Ranking All Twenty World Cup Winners

BERLIN, GERMANY - JULY 15: Bastian Schweinsteiger, Per Mertersacker, Manuel Neuer and Kevin Grosskreutz celebrate during the German team victory ceremony on July 15, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. Germany won the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil match against Argentina in Rio de Janeiro on July 13. (Photo by Markus Gilliar - Pool /Getty Images)
BERLIN, GERMANY - JULY 15: Bastian Schweinsteiger, Per Mertersacker, Manuel Neuer and Kevin Grosskreutz celebrate during the German team victory ceremony on July 15, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. Germany won the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil match against Argentina in Rio de Janeiro on July 13. (Photo by Markus Gilliar - Pool /Getty Images) /
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(Photo credit should read STAFF/AFP/Getty Images)
(Photo credit should read STAFF/AFP/Getty Images) /

Top World Cup Winners All-Time: Number Nineteen – Italy, 1938

The initial three World Cups, while the foundation for something special, were also slightly tainted by the lack of transportation from different continents. The “World” was hardly represented in its “Cup”, but there was still enough competition to keep the field growing when transportation became more readily available.

1938 was Italy’s chance to defend their throne and, while they didn’t do it as conclusively as their 1934 initial World Cup title, their progress faced more obstacles.

The Italians had to get through a gritty Norway as well as France and Brazil before facing Hungary in the final. Given that it was held in France, it would be the first time that the host nation did not win the World Cup.

While Italy went undefeated, they scored only 11 goals, which was tied for third-most in the competition. It was defense that won the Cup.

Next: 18. Europe opens their account