The FIFA World Cup Final doesn't just crown the world's champion—it also creates unforgettable moments that become part of football history. From controversial refereeing decisions and unlikely champions to remarkable off-the-pitch stories, the biggest match in soccer has produced countless legendary moments.

Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, here are 10 fascinating facts that helped shape the history of World Cup finals.

1. Brazil Won Its First World Cup Wearing an Improvised Kit

At the 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden, Brazil was forced to change uniforms because the host nation also wore yellow.

With no alternate kits available, the Brazilian delegation purchased blue jerseys from a local store, added the national crest and numbers, and went on to win the country's first-ever World Cup title wearing the improvised uniform.

2. A World Cup Champion Can't Remember the Final He Played

Germany midfielder Christoph Kramer suffered a concussion during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final against Argentina.

After the collision, he reportedly asked the referee whether they were actually playing in the World Cup Final. Years later, Kramer admitted he has no memory of the match.

3. The Original World Cup Trophy Can't Be Handled by Just Anyone

Beyond tradition and superstition, FIFA has a strict protocol governing who may touch the original FIFA World Cup Trophy.

Only World Cup-winning players, heads of state, and the FIFA president are permitted to hold the original trophy with their bare hands.

4. Germany Fell Behind Before Touching the Ball

In the 1974 FIFA World Cup Final, the Netherlands took the lead from the penalty spot before West Germany had even touched the ball.

Despite the shocking start, the Germans rallied to complete the comeback and capture the world title.

5. One Player Reached World Cup Finals With Two Different National Teams

Luis Monti made history by playing in the 1930 FIFA World Cup Final with Argentina and the 1934 FIFA World Cup Final with Italy.

No other player has ever appeared in World Cup finals representing two different national teams.

6. The First World Cup Final Was Played With Two Different Balls

During the inaugural 1930 FIFA World Cup Final, each team insisted on using its own match ball.

The compromise was simple: the first half was played with Argentina's ball, while the second half used Uruguay's. The hosts came from behind to become the first World Cup champions.

7. The Assistant Referee Behind a Controversial Goal Became Immortalized

Tofiq Bahramov was the assistant referee who validated England's famous—and still highly debated—goal in the 1966 FIFA World Cup Final.

His role in one of soccer's most controversial moments became so iconic that Baku's national stadium was later named in his honor.

8. You Can Lift the World Cup Without Playing a Single Minute

Legendary players such as Daniel Passarella, Franco Baresi, and Ronaldo Nazário were part of World Cup-winning squads despite not playing a single minute during those victorious tournaments.

Even without appearing on the field, they officially became World Cup champions.

9. Jules Rimet Prepared the Trophy Ceremony for the Wrong Champion

During the famous "Maracanazo" at the 1950 FIFA World Cup, then-FIFA president Jules Rimet walked onto the field expecting Brazil to be crowned champions.

Instead, Uruguay completed one of the greatest upsets in soccer history, dramatically changing the planned trophy presentation.

10. World Cup Finals Have Their Own "Curses"

Over the years, several remarkable trends have earned a reputation as World Cup "curses."

Among the most famous are the facts that no foreign head coach has ever won a FIFA World Cup, and no team that entered the tournament ranked No. 1 in the FIFA World Ranking has gone on to lift the trophy.

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