Kempes and the hosts
Mario Kempes scored six goals, including two in the final, to win the Golden Boot and drive Argentina to their first title. The Netherlands, playing without Johan Cruyff, lost a second consecutive final after 1974.
A tournament under scrutiny
Held under Argentina's military dictatorship, the 1978 finals remain controversial, especially Argentina's decisive 6–0 win over Peru that sent them past Brazil on goal difference. The football, led by Kempes, was nonetheless vivid.
Place in history
It was the first of Argentina's three titles, later followed by 1986 and 2022. Trace the full sequence on /world-cup-winners-list and see Argentina's modern campaign on /world-cup-2026.
Related coverage
Frequently asked questions
Who won the 1978 World Cup?+
Argentina, beating the Netherlands 3–1 after extra time.
Who was the star of 1978?+
Mario Kempes, top scorer with six goals.
Where was the 1978 final?+
The Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
How many World Cups has Argentina won?+
Three: 1978, 1986, and 2022. See /who-has-won-the-most-world-cups.