I think your answer depends on your age. Nostalgia plays a big part.
I voted Italia 90. It was the first World Cup I watched. Scotland were there (briefly), I thought that was the norm, I had the Panini sticker album, me and my mates would run home from school everyday to watch the games.
Maradona, Caniggia (never ever imaged he’d end up at the bears), Roger Milla, Gazza, Toto Schillaci, Klinsmann, Ruud Gullit, Carlos Valderama ..... Guys I’d never heard of, who played for clubs I’d never heard of, from countries I’d never heard of. But the next day, we’d be back at school pretending to be one of these stars, scoring a screamer in the playground and pronouncing their names wrongly. I think I must have went years until someone told me that Madonna didn’t actually play football.
94 was ok. I was still at school so was able to see a lot of the games. The kickoff times were a bit of a pain in the arse though, and Scotland wasn’t there. My new hero’s were Stoicjkov, Hagi, Martin Dahlin, Maldini & Bebeto as I had him in my fantasy team and he done the baby cradle celebration.
By the time France 98 rolled round, I was just finishing high school. I absolutely bombarded my dad everyday for 6 months begging to go to France. I was even going to hitch hike myself. Eventually my old man was able to source some tickets and we went over for some games and saw Scotland too. One of those trips that will stay with you forever.
By the time Korea/Japan rolled round, I was starting to lose interest in the World Cup. Age was a factor; I was working an didn’t have the same time to watch games, I’d rather have been chasing fanny. Scotland never qualified, and the early morning kickoffs spoiled things. I watched the odd game, but really can’t remember that much about that World Cup.
It’s really a similar thing for all the other world cups which have followed. Not having a team there to support makes a difference. Even if Scotland were to qualify for any future World Cup, the disunion amongst Scots has grown so much since 2014 that I think I’d find it hard to sit amongst the tartan army. I’d have to watch it with fellow bears. And the way Rangers are treated has to change if we want to see Scotland at a World Cup again. But that’s another story.
My dad always maintains Mexico in 1970 was the best. Brazil. It was in colour. The pundits were decent on BBC & ITV. The games were on late at night so you’d go to the pub, come home & watch the football.
But I think that period from primary school to late teens would be most peoples favourite as you don’t have a fucking care in the world.