West Germany were the first (and still only) nation to win the title before hosting the competition.

Champions in Switzerland 1954 with a 3-2 win over Hungary in the final.

Hosts of the 10th World Cup in 1974
The tournament marked the first time that the current trophy, the FIFA World Cup Trophy, created by the Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga, was awarded. The previous trophy, the Jules Rimet Trophy, was won for the third time by Brazil in 1970 and awarded permanently to the Brazilians. West Germany won the title beating Netherlands in the final, 2-1 leaving Brazil as the only winner to have never won while hosting.

Champions again in Italy 1990 defeating Argentina 1-0 in a rematch of the final from 4 years earlier. This saw West Germany join Italy and Brazil as 3 time winners and become the only team tp play in 3 consecutive finals.

1990 was also the last time the team were to play as West Germany. By USA 1994 the nation had been reunified and would now play as Germany.

Hosts again for the 18th World Cup in 2006
The tournament was won by Italy, their fourth world championship, defeating France 5–3 in a penalty shootout after extra time finished in a 1–1 draw. Germany defeated Portugal 3–1 to finish third.