Ever since Uruguay won the inaugural FIFA World Cup™ in 1930, defending champions have had considerably mixed results in their first matches of the following tournament. Indeed, title-holders have an overall record of ten wins, four draws and six defeats in their subsequent openers.
With Qatar 2022 champions Argentina preparing to take on Algeria at Kansas City Stadium on 16 June, FIFA looks back on nearly 100 years of history as Lionel Scaloni’s men seek to get off to a winning start at the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Italy 1934
Reigning champion: Uruguay
After claiming the title on home soil, Uruguay opted not to travel to Italy to defend their crown in 1934.
France 1938
Reigning champion: Italy
Champions in Rome, Italy beat Norway 2-1 after extra time in Marseille as the tournament held in France kicked off with the round of 16. The Azzurri went on to defend their title.
Brazil 1950
Reigning champion: Italy
The World Cup made its long-awaited return in 1950, this time in Brazil, and the defending champions from the previous two tournaments kicked off their campaign with a surprise defeat at the Estadio do Pacaembu in Sao Paulo. They lost 3-2 to Sweden and failed to advance beyond the group stage.
Switzerland 1954
Reigning champion: Uruguay
After securing their second World Cup title, Uruguay headed to Switzerland looking to defend their crown. They launched their campaign by beating Czechoslovakia 2-0 in Bern with goals from Oscar Miguez and Juan Schiaffino. Uruguay would finally bow out in the semi-finals.
Sweden 1958
Reigning champion: West Germany
At the tournament in Sweden, West Germany began their title defence with a comeback victory over Argentina, winning 3-1 in Malmo with a brace from Helmut Rahn, who also scored twice in the 1954 final in Bern. The Germans saw their campaign come to an end in the semi-finals after losing to the host nation.
Chile 1962
Reigning champion: Brazil
After winning their first World Cup, Brazil were back on top in Chile. They got off to a perfect start, winning 2-0 against Mexico in Vina del Mar, courtesy of goals from Mario Zagallo and Pele. A few weeks later, they lifted the trophy in Santiago on 17 June.
England 1966
Reigning champion: Brazil
Brazil’s only highlight at the 1966 World Cup in England was their opening match, which they won 2-0 against Bulgaria with goals from Pele and Garrincha. They then lost to Hungary and Portugal to crash out in the group stage.
Mexico 1970
Reigning champion: England
Following their only FIFA World Cup™ triumph, England kick-started their title defence in Guadalajara with a 1-0 victory over Romania thanks to Geoff Hurst’s strike. The Three Lions were eventually knocked out in extra time by West Germany in the quarter-finals.
West Germany 1974
Reigning champion: Brazil
Sporting three stars on their shirts, Brazil made the trip to West Germany hoping to add another title to their collection in 1974. Their opener in Frankfurt am Main finished goalless against Yugoslavia, marking the first time a defending champion had drawn their opening match in the subsequent tournament. Brazil came fourth.
Argentina 1978
Reigning champion: West Germany
The Europeans embarked on their title defence in Argentina with a goalless draw against Poland in Buenos Aires. They ended up being knocked out in the second group stage.
Spain 1982
Reigning champion: Argentina
The Argentina team led by Cesar Luis Menotti and Diego Maradona lost 1-0 to Belgium at the Camp Nou in their opener. They bounced back to survive the first group stage, only to crash out in the second.
Mexico 1986
Reigning champion: Italy
Italy’s third star came in Spain, but they kicked off their title defence with a 1-1 draw against Bulgaria, thanks to a late goal from Nasko Sirakov that cancelled out Alessandro Altobelli’s opener in Mexico City. Italy were knocked out in the round of 16.
Italy 1990
Reigning champion: Argentina
Cameroon caused one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history beating Argentina with a goal from Francois Omam-Biyik. Argentina reached the final only to be dethroned by West Germany.
USA 1994
Reigning champion: Germany
Germany, now with three stars, got off to a solid start in their title defence with a 1-0 win over Bolivia in Chicago courtesy of a Jurgen Klinsmann goal. Germany were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Bulgaria.
France 1998
Reigning champion: Brazil
Brazil beat Scotland 2-1 at the Stade de France in their opening match before losing to the hosts in the final.
Korea/Japan 2002
Reigning champion: France
Papa Bouba Diop’s goal for Senegal in Seoul spoiled France’s opening match at the tournament held in Korea Republic and Japan. Les Bleus never made it past the group stage.
Germany 2006
Reigning champion: Brazil
Kaka’s 44th-minute goal in Berlin was enough to secure Brazil’s win against Croatia to kick off Germany 2006. Brazil bowed out in the quarter-finals against France.
South Africa 2010
Reigning champion: Italy
Daniele De Rossi salvaged a point for Italy in a 1-1 draw against Paraguay in Cape Town but they failed to advance beyond the group stage.
Brazil 2014
Reigning champion: Spain
After losing in their opening game in the memorable 2010 campaign, Spain were thrashed in their first game at Brazil 2014. They lost 5-1 to the Netherlands and were knocked out in the group stage.
Russia 2018
Reigning champion: Germany
Germany began their quest to defend their 2014 crown in Moscow with a 1-0 defeat to Mexico, courtesy of a goal from Hirving Lozano, before crashing out in the group stage.
Qatar 2022
Reigning champion: France
Winners of the World Cup in Russia, France trounced Australia in their opening match at Qatar 2022. That said, they did have to stage a comeback to win 4-1. The side spearheaded by Kylian Mbappe reached the final but came up short against Leo Messi’s Argentina.
