Discover the biggest upsets and most unexpected victories in football history. From domestic leagues to international tournaments, these teams defied the odds and made their mark. Explore the iconic moments where underdogs triumphed, creating unforgettable stories in the sport. This list celebrates the thrill of unpredictable results that keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Won Euro 1992 despite not qualifying
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Denmark famously won Euro 1992 after not even qualifying for the tournament, being called in as a late replacement. Their victory over reigning World Champions Germany in the final is a legendary underdog story, defying all expectations.
Completed one of the biggest underdog runs in sports history
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Greece's victory in Euro 2004 was a monumental upset, as they were massive outsiders who defeated host nation Portugal in the final. Their journey, including beating reigning World Champions France, cemented their place as one of football's greatest underdog stories.
Achieved a stunning 1-0 victory over PSG
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Botafogo's 1-0 victory over the formidable Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 was a major upset. PSG, as reigning UEFA Champions League winners, were heavily favored, making Botafogo's defensive masterclass and single goal a truly unexpected triumph.
Produced a historic upset
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Grimsby Town, a lower-league team, achieved a remarkable upset by eliminating Manchester United from the Carabao Cup. Holding a Premier League giant to a draw and then winning a penalty shootout is a classic example of an unexpected cup victory.
Pulled off a stunning victory
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Lyon's 2-1 victory over dominant Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 on April 20, 2026, was highly unexpected. PSG rarely loses at home, especially to domestic rivals, making Lyon's win a significant and surprising result in the French league.
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Upset a ranked opponent
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The 2-6 Wisconsin Badgers, with a freshman quarterback, defeated the No. 23 ranked Washington Huskies 13-10. This was a major upset in college football, showcasing Wisconsin's defensive strength against a ranked opponent despite their struggles.
Upset victory over Duke
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UConn's 37-34 victory over Duke in an offensive shootout was an unexpected win for the Huskies. Any win against a Power Four program is considered an upset for UConn, making this high-scoring triumph particularly notable.
Historic upset victory over No. 1 Alabama
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Vanderbilt's 40-35 victory over the No. 1-ranked Alabama team in 2024 is a defining upset in recent college football history. As heavy underdogs, their composure and tactical discipline against a dominant program made this win truly unexpected.
Stunned No. 8 Alabama 31-17
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Florida State, an unranked team coming off a 2-10 season, defeated No. 8 Alabama in the 2025 season. This was a significant upset, especially given Alabama's consistent ranking and FSU's poor performance in the prior season.
Pulled off arguably the greatest upset in World Cup history
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Cameroon's 1-0 victory over reigning World Cup champions Argentina in the opening match of the 1990 FIFA World Cup was a stunning upset. This result immediately captured global attention and highlighted the potential of African football.
Stunned South American giant Argentina
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Saudi Arabia's 2-1 victory over Lionel Messi's Argentina in the 2022 World Cup group stage was a massive shock. Argentina went on to win the tournament, making their opening loss to Saudi Arabia even more surprising in hindsight.
Produced one of the greatest upsets in FIFA World Cup history
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Known as the 'Maracanazo,' Uruguay's 2-1 defeat of host nation Brazil in the 1950 World Cup final was one of the most famous upsets. Brazil was heavily favored to win in their newly built Maracanã stadium, making Uruguay's victory truly unexpected.