Greece National Team — FIFA World Cup History
UEFA · 3 World Cup appearances · Group stage
Overview
Greece, known as Ethniki, shocked the football world by winning Euro 2004 as massive underdogs, but their World Cup record has been less successful. They have appeared at 3 World Cups (1994, 2010, 2014), with their best performance being the Round of 16 in 2014.
The 1994 debut was disastrous – Greece lost all three matches without scoring. However, the 2014 team showed improvement, reaching the knockout stage before losing to Costa Rica on penalties. Greece has not qualified for a major tournament since 2014.
The national team represents a source of pride for the country, with World Cup qualification and participation considered major achievements. Their campaigns have featured passionate support from fans and memorable performances against stronger opponents. The team continues to develop talent and compete for qualification to future World Cups, aiming to build on their historical achievements.
Quick Stats
- Appearances
- 3
- Titles
- 0
- Runner-up
- 0
- Third place
- 0
- First appearance
- 1994
- Last appearance
- 2014
- Confederation
- UEFA
World Cup Appearances
| Year | Host | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Brazil | Round of 16 |
| 2010 | South Africa | Group Stage |
| 1994 | USA | Group Stage |
Achievements
- Round of 16: 2014
- 3 World Cup appearances
- 10 World Cup matches played
- 2 wins, 2 draws, 6 losses
- 5 goals scored
- Euro 2004 champions
Legendary Players
- Georgios Samaras — Greece's World Cup top scorer with 2 goals. Played 7 World Cup matches (2010, 2014). Made 81 caps with 9 goals. Scored crucial penalty to beat Ivory Coast in 2014.
- Giorgos Karagounis — Legendary captain who played 7 World Cup matches (2010, 2014). Made 139 caps with 10 goals. Euro 2004 winner. Greece's most capped player.
- Kostas Katsouranis — Midfielder who played 7 World Cup matches (2010, 2014). Made 116 caps with 10 goals. Euro 2004 winner.
- Angelos Charisteas — Scored the winning goal in Euro 2004 final. Played 3 World Cup matches in 2010. Made 88 caps with 25 goals.
- Sotirios Kyrgiakos — Defender who played 6 World Cup matches (2010, 2014). Made 58 caps with 3 goals. Played for Liverpool.
- Dimitris Salpingidis — Scored Greece's first World Cup goal against Nigeria in 2010. Played 6 World Cup matches (2010, 2014). Made 52 caps with 11 goals.
Tactical Identity
Greece's tactical identity under Otto Rehhagel (Euro 2004) and Fernando Santos was built on defensive organization and set-piece prowess. They played compact, disciplined football that frustrated opponents and created chances from dead balls.
The Greek teams have never been about flair – their strength lies in their collective spirit, tactical discipline, and ability to grind out results. The 2014 team showed they could compete at the World Cup with this approach.
Head-to-Head Highlights
- Greece's greatest World Cup moment was beating Ivory Coast 2-1 in 2014 with Samaras' late penalty, reaching the knockout stage. They also beat Nigeria 2-1 in 2010 for their first World Cup win.
- Argentina crushed Greece 4-0 in 1994, and Bulgaria won 4-0 in the same tournament. Costa Rica eliminated them on penalties in 2014. Colombia beat them 3-0 in 2014.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Greece played in the FIFA World Cup?
Greece has played in 3 FIFA World Cup tournaments: 1994, 2010, and 2014. They have played 10 World Cup matches with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 6 losses, scoring 5 goals.
Has Greece ever won the World Cup?
No, Greece has never won the FIFA World Cup. Their best finish was reaching the Round of 16 in 2014. Greece won Euro 2004 as massive underdogs, one of football's greatest surprises.
What was Greece's best World Cup performance?
Greece's best World Cup performance was reaching the Round of 16 in 2014 in Brazil. They beat Ivory Coast 2-1 with a late penalty before losing to Costa Rica on penalties.
When did Greece first appear in the World Cup?
Greece first appeared in the FIFA World Cup in 1994 in the USA. Despite an unbeaten qualifying campaign, they lost all three matches without scoring, including 4-0 defeats to Argentina and Bulgaria.