France – Les Bleus

World Cup Appearances: 1930, 1934, 1938, 1954, 1958, 1966, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026

Highest Finish: Champions in 1998 and 2018

The 2006 FIFA World Cup Final was meant to be the crowning moment of Zinedine Zidane’s legendary career. France’s captain had already scored in the match against Italy and was playing his final game before retirement. Yet, in extra time, history took an unexpected turn. Following an exchange of words with Italian defender Marco Materazzi, Zidane turned and delivered a headbutt to his opponent’s chest, earning a red card and a dramatic exit from the world stage.

With their captain gone, France went on to lose the final in a penalty shootout as Italy lifted the World Cup trophy.

Simultaneously celebrated and debated, the incident remains one of soccer’s most iconic moments, a powerful reminder that even the greatest athletes aren’t capable to choosing how they leave the game.