🇦🇷 FIFA World Cup 1978
Host: Argentina · 16 teams · 38 matches · 102 goals
Tournament Summary
- Champion
- 🇦🇷 Argentina
- Runner-up
- 🇳🇱 Netherlands
- Third place
- 🇧🇷 Brazil
- Fourth place
- 🇮🇹 Italy
- Top scorer
- Mario Kempes (6 goals, Argentina)
- Format
- Two group stages + final
- Attendance
- 1,545,791
Highlights
- Argentina won their first World Cup title
- Mario Kempes: 6 goals and Best Player
- Netherlands lost second consecutive final
- Brazil undefeated but finished third ('moral champions')
- Controversial 6-0 Argentina win over Peru
- Tournament held under military dictatorship
- Tunisia first African team to win a match (3-1 vs Mexico)
- Second group stage format (last time used)
- Rensenbrink hit post in final seconds
- Iran and Tunisia made World Cup debuts
- Adidas Tango ball introduced
- Gauchito official mascot
- West Germany eliminated in second round
- Austria beat West Germany 3-2 (Miracle of Córdoba)
- Diego Maradona (17) not selected by Menotti
Stadiums
| Stadium | City | Capacity | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| River Plate Stadium | Buenos Aires | 74,624 | 9 |
| Olympic Stadium | Córdoba | 46,986 | 8 |
| Rosario Central Stadium | Rosario | 45,645 | 6 |
| Mendoza City Stadium | Mendoza | 34,954 | 6 |
| World Cup Stadium | Mar del Plata | 43,542 | 6 |
| José Amalfitani Stadium | Buenos Aires | 49,318 | 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 1978 World Cup?
Argentina won the 1978 FIFA World Cup, defeating Netherlands in the final.
Where was the 1978 World Cup held?
The 1978 World Cup was hosted by Argentina.
How many teams participated in the 1978 World Cup?
16 national teams participated in the 1978 World Cup.
Who was the top scorer at the 1978 World Cup?
Mario Kempes from Argentina was the top scorer with 6 goals.
How many goals were scored at the 1978 World Cup?
A total of 102 goals were scored across 38 matches.