Most appearances in the football (soccer) FIFA World Cup Final by a team without winning

The most appearances in the football (soccer) FIFA World Cup Final by a team without winning is 3, achieved by Netherlands when they lost the 1974, 1978 and 2010 FIFA World Cup Final. The Dutch lost in the final of successive FIFA World Cups to the host nation of the tournament, losing 2-1 against West Germany in 1974 and losing 3-1 after extra time to Argentina in 1978. They also lost the 2010 final in South Africa, with Spain triumphing 1-0 after extra time. These three defeats are the most losses in FIFA World Cup Final matches without winning the tournament at some stage. However, it is Germany who hold the title for 'Most football (soccer) FIFA World Cup final losses by a team', having lost in the final in four tournaments (1966, 1982, 1986 and 2002). They have, however, won the tournament on three occasions (1954, 1974 and 1990).