Germany – Die Mannschaft

World Cup Appearances: 1934, 1938, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026

Highest Finish: Champions in 1954, 1974, 1990, and 2014

The 1954 World Cup produced one of the greatest upsets in sports history. West Germany entered the tournament as underdogs, while Hungary’s legendary “Golden Team” arrived as overwhelming favorites. The Hungarians had gone years without defeat and had already crushed West Germany 8–3 earlier in the tournament.

In the final in Bern, Switzerland, Hungary raced to a 2–0 lead within eight minutes, appearing destined for the trophy. Yet West Germany refused to surrender. Battling through rain and relentless pressure, they rallied to level the match before Helmut Rahn scored the decisive goal in a stunning 3–2 victory.

Known as the “Miracle of Bern,” the victory earned Germany its first World Cup title but meant more. For a nation rebuilding after World War II, it symbolized resilience, renewal, and a restored sense of hope.