The 1954 FIFA World Cup set all-time goalscoring records and produced West Germany's first World Cup title in an upset over Hungary.
Key Facts
- Edition
- 5th FIFA World Cup
- Host country
- Switzerland
- Tournament dates
- 16 June – 4 July 1954
- Winner
- West Germany
- Final score
- West Germany 3–2 Hungary
- Highest-scoring match
- Austria 7–5 Switzerland (12 goals)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Switzerland was selected as the host nation in July 1946 to mark FIFA's 50th anniversary. Hungary entered as heavy tournament favourites, having established themselves as one of the dominant international sides of the era, while West Germany sought their first World Cup title since the tournament's expansion.
Held from 16 June to 4 July 1954, the tournament set multiple all-time goalscoring records, including the highest average goals per game in men's World Cup history. The quarter-final between Austria and Switzerland produced 12 goals, still a men's World Cup record. West Germany defeated Hungary 3–2 in the final, eliminating Uruguay, the defending champions, earlier in the competition.
West Germany's victory over heavily favoured Hungary, known as the 'Miracle of Bern,' became a defining moment in postwar German national identity. The tournament's goalscoring records, including the Austria–Switzerland 7–5 quarter-final, have never been surpassed in a men's World Cup, cementing 1954 as an historically notable edition.
Result
at Wankdorf Stadium, Bern, Switzerland