion that made them greater than the sum of their parts.

Vardy broke the Premier League record for scoring in consecutive matches. Mahrez produced magic on the wing. Kante seemed to cover every blade of grass.

The established powers stumbled. Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool all failed to mount sustained challenges. By Christmas, people began wondering if Leicester could maintain its position. They did more than maintain it. They pulled away.

On May 2, 2016, Tottenham drew 2-2 with Chelsea, mathematically confirming Leicester as champions.

The city erupted. Players celebrated at Jamie Vardy’s house. Fans danced in the streets. Leicester finished with 81 points, ten clear of Arsenal in second place. They won 23 matches, drew 12, and lost only three.

2. Liverpool 3-3 AC Milan (2005 Champions League Final)

Liverpool had needed a contentious Luis Garcia goal to edge past Chelsea in the semifinals. When they faced AC Milan in Istanbul, nobody gave them much chance.

The Italian side was stacked with talent. By halftime, the scoreline read 3-0 to Milan. The trophy seemed destined for San Siro.

Manager Rafa Benitez reorganised his team at halftime.

Six minutes into the second half, Steven Gerrard headed home. Two minutes later, Vladimir Smicer drove a shot into the bottom corner. In the 60th minute, Xabi Alonso converted after his penalty was saved. Liverpool had completed an impossible comeback in six minutes.

The match went to extra time and then penalties. Goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek became the hero, saving from Pirlo and Shevchenko.

Liverpool had won their fifth European Cup in the most dramatic circumstances imaginable. The Miracle of Istanbul proved that no deficit is insurmountable when a team refuses to surrender.

SEE ALSO | The 10 Greatest Last-Minute Goals in Soccer History

3. Greece Win Euro 2004

Greece entered the 2004 European Championship as 150-1 outsiders. Their squad featured solid professionals but no genuine stars. Manager Otto Rehhagel built a team based on tactical discipline, defensive organisation, and extraordinary team unity.

In the opening match, Greece stunned hosts Portugal 2-1.

They topped their group, then defeated defending champions France in the quarterfinals. The semifinal brought the Czech Republic, dispatched via a silver goal. The final saw them face Portugal again in Lisbon.

Angelos Charisteas headed home from a corner in the 57th minute. Greece defended their lead with the discipline that had carried it this far.

When the final whistle blew, the football world sat in stunned silence. Greece had managed just one shot on target in the final, but it was the one that mattered. Their journey remains one of football’s greatest fairytales.

4. Denmark Win Euro 1992

Denmark did not even qualify for Euro 1992. They finished second in their qualifying group behind Yugoslavia. They were preparing for the summer holidays when UEFA called. Yugoslavia had been expelled due to the Balkans conflict.

Denmark would take their place with ten days to prepare.

Nobody gave them any chance. They squeaked into the semifinals on goal difference, where they faced defending champions Netherlands. The match went to penalties. Peter Schmeichel saved from Marco van Basten. Denmark advanced.

The final pitted Denmark against reigning world champions Germany.

John Jensen put them ahead early in the second half. Kim Vilfort added a second. When the whistle blew, Denmark were champions of Europe. A team that had not even qualified for the tournament had defeated both the reigning European and World champions en route to glory.

5. Zambia Win AFCON 2012

Zambia travelled to the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations ranked 71st in the world.

They carried emotional baggage from 1993, when their entire national team died in a plane crash off the coast of Gabon. Now they were back in Gabon, playing with the ghosts of that tragedy watching over them.

Coach Hervé Renard assembled a team built on unity and resilience. They topped their group, defeated Sudan 3-0 in the quarterfinals, and beat Ghana 1-0 in the semifinals.

The final featured the Ivory Coast with Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, and a squad packed with stars.

The match finished 0-0 after extra time. Penalties would decide. Both teams scored their first seven spot kicks. Then Gervinho missed for Ivory Coast.

Stoppila Sunzu stepped up for Zambia and converted. The players rushed to the ocean after the match, wading into the water where their predecessors had perished, paying tribute to those who never got their chance at glory.

SEE ALSO| Top 10 Soccer Formations of All Time (Explained & Analysed)

6. USA 1-0 England (1950 World Cup)

A team made up of a hearse driver, a postman, a teacher, and a dishwasher facing the Kings of Football. England arrived in Brazil as one of the favourites to win the 1950 World Cup.

The Americans had lost their previous seven international matches by a combined score of 45-2.

When the teams met in Belo Horizonte, England dominated possession relentlessly.

Then in the 38th minute, Walter Bahr fired a speculative shot from 25 yards. Joe Gaetjens dove forward and redirected the ball with his head past a stunned Bert Williams.

Goalkeeper Frank Borghi made save after an impossible save. When the final whistle blew, the Americans had achieved the unthinkable.

Some British newspapers initially reported the score as 10-1 for England, assuming a typographical error. The winning American team returned home to greetings from just their families.

For England, the humiliation cut deep. The match remains in that rare category of upsets so improbable they transcend sport.

7. Cameroon 1-0 Argentina (1990 World Cup)

When Cameroon and Argentina met in the opening match of the 1990 World Cup, everyone expected a comfortable victory for the defending champions.

Diego Maradona was still at his peak. Cameroon were considered one of the weaker teams in the tournament.

In the 67th minute, Francois Omam-Biyik rose impossibly high to head home the only goal. Cameroon held on despite being reduced to nine men through two red cards.

The final whistle confirmed one of World Cup history’s greatest upsets. The victory announced African football’s arrival on the global stage. Cameroon would reach the quarterfinals, with Roger Milla becoming a star at age 38.

8. Senegal 1-0 France (2002 World Cup)

France arrived at the 2002 World Cup as defending champions.

They had won the tournament in 1998, then claimed the European Championship in 2000. Senegal were making their World Cup debut, facing the champions in their opening match.

Papa Bouba Diop scrambled home the only goal after half an hour. Despite waves of French attacks, they could not find an equalizer.

France never recovered, exiting in the group stage without scoring a goal. Senegal reached the quarterfinals, proving that preparation and tactics could overcome even the most talented opponents.

SEE ALSO | 6 Premier League Players Who Never Lost a Match After Scoring

9. North Korea 1-0 Italy (1966 World Cup)

In 1966, North Korea travelled to England as massive underdogs. Italy arrived with a strong squad featuring two-time World Cup winners. The teams met at Ayresome Park in Middlesbrough. Italy needed just a draw to advance.

Pak Doo-ik scored the only goal in the 42nd minute. North Korea defended with discipline and determination. When the final whistle blew, Italy had been eliminated.

The Italian players were greeted at Rome airport by angry fans hurling rotten tomatoes. Pak Doo-ik became a national hero, his goal immortalised in football folklore.

10. Brazil 1-2 Uruguay (1950 World Cup Final)

Brazil needed only a draw against Uruguay to claim its first world title.

The Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro packed in approximately 210,000 spectators, all expecting to celebrate Brazilian glory. The newspapers had already printed victory editions.

Brazil took the lead in the 47th minute. The massive crowd erupted. Then Uruguay responded. Juan Alberto Schiaffino equalised. Alcides Ghiggia completed the comeback 11 minutes later. Brazil attacked desperately but could not find an equaliser.

The defeat, known as the Maracanazo, became one of Brazil’s defining sporting moments.

The trauma ran so deep that Brazil abandoned their white kits forever, replacing them with the now-iconic yellow and blue. For Uruguay, the victory represented their second World Cup triumph.

11. Wigan Athletic 1-0 Manchester City (2013 FA Cup Final)

Wigan Athletic were fighting relegation when they reached the 2013 FA Cup Final. Manchester City were one of England’s wealthiest clubs, having won the league title the previous season. The Latics had never won a major trophy in their 81-year history.

The match remained goalless deep into the second half.

Then, in stoppage time, Ben Watson rose at the near post and powered a header past Joe Hart. City could not respond. Wigan had claimed the greatest triumph in their history.

Three days later, they were relegated from the Premier League, achieving the extraordinary feat of winning the FA Cup while dropping out of the top flight.

SEE ALSO | Champion Barcelona: Key Moments That Defined 2024/25 La Liga Season

12. Blackburn Rovers Win the Premier League (1994/95)

Jack Walker invested heavily after buying Blackburn in 1991.

He appointed Kenny Dalglish and signed Alan Shearer for a British record fee. The 1994/95 season became a two-horse race between Blackburn and Manchester United.

The title went to the final day. Blackburn lost 2-1 at Liverpool but Manchester United drew 1-1 at West Ham. Blackburn were champions by a single point.

Shearer scored 34 goals that season, establishing himself as England’s premier striker.

The triumph proved short-lived as financial constraints prevented them from building on their success, but for one glorious season, they stood atop English football.

13. Lille Win Ligue 1 (2020/21)

Paris Saint-Germain had dominated French football for years, backed by enormous Qatari investment. Lille had sold their best player, Victor Osimhen, to Napoli before the season. Nobody expected them to challenge PSG’s resources.

Manager Christophe Galtier built a team that played with consistency throughout the campaign. Burak Yilmaz led the attack brilliantly at age 35.

The defense was rock-solid. PSG stumbled despite having Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, and Angel Di Maria. When the season ended, Lille were champions by a single point. Smart management and belief had produced a miracle.

14. Sunderland 1-0 Leeds United (1973 FA Cup Final)

Leeds United arrived at Wembley as overwhelming favourites. Don Revie’s side had dominated English football for years. Sunderland played in the Second Division.

The bookmakers offered odds of 250-1 against a Sunderland victory before the tournament began.

Ian Porterfield scored the only goal, but goalkeeper Jimmy Montgomery was the real hero. His double-save from Trevor Cherry’s header and Peter Lorimer’s follow-up ranks among the greatest in football history.

The Second Division side had defeated the best team in England through defensive discipline and Montgomery’s brilliance.

SEE ALSO | Is This the Greatest Champions League Semi-Final in History?

15. Wimbledon 1-0 Liverpool (1988 FA Cup Final)

Liverpool dominated English football in the 1980s. Wimbledon, promoted to the top flight just two years earlier, were massive underdogs.

The Crazy Gang approached the final with fearlessness. Lawrie Sanchez scored the only goal.

Then came the moment that secured victory. John Aldridge stepped up to take a penalty, but goalkeeper Dave Beasant saved it, becoming the first goalkeeper to save a penalty in an FA Cup Final.

Wimbledon’s direct style frustrated Liverpool’s attempts to play their usual flowing football. Self-belief and tactical discipline had overcome vast disparities in talent.

16. South Korea 2-1 Italy (2002 World Cup)

Co-hosts South Korea faced Italy in the Round of 16. Italy boasted Buffon, Maldini, Nesta, Del Piero, Totti, and Pirlo. Christian Vieri gave Italy the lead but Seol Ki-hyeon equalised late. In extra time, Ahn Jung-hwan headed home the golden goal winner.

The aftermath was controversial, with Italian media claiming referee errors cost them the match.

South Korea continued to the semifinals under Guus Hiddink’s management. The co-hosts captured their nation’s imagination with a run that exceeded all expectations.

17. Montpellier Win Ligue 1 (2011/12)

Before PSG’s financial takeover transformed French football, Montpellier produced one final miracle. Manager Rene Girard built a team greater than the sum of its parts.

PSG, in their first full season with Qatari backing, were expected to dominate.

On the final day, Montpellier defeated Auxerre 2-1 while PSG could only draw. Montpellier were champions, representing the last gasp of a competitive Ligue 1 before PSG’s dominance took hold.

They had assembled a squad for a fraction of PSG’s spending and emerged victorious through teamwork.

SEE ALSO | Top 10 Clubs with the Most Relegations in Premier League History

18. Galatasaray Win the UEFA Cup (1999/2000)

Galatasaray had been demolished 5-0 by Chelsea earlier in the season.

Arsenal were favourites in the Copenhagen final, featuring Henry, Vieira, and Bergkamp. The match finished 0-0 after extra time. Galatasaray converted all their penalties while Arsenal missed crucial attempts.

The Turkish champions had claimed their first major European trophy, proving that clubs from outside Western Europe’s traditional powerhouses could compete at the highest level.

19. Saudi Arabia 2-1 Argentina (2022 World Cup)

Argentina travelled to Qatar as favourites. Lionel Messi was in his final tournament.

The team were on a 36-match unbeaten run. Saudi Arabia was ranked 51st in the world. Messi converted a penalty in the 10th minute.

The second half produced a shock. Saleh Al Shehri equalised in the 48th minute.

Five minutes later, Salem Al Dawsari scored a stunning winner. Saudi Arabia defended desperately for 37 minutes. Argentina would recover to win the tournament, but the opening loss remains one of the competition’s biggest upsets.

20. Steaua Bucharest Win the European Cup (1985/86)

Steaua Bucharest faced Barcelona in Seville as massive underdogs.

The match finished 0-0 after extra time. Then goalkeeper Helmuth Duckadam produced one of football’s greatest individual performances, saving all four Barcelona penalties.

His four consecutive saves remain a European Cup final record. The victory proved that teams from Eastern Europe could compete with Western giants.

SEE ALSO | Can Players Return After Being Subbed Out in Soccer?

What Makes These Upsets Special

These twenty upsets share common threads. Teams refused to accept their underdog status as destiny. Managers devised tactical plans that neutralised superior opponents. Players became legends. Clubs claimed glory they had no right to expect.

Football thrives on these moments. They give hope to every team that steps onto a pitch, knowing they should lose. They prove that organisation, belief, and effort can overcome vast disparities in quality.

No matter how impossible victory seems, there remains that tiny sliver of possibility that this could be the day everything changes.