From Tom Brady’s comeback to the 2022 World Cup epic: the GOAT sporting event this century
Fox’s ranking of the greatest title games in the last 25 years sparks debate over which sport truly delivered the ultimate finale.
In the wake of Super Bowl LX – a game that sparked debate both on and off the field, particularly because of the halftime show headlined by Bad Bunny – Fox Sports in the United States released a ranking of the greatest championship games of the first quarter of the 21st century.
The list spans World Cup finals, Super Bowls, World Series showdowns and even college football title games, highlighting what Fox considers the standout finales from 2000 through 2025, based on seasons played.
One detail has drawn particular attention: among the 10 most important championship games of the past 25 years, only one soccer final made the cut. That was the 2022 World Cup clash between Argentina and France in Qatar.
Widely hailed by many as the greatest World Cup final ever played, the Argentina–France thriller was not ranked No. 1 by Fox. Instead, it was edged out by an NFL showdown.
Super Bowl LI between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons took the top spot. The game is remembered above all for the Patriots’ dramatic comeback led by Tom Brady, who erased a massive deficit, forced overtime and secured another Super Bowl ring.
What are the 10 best sports finals according to Fox?
- New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons – Super Bowl LI
- Argentina vs. France – 2022 World Cup
- Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Toronto Blue Jays, Game 7 – 2025 World Series
- Texas vs. USC – 2006 Rose Bowl
- New York Giants vs. New England Patriots – Super Bowl XLII
- Alabama vs. Georgia – 2018 NCAA national championship (college football)
- Villanova vs. North Carolina – 2016 NCAA men’s basketball national championship
- Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors – Game 7, 2016 NBA Finals
- Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals – Super Bowl XLIII
- San Antonio Spurs vs. Miami Heat – Game 6, 2013 NBA Finals
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