Germany eliminates, Brazil to remain lone five-time world champion

What happens in the remainder of the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains to be seen. However, one thing is now certain: Brazil will remain the only five-time FIFA World Cup champion until at least the 2030 tournament. Germany's elimination in the Round of 32 at the hands of Paraguay ensured that the Seleção's unique record remains intact.

Germany, four-time world champions, were the only team in this World Cup capable of matching Brazil's record of five titles. But after a 1-1 draw against Paraguay in Boston, the Europeans were knocked out 4-3 in a penalty shootout. As a result, no team in the 2026 World Cup can equal Brazil's tally of five championships.

The defeat also extended Germany's recent struggles at major international tournaments. They crashed out in the group stage at both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Although they returned to the knockout rounds this time, their campaign ended in the Round of 32.

Germany last lifted the World Cup in 2014, claiming their fourth title. Had they gone on to win the 2026 tournament, they would have drawn level with Brazil on five championships. That opportunity has now disappeared following their defeat to Paraguay.

Italy also has four World Cup titles but failed to qualify for the 2026 finals. Therefore, they never had the chance to challenge Brazil's five-title record in this edition of the tournament.

Brazil currently tops the all-time World Cup winners' list with five championships, won in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. Germany's four titles came in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014, while Italy won its four crowns in 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006.

Among the teams still alive in the tournament, Argentina has the opportunity to become a four-time world champion. Winners in 1978, 1986 and 2022, Argentina would join Germany and Italy on four titles if they lift the trophy this year—but they would still trail Brazil.

France also remains in contention. Champions in 1998 and 2018, Les Bleus would claim a third World Cup title by winning the 2026 tournament, still well short of Brazil's five. England and Spain, meanwhile, are both chasing their second World Cup triumphs.

Germany's exit has therefore strengthened Brazil's position at the top of the World Cup's all-time honours list. Whether Brazil goes on to win a record-extending sixth title this year is another question. Even if the Seleção fall short, no nation will be able to stand alongside their five-star record before the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

FIFA World Cup Winners

Country Titles Winning Years

Brazil ------5---- 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002

Germany ---4----1954, 1974, 1990, 2014

Italy---------4-----1934, 1938, 1982, 2006

Argentina----3-----1978, 1986, 2022

France--------2-----1998, 2018

Uruguay------2-----1930, 1950

England-------1-----1966

Spain----------1------2010