What comes to mind when you think of the top men’s FIFA World Cup moments? It could be Diego Maradona carving through England’s defense for the Goal of the Century. Or, a legend like Pelé or Lionel Messi raising the trophy up high into the sky. Or something more controversial, like Cristiano Ronaldo’s wink after getting Wayne Rooney sent off. We counted down the most iconic, most controversial, most defining moments in tournament history. What ended up being the BEST moment? Relive them all, and especially the one that took our top spot. JUMP TO: 100-90 | 89-80 | 79-70 | 69-60 | 59-50 | 49-40 | 39-30 | 29-20 | 19-10 | 10-1 No. 100: Pure Control, Pure Class, Pure Messi In 2018, the pressure on Lionel Messi was building. Argentina’s star captain had gone scoreless through two games, including a 3-0 loss to Croatia. He needed to do something against Nigeria. That’s when the Messi magic appeared. Argentina went on to win the game and advance. An unbelievable first touch from Lionel Messi that saved Argentina. And while La Albiceleste were eliminated by eventual champions France in the round of 16, Messi’s sublime goal was perhaps the best of the tournament. No. 99: Red Card for … Celebrating?! Vincent Aboubakar made history for Cameroon when he scored a game-winning goal against Brazil in 2022, the first time an African country had defeated the five-time champions in a World Cup setting. The problem was that he was then sent off for excessive celebration. The Indomitable Lions were still eliminated despite the win, with the Brazilians advancing to the knockout rounds. Nonetheless, it was punishment worth the moment of shirtless joy. It even seemed like the referee felt a bit bad for having to hand out that red card. No. 98: Cuauhtémoc Blanco Leaps Into History Trying to shake off around two defenders? You should think about trying this trademark move created by one of the greatest Mexican players to ever live. It was so nice, it’s known throughout the world as the “Cuauhtemiña.” At the 1998 World Cup, Cuauhtémoc Blanco clamped the ball between his feet did his best impression of a kangaroo by hopping between two South Korean defenders. It may not have produced a goal, but the player from el barrio bravo de Tepito produced a move that has immediately leaped into the hearts and minds of soccer fans since. No. 97: Klinsmann’s Roundhouse Flick Long before he coached the United States men’s national team at the 2014 World Cup, Jürgen Klinsmann scored a ton of goals for Germany, including this stunner against South Korea. Klinsmann, who four years earlier had helped his country win the World Cup for the third time, would turn what looked like a routine pass reception with his back to the goal into one of the most memorable goals of USA ‘94 with one swivel of his hips. No. 96: This Free Kick Changed USA Soccer History The U.S. men’s national team hadn’t made a splash at the World Cup in decades – but that all changed it the USA hosted the 1994 edition. It was thanks to a wonder-goal against Switzerland by the USA star Eric Wynalda. Wynalda’s unstoppable, curling free kick just before the teams headed to the dressing rooms nearly blew the roof off the Silverdome in suburban Detroit. The match ended 1-1. That point, plus an upset win over Colombia a few days later, was enough to send the USA to the second round, where they took eventual champ Brazil to extra time before losing 1-0. No. 95: One Of the Best Opening Goals Ever In 2006, Germany legend Philipp Lahm scored one of the best opening goals to a World Cup ever. From a distance, Lahm (wearing a cast on his right arm following a recent injury) curled the ball perfectly into the top corner past Costa Rica keeper José Francisco Porras. Of course, it was even sweeter as the Germans were hosting the tournament with high hopes of winning it all on home soil. The hosts fell in the semifinals but Lahm’s amazing technique and control on this goal in Munich will be one of the tournament’s highlights. No. 94: A Volley For The Ages Tim Cahill is arguably Australia’s best men’s soccer player ever and that’s due to his ability to score in big moments at the World Cup. That included this spectacular volley at the 2014 tournament in Brazil, where he showed his technique and ability against the Netherlands. A looping long pass from one side to the Porto Alegre pitch to the other, Cahill one-timed the shot into the net at the perfect angle as the ball kissed the underside of the bar. A stellar goal followed by his trademark fighting-the-corner-flag celebration. No. 93: This Rule Proved Too Cruel A new rule was introduced in the 1998 World Cup round of 16: Golden Goal. Score in extra time, and it’s over. Hosts France were deadlocked with Paraguay at 0-0 going into extra time in their round of 16 matchup at Lens. The ball found Laurent Blanc at the edge of the six-yard box, and he buried it to end the match at 1-0. France advanced; Paraguay was eliminated on the spot. France went on to win it all, but it would be one of the final few countries to benefit from the cruel rule, as it was scrapped altogether six years later. No. 92: First Back-to-Back Champs It didn’t take long for the World Cup to have its first dynasty. After lifting the trophy on home soil at the second-ever World Cup in 1934, Italy did it again at France 1938, stamping its legacy forever. Italy might not be the most famous repeat World Cup champions of all time, but it will go down in history as the first. No. 91: A Goal That Deserved A Happier Ending Archie Gemmill’s wonder goal for Scotland in the 1978 FIFA World Cup would have sent them to the knockout stage if they hadn’t fallen short on goal difference against the Netherlands. Gemmill had Scottish fans dreaming of an upset against one of the world’s best sides. In the 68th minute, the diminutive midfielder danced away from three Dutch defenders before lobbing a left-footed finish over the keeper Jan Jongbloed. With a two-goal lead, it seemed Scotland would advance. But it was to no avail as the Dutch scored minutes later, leaving the heartbroken Scots wondering what could have been. Instead, the Netherlands advanced on goal-difference and would go on to make a second consecutive World Cup final appearance. No. 90: The Ultimate Team Goal 25 passes. Nine players. One iconic goal for Argentina. At the 2006 World Cup (the first one in which Lionel Messi appeared), Argentina faced a stern test against Serbia in the group stage. It was one of those games where the underdogs knew they would have to be sharp on defense to keep a far more talented Argentina side at bay. Except it didn’t work that way, and Argentina pounced from the get-go with an early goal in the sixth minute by Maxi Rodriguez. And that’s when the Albiceleste magic took over. In the 31st minute, a patient ballet of teamwork that involved a combination of on-target passes led to Hernán Crespo looping a ball to early-match substitute Esteban Cambiasso. Goal, Argentina. Four more followed – including Messi’s first ever at a World Cup. But Cambiasso’s strike stood above all that day. No. 89: A Controversial Goal Affects Three Teams One of the toughest groups at the 2022 World Cup featured Germany (four-time champions), Spain (2010 champions), always talented Japan, and feisty Costa Rica. So you knew that this group was going to have some fireworks. That happened on the final matchday. Germany facing Costa Rica and Japan taking on Spain with all four teams having hope of advancing. At halftime of both matches, it seemed like Spain and Germany would advance, while Japan and Costa Rica would go home. But the script was then ripped apart. In the 51st minute of the Japan-Spain game, Kaoru Mitoma chases the ball down — it looks out. But he crosses it to Ao Tanaka, who scores off an improbable angle. VAR says the ball remained in play by the slimmest of margins. The goal stands. Japan topped the group. Spain also advanced. Germany was eliminated despite beating Costa Rica. Joy and heartbreak all around. No. 88: Three Yellow Cards And One Red-Faced Referee Soccer is known for its simplicity of rules when compared to other major sports. And one of the most well-known rules is that when you get two yellow cards, that equates to a red card and therefore an automatic dismissal from the game. Which is why an error by England official Graham Poll at the 2006 World Cup was so memorable. Poll had shown Croatia’s Josip Šimunić two yellow cards in the group-stage finale against Australia, but the player inexplicably stayed on. Only until a third card was shown to Šimunić that the defender actually left the pitch. It was the last World Cup game Poll ever worked as he asked not to be considered for future tournaments on account of his unforgettable mistake. No. 87: Matador Magic! A Star Rises For Mexico at France ’98 When your nickname is “El Matador,” you better have a killer instinct in front of the net. Luis Hernandez had that and then some as a star striker for Mexico at the 1998 World Cup. By beating South Korea and tying Belgium in their first two group stage games at France ‘98, Mexico appeared well-positioned to progress to the knockout rounds. Still, advancing was not guaranteed. And with the Netherlands looming in their final first-round match, the nerves of El Tri fans were, understandably, frayed. They stayed that way until almost the last kick of the ball. Mexico was losing 2-1 to the Dutch as the contest entered stoppage time. In the other Group E finale being played simultaneously, the Koreans and Belgians were tied. If El Tri lost and Belgium managed to score a late winner, they’d advance at Mexico’s expense. Hernandez, with his trademark flowing blonde hairstyle, wasn’t about to leave anything to chance. Instead of relying on another result, the striker known as “El Matador” pounced on a botched clearance in the box by Dutch center back Jaap Stam and stabbed the ball into the net. The goal pulled Mexico level in the 94th minute. When the final whistle blew moments later, Mexico was en route to the round of 16. No. 86: Hungary’s Record Scoreline El Salvador was desperate to produce a respectable showing in just its second tournament appearance, having lost all three of their games and failing to score a goal at the 1970 event. But a lack of funding meant they took just 20 players, two short of the roster limit, and were the last team to arrive for competition. Add in an overly aggressive gameplan from young coach Mauricio “Pipo” Rodriguez, and the result was a 10-1 loss to Hungary in their opener. It remains the most lopsided scoreline in World Cup history. The performance was so humiliating that when ES forward Luis Ramírez Zapata scored to make it 5-1, some of his teammates implored him to tone down his celebration, lest he make the Hungarians angry. Maybe he did; László Kiss came off the bench to score a seven-minute hat trick (also a record) and Hungary added two more goals before the final whistle to complete the rout. No. 85: Bulgaria’s Superstar Takes Over Summer of ’94 Bulgaria were considered an afterthought. But one man made sure the world remembered them. At the 1994 World Cup, Hristo Stoichkov couldn’t be stopped. After converting two penalties against Greece, the Barcelona legend scored against Argentina to secure a place in the knockout round. Then, the magic really started. In the Round of 16, Stoichkov bagged a 6th minute goal, as Bulgaria took down Mexico on penalties. Next came defending champions Germany. Trailing 1-0 in the 75th minute, he and Yordan Letchkov scored three minutes apart for the win. Stoichkov and Bulgaria would ultimately lose in the semifinals, but it was truly an unforgettable run. No. 84: No Era Penal Mexico benefited from some good fortune just to make it to Brazil 2014 — if not for a late goal by their archrival United States versus Panama, El Tri would’ve failed to qualify out of CONCACAF — but there they were, just moments away from finally reaching the elusive quinto partido, or fifth game, at a World Cup. Then their luck ran out. With just two minutes of the 90 to play, the Dutch made it 1-1 through Wesley Sneijder. Mexico captain Rafa Márquez was then whistled for tripping Arjen Robben inside the penalty box deep into second-half stoppage time. Replays showed that Robben had theatrically embellished the contact, if there was any at all. It wasn’t a penalty. That didn’t matter. VAR was still four years away from its World Cup debut. Without video review, the call on the field stood, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored from the spot, and Mexico were eliminated in the round of 16 for the sixth straight tournament. No. 83: Sneijder Stands Tall in Dutch Rally At 5-foot-7, Wesley Sneijder was never an imposing figure for the Netherlands. But he knew how to rise in big moments, such as his standout two-goal performance against Brazil in the 2010 World Cup quarterfinals. The Brazilians were up early on Robinho’s goal in the quarterfinal match, playing about as sound as anyone else in the tournament. But then the Dutch took over. Sneijder first had a deep wide cross that seemingly floated forever and slipped past Brazil keeper Julio Cesar’s punchout before skimming off Felipe Melo’s head and into the net. Then it was the diminutive dynamo who scored again to complete the comeback, sneaking through the penalty area and finding space for an improbable header. Even he couldn’t believe it, grasping his forehead in delight. But it’s the win that kept the Netherlands marching on and eventually reaching the final. No. 82: No Option For Zaire In Loss To Brazil Zaire’s qualification for the 1974 World Cup was a watershed moment for the country. They were the first team from sub-Saharan Africa to make it, and just the third from that continent overall. But what should have been a joyous tournament for Zaire’s players turned sinister. After losing their opener 2-0 to Scotland, the players were informed that they wouldn’t be paid their World Cup bonuses. They intended to boycott their next match, against Yugoslavia, but relented after threats from the country’s president, dictator Mobutu Sese Seko. Following a 9-0 loss — tied for the most one-sided scoreline in World Cup history — Mobutu told the team not to bother coming home if they lost to Brazil by more than four goals. So, down three late in the game, Zaire’s Mwepu Ilunga raced from the defensive wall and booted the ball down the field. He was yellow-carded for time-wasting, but it was worth it: Brazil didn’t score again, and the match finished 3-0. A lackluster but perhaps life-saving performance for a country who are now trying to qualify in 2026 – this time with hopes of a better outcome. No. 81: South Korea Saves Mexico; Germany Hopes Dashed “¡Coreano! Hermano! Ya eres mexicano!” At the 2018 World Cup, this is how Son Heung-min and South Korea ousted the defending champions and helped out a very grateful Mexico squad. Despite losing to Mexico in their opening match, 2014 tournament winners Germany liked their odds of reaching the knockout stage at the 2018 edition in Russia. All the Germans had to do was beat South Korea by two goals to guarantee a spot in the business end of the competition. As expected, Die Mannschaft dominated the Taeguk Warriors through nearly 90 minutes, but the match was still scoreless. Germany was desperate and pushed as many players as possible forward. Then South Korea pounced on the opportunity as Kim Young-gwon first scored. It was then Son who sealed the whole group’s fate with a second goal as time wound down. That meant Germany was out. Mexico, despite getting pummeled by group winners Sweden, were also advancing. A sigh of relief for El Tri fans, who gratefully serenaded Korean players and fans in Russia – and even held celebrations outside of South Korea’s diplomatic offices across Mexico. No. 80: Did He Really Mean To Score That Goal? The old saying is that you can make your own luck. And this memorable goal by Maicon, which defied odds and angles, is an example of that. In the summer of 2010, the Brazilian right-back was at his absolute peak. A Treble-winning elite defender for Inter Milan and a stalwart for his country at the summer’s World Cup. And it was against North Korea that Maicon produced his signature moment continues to be debated. As Maicon barreled down the flank and into the 18-yard box and caught up to a pinpoint pass by Elano, he powered a shot that whizzed behind keeper Ri Myong-guk and into the net on the tightest of angles. It seemed that Maicon was trying to actually cross to Luis Fabiano, but instead did the job himself. A celebration followed that seemed more relief than joy, and one of the best “Did he mean to do that?” moments in soccer lore was born. No. 79: USA’s Pulisic Delivers a Winner The United States men’s national team faced immense pressure to make it out of a tough Group B at the 2022 FIFA World Cup after failing to qualify for Russia 2018. The problem? It only managed two points after its matchups with Wales and England. With the U.S. in desperate need of three points in its final group stage match against Iran, Christian Pulisic put his body on the line to get his team on the board, diving in front of a cross to beat the two defenders marking him and colliding with Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand in the process. This goal sent the U.S. through — and gave Christian Pulisic his World Cup moment. In the 2022 World Cup Group Stage, the United States needed a win to advance. In the 38th minute, Weston McKennie sent in a cross Pulisic was forced off as a result of the collision, but his goal ended up being the difference for the U.S. as it advanced to the round of 16 with a 1-0 win and three much-needed points. No. 78: Richarlison’s Wonder Goal Brazil entered the 2022 FIFA World Cup as one of the favorites to go the distance, and that hype only got louder after Richarlison’s master class in the Seleção’s group stage opener against Serbia. After failing to score in the first half, Richarlison scored a second-half brace, and his second goal will go down as one of the most skillful goals in World Cup history. Richarlison volleyed a cross from Vinicius Junior in the air to himself and scored with an acrobatic scissor kick. Brazil would ultimately bow out of the tournament in the quarterfinals, but it made its mark on the tournament thanks to Richarlison. No. 77: Don’t Count Out Dempsey and the USA At the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the soccer gods did the United States no favors. A group stage that included tournament heavyweights Germany, a Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal squad, and Ghana (the team that had ousted the USA in two straight World Cups). Pundits had written off the USA even before the team reached the tournament, thinking there would be no way coach Jurgen Klinnsman’s squad would survive a tough group. Against Ghana, Clint Dempsey scored the fastest World Cup goal in USA history. Ghana equalized before John Brooks rose to the occasion and netted a header for the dramatic game-winner. Against Portugal, Jermaine Jones smashed a stunner that was mooted after Ronaldo’s last-second equalizer. A loss to Germany still saw the USA advance into the knockout stage thanks to a goal differential over Portugal. With tough-as-nails playmakers such as Dempsey, Jones and keeper Tim Howard, this USA squad proved a lot of folk wrong. No. 76: Sunday Oliseh’s screamer vs. Spain There’s something to be said for sheer power. Pretty passing sequences and deftly placed shots are nice and all, but sometimes you don’t want to watch the lock get picked — you want to see a ball hit with enough force to blow the entire house down. That’s what Sunday Oliseh gave us in Nigeria’s first match of the 1998 World Cup. The defensive midfielder wasn’t known for scoring — he managed only one other goal in 53 international appearances — but he knew what to do when a Spain clearance fell to him 30 yards from goal with about 12 minutes remaining in the game. Fernando Hierro and Raul scored for Spain on either side of halftime, but Nigeria equalized twice. With time running short, Hierro cleared a Super Eagles throw-in deep in his own end. Oliseh caught it on the half-volley and thundered a low strike just inside the post past stunned La Roja backstop Andoni Zubizarreta. The kick couldn’t have been more ferocious. Not only was it enough to give Nigeria the win, but it also helped propel them to the top of Group D. Spain, meanwhile, failed to survive the group stage. Talk about a powerful shot. No. 75: Van Bronckhorst’s Blast Giovanni van Bronckhorst wasn’t known as a scorer throughout his long and decorated international career for the Netherlands, for good reason. In 106 appearances with the Oranje, the outside back managed just six goals. And at age 35 in 2010, many wondered if the veteran would even crack Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk’s final 23-man roster for the tournament in South Africa. Van Bronckhorst didn’t just make it, he was named captain. And in the semifinal against Uruguay, he opened the scoring with an audacious, 40-yard, left-footed strike that grazed diving La Celeste keeper Fernando Muslera’s fingertips and kissed the inside of the far post before settling into the net. The only World Cup goal Van Bronckhorst ever scored helped send his country to the title match for the third time, and it remains among the most spectacular in tournament history. No. 74: Five Goals in One Game! Salenko Makes History You’ve heard of a hat trick. But what about a Salenko?When you score five goals in a single game, you’re worthy of having the feat named after you. At the 1994 World Cup, Russian striker Oleg Salenko found the net five times in a 6-1, group stage victory over Cameroon.The win wasn’t enough to help the Russians reach the knockout stage, but Salenko’s record-setting day did go a long way toward him becoming the only player in World Cup history to win the Golden Boot as top scorer despite only participating in the first round.Salenko also scored from the penalty spot against Sweden to finish USA ‘94 with six goals, the same number as Bulgarian striker Hristo Stoichkov, with whom he shared the award. Not bad for a guy who played in four fewer matches. No. 73: Rivaldo’s Oscar-Worthy Diving Performance We all know soccer stars have a penchant for the dramatic. But Brazilian legend Rivaldo may take the Oscar for an all-time acting performance for his inexplicable dive at the 2002 World Cup.During a group stage match, Turkiye’s Hakan Ünsal, annoyed that Rivaldo was taking his sweet time preparing to take a corner kick, booted the ball off the Brazilian’s legs. Rivaldo collapsed and began rolling on the turf holding not his thigh — but his face.Ünsal was shown a red card and the ridicule against Rivaldo began. In an era before social media, the video went viral and shown over sports and news and late-night shows alike across the globe. Rivaldo was fined (but not suspended) by FIFA but he also got the last laugh — Brazil won its fifth (and its most recent) World Cup title. No 72: Rooney’s Red and Ronaldo’s Wink A heated moment at the world’s biggest stage between two World Cup heavyweights involved a pair of Manchester United superstar teammates.Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney were among the faces of global soccer at the 2006 World Cup. So, when England and Portugal were pitted in the quarterfinals, the world knew sparks would fly.In the second half, Rooney stamped on Portugal’s Ricardo Carvalho and the referee reached for red. Ronaldo had been pleading to the ref that his Man United teammate should be sent off, and that’s when the cameras caught it: a sly, almost celebratory wink toward the Portugal bench right after Rooney’s dismissal.Portugal would survive on penalties as Ronaldo scores the decider. England’s dream of a World Cup title ends. And that wink — love it or hate it — becomes a defining, unforgettable and controversial moments in World Cup history. No 71: Kuwait’s Princely Protest On a list of most bizarre World Cup moments, this would have to be near the top. At the 1982 event in Spain, first time qualifier Kuwait had just gone 4-1 down to France with 10 minutes left in their group stage match. Inside the stadium, Kuwaiti Prince Fahad Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah took exception, contending that a whistle from the crowd sounded before Les Bleus scored their fourth goal, causing Kuwait’s players to stop defending thinking Soviet referee Myroslav Stupar had halted the game. The Prince strode onto the field and threatened to pull his country’s players off of it if the ref didn’t reverse his decision — which he did! But France scored again anyway to restore the lopsided victory. The Prince was later fined by FIFA, and Stupar never worked a World Cup match again. Kuwait were eliminated in their final first round match, a 1-0 loss to England. They haven’t been back to a World Cup since. No. 70: The ‘Saudi Maradona’ Diego Maradona wasn’t the only player to dribble through an entire team and score at a World Cup. And if we’re being fair, the incredible solo goal Saeed Al-Owairan managed to pull off for Saudi Arabia at USA ‘94 was every bit as pretty. Al-Owairan’s run and finish didn’t come in the knockout stage, as Maradona’s slalom had eight years earlier. It didn’t come against England or any other former champion. It began deeper in his own half, though, and he beat one more would-be defenders. And while the Argentine legend picked the lock by calmly rolling the ball home after rounding keeper Peter Shilton, Al-Owairan blasted the door down with a ferocious shot past Belgian netminder Michel Preud’homme. The goal was meaningful, too. Not only did Al-Owairan’s unforgettable strike give Saudi Arabia a 1-0 win, it also sealed their passage to the second round — the only time the country has survived group play. No. 69: The Goal that Saved Germany This goal gave Germany hope — at least for one more game. On the brink of elimination in the group stage at Russia 2018, defending champions Germany were awarded a free kick from just outside the box in the 95th minute. Kroos lined the ball up from a difficult angle and curled the ball into the top left corner of the goal. Germany lives to see another day. Unfortunately for Germany, it only delayed the inevitable. Days later, Germany lost to South Korea and crashed out of the group. A masterpiece in a World Cup that ultimately slipped away. No. 68: Soccer in the USA, Changed Forever In 1994, the United States hosted the World Cup, marking just the second time ever a North American country had hosted the tournament. Across stadiums known for Super Bowls and college football games, more than 3.5 million people attended the tournament with an average of nearly 69,000 spectators per match. It’s still the most attended World Cup of all-time. The USA would lose in the Round of 16 to eventual champion Brazil, but the landscape of American soccer was forever changed. A new men’s professional league, Major League Soccer, would be founded two years after the tournament. Stateside soccer fans began to wake up early on the weekends and follow the heroics of European teams and leagues. Soccer truly became part of the sports mindset in this country. Now it’s 2026 and the World Cup is returning to the U.S., co-hosted alongside Mexico and Canada. In many ways, it’s a bookend for the growth of the sport here in the country. But in others, it’s the beginning of a new chapter, with this generation now getting to see up close and personal the greatest sporting event in their own backyard. No. 67: Argentina Sends Mexico Home TWICE! Losing to the same opponent in the same stage in consecutive World Cups can definitely leave fans salty. Which is why a lot of Mexico fans don’t have much love for Argentina. In 2006, Mexican fans could be forgiven for thinking that maybe this was the year their team would advance to the quarterfinals for the first time away from home soil. Argentina and Maxi Rodriguez had other ideas. With the game tied 1-1 and halfway through the first additional 15-minute period, Rodriguez volleyed a curling shot past the outstretched glove of goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez and into the side netting. The supernaturally beautiful strike was enough to send Argentina into the last eight. To nobody’s surprise, it was also named the goal of the tournament. Four years later and with the legendary Diego Maradona in charge, Carlos Tevez became the hero (or the culprit) in Argentina’s round-of-16 win over Mexico with a long-range golazo in a 3-1 win in which he scored twice. Same opponent. Same round. Two unforgettable goals. Mexico’s quest of reaching a quarterfinal at a non-hosted World Cup continues to this day. Will that change this summer? No. 66: David Villa Fuels Spain’s First World Cup There was a time when Spain memorized the soccer world its midfield mastery, playmaking prowess and incredible chemistry. It led to a golden era for La Roja in which the team won three major titles – the 2008 Euro, the 2010 World Cup, and the 2012 Euro – in a span of four years. The 2010 squad in South Africa was incredibly special and one man provided the scoring prowess that its trademark possession-based system (often labeled as tiki-taka) to make it all click. David Villa scored five of Spain’s eight goals at the tournament, and added one assist. He finished as the joint top goalscorer of the tournament along with Thomas Muller, but the German star won the Golden Shoe due to having more assists. No matter. David Villa lifted the hardware that mattered. Villa remains Spain’s top goalscorer. No. 65: Diego Forlán’s Mastery of the Infamous ‘Jabulani’ Ball The beauty of each World Cup is how each edition weaves in the traditions and characteristics of the host nations. That’s especially true when the official ball is unveiled. At the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the Jabulani ball was noted for some of its aerodynamic quirks when in flight. Decorated with African-inspired designs with the name from a Zulu phrase of “be happy,” it symbolized South Africa’s culture and remains among the most iconic World Cup balls. It was also hard for some of the players to control it. It floated and dipped and knuckled in all sorts of ways. But one player is arguably synonymous with the ball — Diego Forlán. The Uruguayan striker helped his team reach the World Cup semifinals, the deepest run they since winning its second title in 1950. And while Uruguay failed to reach the final, it was the third-place match against Germany that Forlán scored the goal of the tournament. Five goals overall. Golden Ball winner. In a World Cup featuring a unique ball, Diego Forlán mastered the one thing no one else could. No. 64: The Best Team Ever … To NOT Win a World Cup? The Brazil national football team of 1982 were absolute artists. Led by the elegance of Zico, the intelligence of Sócrates, and the rhythm of Falcão, this team moved like music — fluid, fearless, and beautiful. Every pass had purpose, every attack felt inevitable. Nonetheless, the ultimate objective of winning a World Cup (and one without the legendary Pelé) ultimately fell short during that summer in Spain. But this team will be remembered for being as talented – if not more – than teams that have won the whole thing. Brazil steamrolled its group stage competition against the USSR, Scotland and New Zealand by an aggregate total of 10 goals to 2. In the second phase of the tournament, the Brazilians dominated its fierce rivals Argentina (led by Maradona) before losing an epic 3-2 thriller to eventual champions Italy. No. 63: The Best Team Ever … To NOT Win a World Cup? The pressure was on the host nation in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup. South Africa had both the privilege and responsibility of hosting the tournament’s first game on African soil, but fans across the continent feared the worst. There were questions about whether the team affectionally known as Bafana Bafana — which got an automatic berth as the home team — could compete with the best in the sport. South Africa had won just one of its six outings over its two previous World Cup appearances, in 1998 and 2002, and the country had failed to qualify for the 2006 event. In other words, the pressure was on. So when Siphiwe Tshabalala hit a long-range missile past Mexican goalkeeper Oscar Perez and into the very top corner of the net in front of a packed stadium in Johannesburg, the entire continent erupted. It turned out to be the high point for the hosts, who conceded a late equalizer to El Tri and eventually became just one of two home sides not to qualify for the knockout stage (Qatar also failed in 2022). But Tshabalala’s effort will forever live on. No. 62: Beckham Bends It to Save England David Beckham’s time at the 1998 FIFA World Cup will forever be overshadowed by the red card he received in England’s Round of 16 matchup with Argentina — so much so that many forget that he was actually the Three Lions’ saving grace in the group stage of the tournament. In 1998, Beckham was on the cusp of soccer superstardom and just becoming a global icon we now know him for. With England facing elimination in its final group stage match against Colombia, England coach Glenn Hoddle gave into the pressure to play Beckham after sitting his young star in the first two group stage matches. Beckham proved himself to his skeptic coach by scoring his first international goal for England and doubling England’s lead over Colombia. England went on to win the match 2-0 and advanced as the runner-up in Group G behind Romania. And that ubiquitous term “Bend it like Beckham” began to filtrate across the world. No. 61: Biggest Robbery Ever? USA Not Awarded A Handball The United States men’s national team could have made the 2002 FIFA World Cup final. In fact, they should have at least made the semifinals. And yet, they didn’t. Why? An obvious handball that wasn’t called in the quarterfinal against Germany. Arguably the most controversial moment involving the USA at any World Cup tournament. In 2002, the USA was primed for a run at the tourney co-hosted by South Korea and Japan. Led by a young core that included emerging talented duo Landon Donovan and Brian McBride, the USA defeated Portugal 3-2 and finished runner-up to group winners South Korea. In the Round of 16, they recorded a 2-0 victory over rivals Mexico behind goals from McBride and Donovan. Next, it was on to the quarterfinal against powerhouse Germany. Michael Ballack got the Germans out to an early 1-0 lead in the 39th minute. The Americans responded with several attacking plays to start the second half. – What if … the USA had been awarded THAT handball? But in the 50th minute, everything changed. Off a corner kick by Donovan, the ball landed to a wide-open Gregg Berhalter, who took a shot at goal from just a few yards out. German keeper Oliver Kahn was able to barely save the shot, but the ball would bounce off midfielder Torsten Fring’ arm. Immediately, USA players began clamoring for a handball, and when the replay was shown — it was clear as day. However, referee Hugh Dallas didn’t call it. And with VAR not yet in existence, the call was irreversible. Had it been called, the USA would have been awarded a penalty kick, and Frings would have been sent off, and the Stars and Stripes would have kept the momentum against a 10-man German side. Germany survived and eventually made it to the final, where they would fall to Brazil. As for the Americans? It remains the biggest “what if” moment in its soccer history. No. 60: Senegal Roars Into the Limelight In the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Senegal came with little to no expectations. But, after a shocking win against defending champions France, The Lions of Teranga wrote a Cinderella story like no other. France, also the reigning European titleholders at the time, probably had a more talented team than the one they fielded during their triumphant run to the trophy four years prior. They were significantly more experienced. Senegal, by contrast, were participating in their first World Cup. The former French colony took a 30th minute lead on a goal by the wonderfully-named Papa Bouba Diop, who shot the ball while in a seated position. Senegal rode the momentum generated by their tournament-opening victory all the way to the quarterfinals. As for Les Bleus? Not only did France also fail to win either of their next two games, they exited the competition after the group stage without having managed a single goal. No. 59: David Luiz Caps Off Goal With Karate-Kick Celebration When Brazil hosted the 2014 World Cup, the whole event felt like one never-ending party. And the host team, fully aware of the pressures and expectations on their shoulders, needed to put on a show.The quarterfinals saw Brazil take on South American rivals Colombia, a squad that became one of the darlings of the tournament behind star midfielder James Rodriguez. But the Brazilians weren’t going to back down. And one of its most vocal leaders, defender David Luiz, ensured they’d keep the run going with a stunning second-half free-kick goal from 40 yards out that effectively sealed the game.Equally memorable as his knuckle-balling goal that befuddled Colombia keeper David Ospina was Luiz’s celebration, not to mention his signature locks of bouncing curly hair. As the goal sailed into the net, Luiz feverishly ran and karate-kicked the corner flag as his teammates joyously mobbed him.A moment that felt like Brazil’s last hurrah of the tournament. Captain Thiago Silva would be forced to miss the semifinal match against Germany for yellow card accumulation. Superstar Neymar suffered a devastating back injury that also kept him out of the semifinal. How did that turn out? We’ll get to that soon enough. No. 58: An Unlikely Hero in France’s 2018 Run During the 2018 Round of 16, France was trailing Argentina by a goal and were in danger of being eliminated. After letting an early lead slip away, Les Bleus needed to keep up with La Albiceleste’s firepower and an unassuming hero stepped up. Just before the hour mark, French defender Lucas Hernandez sent over a cross that took a pair of bounces before landing in front of teammate Benjamin Pavard, who had never scored an international goal up to this point in his career. Pavard would hit a half-volley with his right foot, which created a top-spin effect that sent the ball swerving into the top-left corner, far beyond reach of Argentinian goalkeeper Franco Armani. The goal would flip the momentum back on France’s side as a then 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe scored twice in a four-minute span to give his country the lead and eventually a 4-3 victory. Pavard’s goal would later be voted as the goal of the tournament as France went on to defeat Uruguay, Belgium, and Croatia to lift the nation’s second World Cup Trophy. No. 57: 16 Yellow Cards and 4 Reds? The ‘Battle of Nuremberg’ No match in World Cup history has seen more cards given out. Portugal and Netherlands turned this 2006 Round of 16 clash into a record-breaking foul fest. By the time the final whistle blew, referees had shown 16 yellow cards and 4 reds, both World Cup records that still stand today. A 21-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo left early due to injury in tears. Luis Figo connected with a headbutt. Players argued, pushed, and collided for 90 minutes. In the midst of all the chaos, Maniche scored the lone goal in the 23rd. Portugal won 1-0 and advanced. But the scoreline was almost an afterthought. The “Battle of Nuremberg” remains the most ill-tempered match the World Cup has ever seen. No. 56: Italy Upset By North Korea at 1966 World Cup The most unlikely World Cup upset is not Saudi Arabia defeating Argentina in Qatar in 2022. That honor actually belongs to North Korea, who stunned Italy during the 1966 World Cup in England, the only country other than Brazil with multiple world titles to that point. The newcomers’ prospects looked grim after a 3-0 loss to the Soviet Union and a 1-1 draw with Chile, leaving them as massive underdogs for their final group match in Middlesbrough. However, the unthinkable happened when Pak Doo-ik scored just before halftime. North Korea’s defense held firm, securing a 1-0 victory that eliminated the Italians and made North Korea the first Asian team to reach the knockout stage. They nearly repeated the miracle in the quarterfinals, racing to a 3-0 lead against Portugal before eventually collapsing in a 5-3 loss. North Korea didn’t qualify again for 44 years and is still chasing its second tournament win. No. 55: Saudi Arabia’s Upset Over Argentina Stunned the World We all remember how the 2022 World Cup ended, with Lionel Messi lifting the trophy for Argentina after the insane win over France in the final at Qatar’s Lusail Stadium. But do you recall how Argentina’s World Cup campaign started at that very same stadium only weeks before? What was supposed to be a routine group-stage opener against a less heralded Saudi Arabian side turned into one of the most memorable upsets ever at the World Cup. Messi even had his team up by a goal early thanks to a penalty, but two second-half goals saw the Saudis rally and get the win. Salem Al Dawsari’s eventual game-winner was one of the tournament’s most memorable goals, and included his iconic celebration flip. The result was a wakeup call for one of the tournament favorites. One that they would bounce back and eventually make their way to the final. As for the Saudis? They became overnight legends with the country even declaring a holiday for their Green Falcon heroes. No. 54: Ronaldinho’s Fantastic Free Kick Whether it was a calculated masterpiece or a fortunate fluke, Ronaldinho’s epic 50-yard free kick against England in the 2002 quarterfinals remains one of the World Cup’s best goals in the tournament’s history. After Michael Owen and Rivaldo traded first-half goals, Brazil earned a set piece deep in midfield five minutes after the break. Expecting a routine cross, England goalkeeper David Seaman drifted off his line. Instead, Ronaldinho lofted a daring strike that sailed over the backpedaling keeper and tucked neatly under the crossbar. The goal secured a 2–1 lead that Brazil never relinquished, sending one step closer toward their record fifth world title. Regardless of whether it was intended to be a shot or cross, the audacity of the strike solidified Ronaldinho’s legend in football history. No. 53: Never Doubt Cristiano Ronaldo On the second day of the 2018 World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a performance for the ages, netting a legendary hat trick to rescue a 3–3 draw against rivals Spain. This clash of titans became an instant classic, fueled entirely by Ronaldo’s individual brilliance. He opened the scoring early with a composed penalty and restored Portugal’s lead before halftime with a powerful strike that slipped through David de Gea’s grasp. After Spain surged ahead 3–2, the stage was set for a final act of heroics. In the dying minutes, Portugal earned a free kick at the edge of the box. With the world watching, Ronaldo curled a sublime, dipping shot around the wall and into the top corner. De Gea didn’t even move. This stunning equalizer completed his hat trick, making him the oldest player to score three goals in a World Cup match and cementing this masterclass as an all-time tournament highlight. No. 52: When Ronaldo Became King The 2006 World Cup in Germany served as the ultimate stage for Ronaldo Nazário to cement his status as football’s premier “O Fenômeno.” Entering the tournament just behind the legendary Gerd Müller’s long-standing record of 14 goals, the Brazilian striker carried the weight of historical expectation on his shoulders. The record-breaking moment arrived in the Round of 16 against Ghana. In typical R9 fashion, he timed a clinical run to perfection, immobilized the goalkeeper with a signature step-over, and slotted the ball into the net. This 15th career World Cup goal officially moved him past Müller, establishing a new benchmark that would stand for eight years. While Miroslav Klose eventually surpassed this total in 2014, Ronaldo’s achievement remains a pinnacle of sporting excellence. It wasn’t just about the volume of goals, but the artistry and dominance he displayed across three different tournaments cemented his legacy as one of the greatest strikers to ever step foot on the pitch. No. 51: Croatia’s Insane Run For generations, the World Cup final was an exclusive club. Between 1978 and 2014, every championship match featured previous finalists, with no new nation reaching the ultimate stage since 1974. In 2018, Croatia decided to crash the party. Led by Luka Modric, they defied the “usual suspects” narrative to become the second-smallest nation ever to reach the final. While their path through Denmark, Russia, and England was arguably smoother than France’s gauntlet against powerhouses like Argentina and Belgium, their ascent wasn’t a total fluke as Croatia previously secured a third-place finish in 1998. Ultimately, France claimed the trophy in a 4-2 thriller, but by ending a 44-year drought for first-time finalists, the “Vatreni” proved that the sports world’s most prestigious stage was no longer reserved solely for the traditional powers. No. 50: Best Mexico Goal Ever Manuel Negrete’s iconic goal against Bulgaria in 1986 is a cornerstone of World Cup history. In front of over 114,000 fans at the Estadio Azteca, the Mexican midfielder played a quick one-two with current national team head coach Javier Aguirre before launching into a sideways scissor kick, beating the Bulgarian keeper without the ball ever touching the ground. The goal paved the way for a 2-0 victory, sending Mexico to the quarterfinals for only the second time in their history. Mexico has not returned to that stage in the decades since, but the goal’s reputation has never faded. In 2018, a global FIFA fan vote officially recognized the strike as the greatest goal in the tournament’s history. Negrete’s effort remains a definitive highlight of the 1986 tournament, perfectly capturing a rare moment of home-nation triumph while marking the last time Mexico reached the quarterfinals or as fans famously refer to it, “el quinto partido.” No. 49: Heartbreak for Maradona History refused to repeat itself during the 1990 World Cup. Four years after Diego Maradona hoisted the trophy in Mexico City, he returned to the final seeking a historic back-to-back title. However, Rome offered no encore for the Argentine captain. Instead, it provided the opportunity for West German revenge. The match reflected the tournament’s broader tactical issues, defined by the lowest goals per game average at any World Cup. In response, FIFA implemented a pair of rule changes for future editions of the tournament, adding an extra point for wins to reward offensive play and preventing goalkeepers from collecting back-passes with their hands. For the first time in World Cup history, a team was held scoreless in the final, Argentina also became the first defending champion to reach the final, only to leave as runners-up. The stalemate finally ended in the 85th minute when Andreas Brehme slotted home a clinical penalty. As the whistle blew on a 1-0 victory, Maradona’s dream of a repeat vanished, replaced by the sight of West Germany lifting the trophy they had lost to him and Argentina just four years prior. No. 48: No Red Card?! De Jong’s Studs-Up Kick Shocks Spain The 2010 World Cup final is often remembered for a single shocking moment: Nigel de Jong’s flying, studs-to-the-chest kick on Spain’s Xabi Alonso. In any other setting, the challenge would undoubtedly be a red card, yet on soccer’s biggest stage, De Jong somehow escaped with only a yellow. Referee Howard Webb later admitted his view was obstructed from behind Alonso, leaving him—unlike a billion stunned viewers at home—unaware of the tackle’s true brutality. In an era eight years before VAR could intervene, the “Oranje” midfielder remained on the pitch, fueling a physical encounter that featured 14 yellow cards, the most ever in a final. Spain secured their first-ever world title when Andrés Iniesta scored the decisive goal in extra time. The Netherlands were left with a third final defeat, but De Jong’s kick remains one of the most controversial moments in tournament history. No. 47: James Rodríguez and Colombia Delight the World in 2014 Entering the 2014 World Cup as a rising talent playing for Monaco, James Rodríguez used the stage in Brazil to cement himself as a national hero. While he arrived with only five international goals, he departed as the tournament’s most electrifying force. The 22-year-old orchestrated a run that redefined Colombian soccer history, propelling Los Cafeteros to their first-ever quarterfinal. His signature moment came in the Round of 16 in an unreal sequence of technical perfection where he cushioned the ball on his chest before turning and sending a volley that deflected off the crossbar and into the net. That “turn-and-strike” missile earned the FIFA Puskás Award for the year’s most beautiful goal and secured him the Golden Boot for most goals scored at the tournament. Rodriguez’s 2014 run reached a climax when he signed with Real Madrid later that summer becoming the face of his national team almost overnight. No. 46: Beckham and Owen — Remembered For Different Reasons The 1998 World Cup Round of 16 clash between England and Argentina remains defined by two moments at opposite ends of the emotional spectrum: Michael Owen and David Beckham. The match in Saint-Étienne, France, reached a fever pitch when 18-year-old Owen produced one of the greatest solo goals in history. After collecting the ball at midfield, the teenager moved past two defenders before firing a shot into the corner, far beyond reach of the keeper. However, the celebratory energy turned to anger shortly after halftime. After being fouled by Diego Simeone, Beckham—still lying on the turf—retaliated with a bad-tempered flick of his heel. Simeone might’ve exaggerated the contact on his end, but it was too late for Beckham as referee Kim Milton Nielsen booked him for a red card. England battled to a 2-2 draw with ten men but ultimately fell on penalties. While Owen’s wonder goal launched a superstar, Beckham was cast as a national pariah, a shadow he wouldn’t escape until his redemptive free-kick against Greece years later. No. 45: Goals, Tussles and Drama: Argentina-Netherlands Had It All From last-minute goals to heated confrontations and a dramatic penalty shootout, this unforgettable battle had everything football fans search for. The 2022 quarterfinal match between Argentina and the Netherlands was an unforgettable battle in the latest meeting between the two rivals. Lionel Messi’s march toward the final seemed certain as Argentina coasted to a 2-0 lead. But Wout Weghorst had other plans and the “Battle of Lusail” soon descended into beautiful, tactical carnage. As tackles flew and a record 18 yellow cards were brandished, the tension hit a breaking point. In the 101st minute, a daring, low-pass free kick fooled the world, allowing Weghorst to equalize and send the match into extra time. Ultimately, Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez would become a national hero. During the shootout, the Argentine keeper’s heroics, ignited by pure defiance, denied the Dutch twice and kept Messi’s dream of lifting the World Cup trophy alive. It was a night defined by fury and flair, cementing its place as one of the most chaotic matches in World Cup history. No. 44: Italy Stifles Hosts Germany’s Dream of World Cup Glory In the dying minutes of a grueling 2006 World Cup semifinal match between Germany and Italy in Dortmund, the atmosphere was suffocating. Despite the roar of 65,000 fans at the Westfalenstadion, the overwhelming majority of whom were supporting the hosts, Germany remained deadlocked with Italy late in extra time. Just as a penalty shootout seemed inevitable, Italy struck. Andrea Pirlo delivered a sublime, no-look pass to the unmarked Grosso, who sent a first-touch curling shot past the diving Jens Lehmann. The stadium went silent. As a desperate Germany scrambled forward for an equalizer, Alessandro Del Piero punctuated a clinical counterattack a minute later to secure a 2-0 victory. Germany’s dream of winning a World Cup on home soil vanished. The dramatic ending propelled the Azzurri to the final, where they defeated France to claim their fourth World Cup title. No. 43: The Inaugural World Cup in 1930 Makes History The 1930 World Cup in Uruguay marked the beginning of a new dawn for global soccer. In an era without qualification, every FIFA nation was invited, and 13 teams – including the United States – gathered in Montevideo for the inaugural tournament. As the reigning back-to-back Olympic champions from 1924 and 1928, Uruguay was the choice for the inaugural host, over several European bidders. The atmosphere reached a climax during the final at the Estadio Centenario, where over 90,000 fans packed the stands for a battle between the hosts and Argentina. The first World Cup final was famously defined by a dispute over the equipment. Both teams insisted on using their own ball. To settle it, an Argentine ball was used for the first half and a Uruguayan one for the second. Down 2–1 at the break, La Celeste switched to their preferred ball and the hosts took total control, netting three unanswered goals after the break to secure a 4-2 victory. FIFA President Jules Rimet presented the original trophy that would later be named after him to the winners, formalizing Uruguay’s status as the world’s first official champion. As for the USA? That team finished in third place, still the best ever position by the men’s team at any World Cup. No. 42: The Secretary of Defense In the 2014 World Cup Round of 16, Tim Howard’s record-setting performance rewrote the history books and earned him the nickname ‘The Secretary of Defense.’. In Salvador, Brazil, Belgium’s high-caliber offense launched wave after wave of attacks, only to be met by a one-man barricade. Though Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku eventually found the net, Howard refused to yield, finishing the night with 16 saves—the most ever recorded in a World Cup match. Tim Howard’s performance was nothing short of heroic. By the time the match reached extra time, he had already racked up 11 saves. “I don’t know how you’re going to survive the mobs when you come back home, you’re going to have to shave your beard so they don’t know who you are,” former President Barack Obama said to Howard over the phone. Despite a heartbreaking 2-1 loss, Howard was the undisputed Man of the Match and delivered arguably the most memorable individual performance in American soccer history. No. 41: Maradona, Argentina Win Memorable Title in ’86 The 1986 World Cup in Mexico cemented Diego Maradona’s reputation as the greatest player on the planet; Argentina’s little magician scored five times (including two of the most famous strikes in the sport’s history), led the Albiceleste to their second title and was overwhelmingly voted the Golden Ball winner as the tournament’s top player. The only thing Maradona didn’t do, it seemed, was score the World Cup-winner for his country. That honor instead fell to Jorge Burruchaga, who capped a wildly entertaining final by breaking a 2-2 tie against West Germany with just four minutes of regular time remaining. The Germans, trailing 2-0 deep into the second half, had stormed back. They had marked Maradona out of the game to that point, with Lothar Matthäus never more than a yard away from his fellow No. 10. And they had all the momentum following Rudi Völler’s 83rd minute strike in front of more than 114,000 spectators at Estadio Azteca. Burruchaga changed all that with one slick run and finish after receiving a slick seeing-eye pass from — who else? — El Diego. No. 40: Portugal Roars Back Behind the ‘Black Panther’ In 1966, North Korea arrived at the World Cup quarterfinals as the ultimate underdog in the quarterfinals against Portugal. Having already stunned the world by eliminating Italy— widely considered one of the tournament’s greatest upsets — North Korea became the first Asian nation to reach the World Cup knockout stage. Within 25 minutes, the North Koreans seemed poised for an even bigger miracle at Goodison Park after storming to a shocking 3-0 lead over Portugal. However, the momentum shifted behind the brilliance of Eusébio. The reigning Ballon d’Or winner delivered a legendary performance, spearheading a relentless Portuguese rally. Portugal roared back, scoring five unanswered goals, four of which were netted by Eusébio himself. The ‘Black Panther’ would go on to win the Golden Boot as he finished with nine goals. Portugal’s journey eventually ended in the semifinals against the host nation and eventual champions, England. To this day, the 5-3 result remains one of the greatest comebacks the World Cup has ever seen. No. 39: A Germany Legend Seals A Title At Home Gerd Müller scored an astonishing 68 goals in just 62 games over the course of his international career, but one of them stands out above the rest. During the 1974 World Cup final, West Germany was locked in a 1-1 stalemate against the Netherlands, at Munich’s Olympiastadion. Müller scrambled back to control a pass in the area, pivoted, and instinctively slotted a low shot past the keeper. That chaotic yet beautiful goal put the Germans ahead 2-1 and secured the nation’s second world championship. It was more than just a trophy-winner; it was Müller’s 14th and final World Cup goal, cementing his legacy as one of the best finishers to ever play the game. Müller’s parting gift gave his home crowd a memory that would last a lifetime. No. 38: Frank Lampard’s Goal That Wasn’t Against Germany Everyone in the stadium seemingly saw this goal—except the referee. When England met Germany in the 2010 World Cup Round of 16, history repeated itself in the most ironic way possible. In the 1966 final, Geoff Hurst scored a controversial “phantom goal” against West Germany that led to England’s only title. Forty-four years later, Germany finally got their revenge. With England trailing 2-1, Frank Lampard launched a screamer off the crossbar. Replays showed the ball bounced clearly past the goal line, but the officials ruled it no goal. Tens of millions of fans watched the robbery unfold live on television. Deflated, England collapsed to a 4-1 loss—their worst World Cup defeat ever. But the injustice wasn’t for nothing. This massive blunder helped usher in Goal-Line Technology in 2014 and later VAR in 2018. No. 37 Garrincha steps up in place of the injured Pelé When Brazil arrived in Chile for the 1962 World Cup, the plan for every opponent was simple: Stop Pelé. But two games in, disaster struck the Seleção, Pele, the world’s greatest player was forced out due to injury. When a Brazilian legend fell, a hero rose — Manuel Francisco dos Santos — aka Garrincha. Garrincha decimated England in the quarterfinals with two goals, then broke Chilean hearts with two more in the semis. Even though he was booked for a red card against Chile, he was cleared for the final where he led Brazil to a 3-1 victory over Czechoslovakia. Pelé was limited to the role of spectator, but Garrincha led Brazil to become only the second team to win consecutive titles and became the first player to win both the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer and Golden Ball as its best player in World Cup history. No. 36: Mbappé, France End Croatia’s Unlikely Run An unconventional scoreline with the unlikely finalist. The crowning moment for a talented youngster. The 2018 World Cup final stood out on its own. Unlike previous World Cup finals, Croatia and France came to play in 2018. The Croatians – in their first final ever of a major tournament – were all over Les Bleus early, but France took the lead against the run of play on an 18th-minute own goal by Mario Mandžukić. Ten minutes later, the score was even again courtesy of Croatian veteran Ivan Perišić. The video assistant referee then awarded a penalty to France after spotting a handball in the box. Antoine Griezmann converted it to restore his team’s advantage at the half. That’s when a memorable second half broke out. France star midfielder Paul Pogba restored the two-goal before Mandžukić made up for his earlier error to give Croatia some life. But Kylian Mbappé then scored the clincher as he became the first teenager since Pele to score in a final. France stood as 4-2 winners (the highest-scoring World Cup final since 1966) for its second World Cup title. No. 35: Paolo Rossi’s Return Paolo Rossi had barely played in two years. Banned for his involvement in the betting scandal that rocked Italian soccer in 1980, the forward returned to the field with club side Juventus with just three games left in the 1981-82 Serie A season. That was enough for Azzurri manager Enzo Bearzot, who controversially included Rossi on his roster for the 1982 World Cup in Spain. It looked like a severe miscalculation at first. The striker went scoreless through Italy’s first three games, and Bearzot was under intense pressure to drop him from the starting lineup. That he didn’t succumb to it looks like a masterstroke now. While Rossi didn’t score as Italy first defeated defending champion Argentina, he exploded for three goals in the Azzurri’s fifth game, a 3-2 triumph over Brazil that sent his country to the final four. The seal broken, Rossi had both goals in the 2-0 semifinal victory over Poland in the semis before finding the target for the sixth time in three matches in the final, a 3-1 win over West Germany that gave the Italians their first title since 1938. Not only did Rossi take home the Golden Boot as the tournament’s goal leader, he also won the Golden Ball as MVP. No. 34: South Korea’s Historical Semifinal Run Came With Controversy The benefits of home-field advantage are given for any World Cup host. South Korea’s bordered on the absurd in their Round of 16 meeting with Italy in 2002. South Korea stunned Italy in one of the most controversial matches in FIFA World Cup history during the 2002 World Cup Round of 16, featuring disputed referee calls, a disallowed Italian goal, and Ahn Jung-hwan’s dramatic Golden Goal winner. The Azzurri might have known it wouldn’t be their night when the Koreans were awarded a phantom penalty just three minutes in. The effort was saved by Gianluigi Buffon, the last bit of good fortune they’d get. With VAR still 16 years away, Italy had two apparent goals — including one in extra time — controversially ruled offside. They also saw maestro Francesco Totti shown a second yellow card during the additional half-hour for diving; replays suggested it should’ve been a foul and a potentially match-deciding penalty instead. Italy just couldn’t beat both the host and the officiating; Ahn’s game winner for the South Koreans mercifully ended the contest with just three minutes left. No. 33: No ‘Last Dance’ For Maradona The 1994 World Cup in the USA was to be the fourth and final trip to the planet’s greatest sporting event for Argentina superstar Diego Maradona. After leading the Albiceleste to the 1986 title in Mexico and then to a runner-up finish four years later in Italy, he had dreams of going out on top. In their first game against Greece. Maradona scores and celebrates wildly—eyes wide, veins bulging, screaming into the lens and for one moment, it looked like redemption. Days later, Maradona tests positive for a banned substance. Despite Maradona’s claims that the drug was taken as part of a weight-loss regimen, FIFA upheld the ban. The 33-year-old icon is removed from the tournament—and from the World Cup camp entirely. Maradona never plays for Argentina again. That celebration becomes the last image the world sees of Maradona on the biggest stage. No. 32: Götze, Germany Break Messi’s Heart in Rio de Janeiro Mario Götze scored one of the most iconic goals in FIFA World Cup history, delivering Germany a dramatic 1-0 victory over Argentina in the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil with a stunning extra-time finish. Götze’s unforgettable game winner at the iconic Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janiero crushed Lionel Messi’s World Cup dream and secured Germany’s fourth FIFA World Cup title in one of football’s greatest finals. But the 2014 World Cup finale still wasn’t what anyone would describe as a thing of beauty. With just seven minutes of extra time to go and still no goals on the scoreboard, the possibility that this would become just the third World Cup championship match to be decided by the dreaded penalty kick tiebreaker felt inevitable. One moment of artistry by Götze changed all that. In the 113th minute, Götze found himself on the end of a cross from fellow substitute André Schürrle. Götze caught the ball on his chest and before letting it hit the ground, side-volleyed it with his left foot across Argentine keeper Sergio Romero and inside the right post. It’s arguably the prettiest World Cup-winning goal of all time. No. 31: Mario ‘El Matador’ Kempes Secures Argentina’s First Star Long before Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona became household names, Mario Kempes was the hero who established Argentina as a global soccer powerhouse. Known as “El Matador,” Kempes spearheaded the nation’s journey to its first-ever World Cup title in 1978 on home soil. While he started the tournament slowly, he exploded in the knockout stages, eventually leading the competition in scoring with six goals. His most iconic moment came during the final in Buenos Aires against the Netherlands. With the match deadlocked in extra time, Kempes found the back of the net in the 105th minute to put Argentina ahead 2-1. That strike secured the trophy and earned him both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball as the tournament’s MVP. He remains one of only three players in history to win the World Cup, the top scorer award, and the MVP trophy in the same year—a feat even Messi and Maradona never achieved. No. 30: ‘Dos a Cero’ The United States had stunned Portugal — one of the pre tournament favorites — in their 2002 opener. They’d tied co-host South Korea in their second group stage game. Yet there they were on the brink of elimination, down 3-1 to Poland late in their third before the Koreans gave them a gift by knocking the Portuguese out and sending the US on to the knockout stage. The Americans got another gift in the round of 16: a date with neighbor and chief rival Mexico. It wasn’t that El Tri was weak; Javier Aguirre’s team had surprised most observers by topping a group that contained three time champion Italy. (The Azzurri would win a fourth title four years later.) Mexico was a familiar foe, though. And the U.S. had beaten them before – including a 2-0 win in 2001 to open the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying. Brian McBride gave the Stars and Stripes an early lead, and Landon Donovan – later named the tournament’s best young player — put El Tri away with a later second-half header. The U.S. would torment Mexico by the same “dos a cero” score line often over the next two decades, including in qualifying for the 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2022 World Cups. But the one that eliminated their arch nemesis on the global stage remains the mother of them all. No. 29 The Flying Dutchman: Van Persie’s Acrobatic Feat Shocks Spain The 2014 World Cup group stage presented the Netherlands with a haunting sense of déjà vu. A rematch of the 2010 Final against a Spanish side that had previously left them in tears. When Xabi Alonso buried a first-half penalty, it seemed the “Oranje” were destined for another heart-wrenching “what if.” Then, the trajectory of international soccer shifted. In the 44th minute, Daley Blind launched a speculative diagonal ball toward Robin van Persie. Rather than controlling the pass, the veteran striker launched himself into the humid Brazilian air. In a moment of pure physics-defying brilliance, the “Flying Dutchman” met the ball with a looping header that sailed over a stunned Iker Casillas. That single, parallel-to-the-pitch header ignited a 5-1 demolition that shattered the Spanish era of dominance. One moment of aerial magic gave an entire nation the satisfying feeling of revenge and placed Van Persie’s effort into World Cup immortality. No. 28 Just Fontaine’s Untouchable Record In the world of international soccer, some records are chased, while others are simply untouchable. In 1958, French striker Just Fontaine didn’t just win the Golden Boot; he authored a feat of scoring geometry that defies modern logic. Over just six games in Sweden, Fontaine somehow found the back of the net 13 times—a mark that has stood the test of time. While legends like Ronaldo, Gerd Müller, and Miroslav Klose eventually surpassed his total tally, they required multiple tournaments to do so. Fontaine did it in his one and only trip to the world stage. From a hat-trick opener against Paraguay to a four-goal masterclass against West Germany, his one-touch lethality was unstoppable. To put his dominance in perspective: in the 66 years since, only one Golden Boot winner has even broke double digit goals in the tournament, West Germany’s Gerd Müller scored 10 in 1970. Some records may not be meant to be broken. No. 27: Banks Denies Pelé It’s often called the best save in soccer history. In England’s group stage match against mighty Brazil at the 1970 World Cup, Gordon Banks, the gentlemanly Three Lions keeper, raced across this line and somehow kept out what looked like a certain goal from none other than Pelé himself. Unmarked at the far post, Pelé met Jairzinho’s cross from the right side perfectly. “I hit that header exactly as I had hoped. Exactly where I wanted it to go. And I was ready to celebrate,” Pelé, who became close friends with Banks over the decades following their shared moment on the biggest stage, said following the Englishman’s death in 2019. “He came from nowhere, and he did something I didn’t feel was possible,” the Brazilian great added. “He pushed my header, somehow, up and over. And I couldn’t believe what I saw. “Even now when I watch it, I can’t believe how he moved so far, so fast.” No. 26: Ronaldo’s Redemption Four years after suffering a seizure on the day of the 1998 World Cup final, then sleepwalking through France’s commanding 3-0 win, Brazilian striker Ronaldo had a chance to make things right. It’s not that the first World Cup Ronaldo played in — he was the youngest member of Brazil’s triumphant 1994 squad at 17, though he didn’t appear in a match — was a failure. Despite falling at the final hurdle, Ronaldo won the Golden Ball as the best player at France ‘98. Brazil expects to win every World Cup, of course. And in Japan in 2002, Ronaldo and the Seleção got another chance when they reached the championship game for the third World Cup straight. Ronaldo wasn’t about to let his chance at redemption pass by. He scored both goals in Brazil’s 2-0 win over Germany, and finished as tournament’s leading scorer. No. 25: Morocco’s Magical Run Morocco made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup by becoming the first African nation ever to reach the semifinals of the tournament. Led by unforgettable performances, passionate supporters, and stunning upsets over football giants, Morocco’s magical run inspired millions around the world. No. 24: Two Superstars, One Unforgettable Bite One bite changed the entire 2014 World Cup. In a moment that stunned football fans everywhere, Luis Suárez sank his teeth into Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini and turned a tense knockout clash into one of the most infamous moments in World Cup history. The furious defender showed the puncture marks to the referee, while Suárez — perhaps realizing he’d bitten off more that he could chew — began theatrically checking his teeth as if Chiellini had shouldered him in the chops. Inside the stadium, it was hard to know what the fuss was about. Outside of it, the replays beamed across the globe showed millions what had happened. But Brazil 2014 was the last World Cup not to use video assistant referees, and the man in the middle that day missed the chomp. FIFA wasn’t amused, though, banning Suárez — who had been involved in biting incidents twice before — for nine international games. No. 23: Its Milla Time: Cameroon’s 1990 Run In 1990, a 38-year-old Roger Milla led an underdog Cameroon straight into the World Cup quarterfinals. Cameroon’s “Indomitable Lions” shocked the globe from the jump, topping a brutal group that featured Romania, the Soviet Union, and the reigning champions, Argentina, led by Diego Maradona. But it was the Round of 16 where Milla truly cemented his legendary status. Coming off the bench against a fierce Colombia squad, the charismatic veteran unleashed a masterclass in extra time as Milla danced past the Colombian defense to fire in the opener. Just minutes later, he boldly pickpocketed Colombia’s eccentric goalkeeper, René Higuita, near the halfway line, walking the ball into an empty net. Milla’s four goals in the tournament propelled Cameroon to become the first African nation to ever reach the quarterfinals, shattering the glass ceiling for future generations. His World Cup story didn’t end there, either. Four years later in 1994, Milla found the back of the net again, becoming the oldest player to ever score in a World Cup at 42 years old. No. 22: England’s Penalty Curse Begins England’s futility in penalty shootouts — the Three Lions lost their first three World Cup tiebreakers and are 1-3 on penalties at the European Championship — is a punchline these days. But back in 1990, England fans had every reason to believe their team would spot-kick its way past old enemy West Germany and into the World Cup final for the first time since winning it all 24 years earlier. Bobby Robson’s team had been the better one for much of the game despite falling behind on the hour mark, so when Gary Lineker equalized in the 80th minute to send the game to extra time, the momentum was on the English side. Then Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle failed to convert from 12 yards, and the Germans went on to win the World Cup for the third time. It was a crushing psychological blow, apparently; the Lions shootout misery repeated itself again and again through the years afterward. England did finally win its first World Cup match on penalties almost three decades later, though, beating Colombia in the quarters in 2018. No. 21: The Men’s World Cup’s All-Time Leading Scorer Records are made to be broken, and Miroslav Klose made it his mission to break the all-time goalscoring record at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil at the age of 36. Klose made an instant impact in Germany’s group stage match against Ghana, coming on as a substitute in the 69th minute and scoring two minutes later. The goal put his all-time tally for World Cup goals at 15, which tied Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazário’s record. Klose sealed the all-time record in Germany’s 7-1 thrashing of Brazil in the semifinals. He is still the sole record-holder, though Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé could break the record with high-scoring showings at the 2026 World Cup. No. 20: The Win That Changed U.S. Soccer The United States has come a long way as a soccer nation, and it all began in 1994, when the U.S. hosted the FIFA World Cup for the first time. Entering the tournament in 1994, the U.S. had not won a World Cup match since 1950, when it stunned England in Brazil. That all changed with another milestone win against World Cup favorites Colombia in the group stage to advance to the knockout stage of the tournament. The U.S. caught a break in the 35th minute with an own goal by Andres Escobar, and it capitalized on that mistake by Colombia with a goal of its own 17 minutes later by Earnie Stewart. The result was the start of a soccer renaissance in the United States. No. 19: Bergkamp Settles It It took Dennis Bergkamp just three touches to score one of the greatest World Cup goals of all time. The score tied at one, the Netherlands’ quarterfinal meeting with Argentina at France ‘98 seemed destined for extra time before the silky-smooth Dutch forward intervened. Netherlands left back Frank de Boer started the play with a long, diagonal crossfield pass to Bergkamp. It arrived high enough that many superb players would have had trouble controlling it. But Bergkamp was known for his immaculate touch, and he killed the ball dead with an outstretched right foot. There was still plenty to do, though, what with Albiceleste defender Roberto Ayala closing in quickly. Bergkamp’s second touch might have been sweeter than his first; he undressed Ayala with a left-footed stab that he knew would set up his shot. He wasn’t about to squander it, beating Carlos Roa with the outside of his right foot to send Argentina home and exact some revenge in the process; it was the first World Cup meeting between the countries since the Albiceleste beat the Oranje in the final 20 years earlier. And it was almost all thanks to Bergkamp. No. 18 Suárez’s Controversial Save This might be the most controversial save in World Cup history. Deep into extra time of the 2010 quarterfinal, Uruguay and Ghana were locked at 1-1. Ghana was on the verge of making history as the first African team to reach a World Cup semifinal—on African soil. With seconds left, the ball was heading straight into an open net. Ghana’s destiny was certain. Until Luis Suárez stood on the goal line and made a split-second calculation. Knowing the consequences, he threw up his hands and batted the ball out of the air. It was an instant red card and a penalty kick for Ghana. It was dark arts of the highest order, but sound, stone-cold logic: sacrifice himself to give his country a lifeline. The gamble paid off. Asamoah Gyan stepped up and smashed the penalty against the crossbar. Reprieved, Uruguay conquered the ensuing shootout to advance to the final four. Suárez went down in infamy as a villain to the world, but a hero to his nation, cementing his blatant handball as the ultimate, rule-bending “save of the tournament.” No. 17: The Birth of Total Football One team changed football forever. And they didn’t even need to win. In 1974, following a 36-year World Cup absence, the Netherlands arrived and broke every rule in the book. Orchestrated by manager Rinus Michels and led by the brilliant Johan Cruyff, they unleashed a radical philosophy: Total Football. It was a fluid system where every player could play every position. The whole team defended; the whole team attacked. It was chaos. Perfect chaos. Cruyff, a tactical savant, was given a license to roam, dismantling giants like Argentina and Brazil on their way to the final. Against West Germany, the Dutch struck in under two minutes, leading before the Germans even touched the ball. Total football wasn’t foolproof. Cruyff was relentlessly man-marked out of the game, and clinical striker Gerd Müller had the final say, securing the trophy for Germany. The Netherlands lost the final, but their DNA is everywhere. Fifty years later, every great modern team is still chasing the ghost of Total Football from 1974. No. 16: Landon Donovan’s Last-Gasp Miracle Is this the most iconic goal in American soccer history? Going into their final group-stage match of the 2010 World Cup against Algeria, the equation for the United States was brutally simple: win, or go home. Ninety agonizing minutes had passed, and the scoreboard remained stuck at 0-0. The American dream was down to its final breaths, suffocating under the weight of impending elimination. Then, in the 91st minute, chaos turned into destiny. U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard confidently claimed an Algerian cross, spun around, and didn’t look back. He unleashed a massive, pinpoint outlet throw to Landon Donovan, igniting a furious, length-of-the-field counterattack. Donovan fed Jozy Altidore, whose cross found Clint Dempsey. Though Dempsey’s initial shot was blocked, Donovan never stopped running. He trailed the play perfectly and smashed the rebound into the back of the net. In just a matter of seconds, the United States went from the bottom of the group to the very top, leaping over England to win the group. Donovan’s legendary strike catapulted the U.S. into the Round of 16 and created a definitive “where were you?” moment for American sports, proving you’re never truly out until the final whistle blows. No. 15: The Miracle Of Bern At the 1954 FIFA World Cup in Switzerland, West Germany had to face Hungary—a legendary squad dubbed the “Mighty Magyars” that had not lost a single match in four years. Their first meeting in the group stage was an absolute disaster for the Germans, resulting in a brutal 8-3 thrashing. Yet, West Germany held on, fighting their way all the way to the final where the Golden Team awaited them once again. History seemed destined to repeat itself when, within the first eight minutes of the match, Hungary had already scored twice. But the Germans refused to break. In a stunning display of resilience, they responded with two goals of their own in the next ten minutes, leveling the score and turning the final into an absolute war of attrition. The two teams battled through the mud and rain until the 84th minute, when Helmut Rahn picked up a loose ball at the edge of the box and fired home the winning goal. The shocking 3-2 victory etched “The Miracle of Bern” into football history, permanently signaling the rise of a new global powerhouse. No. 14: The Game of Their Lives To say that the United States was a heavy underdog going into its World Cup meeting with England at the 1950 World Cup doesn’t do justice to the mismatch it was. England, competing in the tournament for the first time, was arguably the best team in Brazil and one of the favorites to lift the trophy after trouncing defending champion Italy 4-0 weeks before the competition began. The members of the U.S. squad, on the other hand, weren’t even full-time professionals. The Americans arrived in Brazil having played just seven international games over the previous 16 years (in part because of World War II), getting outscored 45-2. The Yanks were going to lose. The only question was by how much. Except they didn’t. In one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, the U.S. stunned the Three Lions 1-0 in Belo Horizonte on Joe Gaetjens’s first half goal. England was eliminated after also dropping its next match, to Spain. Same for the U.S., who were knocked out following a 5-2 defeat to Chile. The Americans wouldn’t qualify for another World Cup for 40 years. 13. The “Ghost” Goal that Crowned England England likes to claim that it invented the sport as we know it today, and that’s true. What’s also true is despite the head start they enjoyed over every other nation in the world, they haven’t been very successful at it. Soccer (an English word, by the way) has been deeply ingrained in British culture for well over a century. It was and is immensely popular. Yet England’s national team has hoisted the World Cup just once, way back in 1966, in their only appearance in a final on a goal that probably shouldn’t have counted at all. By contrast, later-coming rivals like Brazil, Germany and Italy have 13 World Cup titles between them. England didn’t participate in the first three World Cups because of a dispute with FIFA, and they didn’t go any further than the quarterfinals in the first four tournaments they entered. With the 1966 event staged on home soil, though, the Three Lions were determined not just not to embarrass themselves on the global stage, but to win the trophy for the first time. After reaching the final at Wembley Stadium in London, England was minutes away from beating West Germany when the visitors equalized. Geoff Hurst restored England’s advantage in extra time, putting them up 3-2 — although television replays never showed the ball crossing the line. German players protested to no avail, and Hurst put the game away when he made it 4-2 seconds before the final whistle. Still, the did-it-or-didn’t it debates raged on for decades. In 1996, researchers at Oxford University’s department of engineering science concluded that it hadn’t —meaning England’s lone World Cup win came on a phantom goal. No. 12: Heartbreak For Italy After Baggio Skies Penalty Losing a World Cup is never easy, let alone on penalties. And even more so when one of the game’s greatest players badly missed the ultimate decider. Roberto Baggio remains one of Italy’s most iconic players ever, but a costly lapse by “The Divine Ponytail” would see his team lose in a heartbreaking fashion to Brazil in the 1994 final at the Rose Bowl. Baggio had arguably been the tournament’s outstanding player prior to that fateful final, leading his team past talented squads like Nigeria and Spain before securing Italy’s place in the final by scoring twice against Bulgaria in the semis. What should have been an entertaining final for the ages between Brazil and Italy was anything but as the star-studded squads went scoreless through 120 minutes. With a possible title of the line, the normally steel-nerved Baggio sent his attempt high into the stands. No. 11: The Semifinal Deemed ‘Game Of The Century’ The “Game of the Century” at the 1970 FIFA World Cup delivered one of football’s greatest matches as Italy and West Germany battled through an unforgettable semifinal filled with drama, extra-time chaos, and legendary goals. From Franz Beckenbauer’s dislocated shoulder to Italy’s historic 4-3 victory, this iconic clash forever changed World Cup history. Tied 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes in their 1970 World Cup semifinal in front of more than 100,000 fans at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, West Germany and Italy exploded for five goals during the half-hour of extra time, with the Azzurri ultimately prevailing on Gianni Rivera’s 111th minute winner. Never before had five World Cup goals been scored during extra time, let alone between two of the sport’s most decorated teams with a spot in the final at stake. The record stands to this day. No. 10: The Most Dazzling Display In A Final At the 1970 FIFA World Cup final, Brazil defeated Italy 4-1 with a dazzling display of teamwork, creativity, and flair. Broadcast in color for the first time, the match showcased one of the greatest teams ever assembled and cemented Brazil’s place in World Cup history. Led by the incomparable Pelé, Brazil’s iconic 1970 squad capped their resounding triumph over Italy in front of more than 100,000 fans in Mexico’s City’s cavernous Estadio Azteca with a masterpiece. Among the legends on the field for Brazil included Rivellino, Carlos Alberto, Brito, Clodoaldo, and Gérson – all names that became synonymous with the “Jogo Bonito” style of play. The image of Pelé playing and winning his last ever major international tournament stands the test of time. It would be 24 long years before Brazil won another World Cup. But this is the team and style that continues to live among the pantheon of greats. No. 9: Spain’s Long Awaited Moment Of Glory Spain reached the summit of world football in 2010, defeating the Netherlands to win their first-ever FIFA World Cup title. Andrés Iniesta’s legendary extra-time goal completed one of the most dominant eras ever seen in international football. The 2010 World Cup final was a contest between the best two teams never to have won it all. Spain’s golden generation of players had captured the 2008 European Championship, their second continental crown. On the other was the Netherlands, winners of the 1988 Euros and the World Cup runner-up at both the 1974 and 1978 events. The slick-passing Spanish were the favorites and the far better squad. The Dutch knew it. So rather than attempt to stand toe-to-toe with La Roja, the Netherlands decided instead to slow the game to a crawl by setting up in a cynical, defensive posture and fouling at every opportunity. The Oranje strategy nearly backfired in the first half when Nigel de Jong committed a clear red card offense by kicking Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso in the chest. But the referee’s view of the infraction was blocked, and with VAR still eight years away, De Jong stayed on the field. The match remained scoreless into the second half of extra time. Thankfully, Iniesta scored the winner for La Roja with just four minutes to spare, avoiding a penalty shootout. Spain would go on to win the 2012 Euros, too. They remain the only national team in history to prevail at three consecutive major tournaments. No. 8: The Hero That France Needed At the 1998 World Cup final, Zinedine Zidane rose to the occasion with two first-half goals to lead France past Brazil and secure the nation’s first World Cup title. On the biggest stage in soccer, Zizou delivered a performance that would define his legendary career. Led by superstar striker Ronaldo, four-time World Cup winner Brazil entered France ‘98 as the favorite and defending champion. The host nation was looking to become just the seventh team to hoist the trophy and the sixth to do it on home soil. Led by their dynamic midfielder in Zidane, Les Bleus made sure the trophy stayed in Paris. The impact of the win by the French team, which was largely made up of players whose parents hailed from the country’s former colonies in Northern Africa and the Caribbean — Zidane himself has Algerian roots — went well beyond sport. It was also credited with uniting a changing nation behind one common cause. No. 7: A Celebration Worth a Thousand Words At the 1982 FIFA World Cup final, Marco Tardelli scored a crucial goal for Italy against West Germany before unleashing one of the most iconic celebrations in sports history. His emotional sprint and unforgettable scream captured the joy, pressure, and passion of winning a World Cup. Even for the most focused and disciplined athlete, the emotion just takes over. That’s what happened to Tardelli when the Italian midfielder gave his country a 2-0 lead over West Germany in the final at Spain ’82 in front of a packed Santiago Bernabaeu Stadium in Madrid. As consequential as the tally was, Tardelli’s reaction would become far more memorable than the goal itself. With tears of joy rolling down his cheeks, Tardelli ran across the field shaking his head from side to side in disbelief, repeatedly yelling “goal” as if to convince himself that the feat he had just accomplished actually happened. The raw emotion of the moment was visceral, and it resonated with fans across the globe — which is why it remains the most unforgettable World Cup goal celebration of all time. No. 6: The Original GOAT Announces Himself Pelé announced himself to the world during his FIFA World Cup debut in 1958, beginning one of the greatest careers in football history. At just 17 years old, Pelé’s brilliance helped lead Brazil toward their first-ever World Cup title. Pelé was the youngest player in the history of the World Cup when he made his delayed tournament debut for Brazil at the 1958 event. Soon he’d show exactly why coach Vicente Feola included the injured 17-year-old prodigy on his roster. Slowed by a knee problem upon his arrival in Sweden, Pelé recovered enough to start in his country’s third match, in which he registered an assist in a win over the Soviet Union. After that, he exploded. He scored the only goal in a quarterfinal win over Wales, then recorded a hat trick in a 5-2 semifinal win over France. In the final against the hosts in Stockholm, Pelé scored two more times, including an astonishing solo effort where he coolly lobbed the ball over a helpless Swedish defender’s head before slotting it home. It is still one of the most jaw-dropping goals in World Cup history, one that helped the Seleção secure the first of their record five World Cup crowns. No. 5: The Day Brazil’s Dream Came To Halt At the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Brazil entered the semifinals hoping to win a title on home soil but instead suffered a historic 7-1 defeat to Germany. In one of the most shocking matches ever played, a nation’s dream turned into an unforgettable World Cup nightmare. Even though heavyweights Germany stood between Brazil and a spot in the final, there was an air of expectation around the country that the outcome was preordained — that the Seleção would reach and then win the World Cup final on home soil, exorcizing the demons of 1950 when Brazil was stunned by Uruguay. It would be an understatement to say things didn’t go according to plan. Instead of achieving what many Brazilians felt was their destiny, the home side imploded without injured star Neymar and suspended defensive anchor Thiago Silva. It was 5-0 for the visitors before the match was 30 minutes old. By the time it was over, they’d suffered a 7-1 loss to the eventual tournament champs. The most lopsided semifinal result ever didn’t just match the worst loss in Brazil’s proud history. It also snapped a 62-game home unbeaten streak dating to 1975. Given the stakes and the stage, it’s the most eye-popping result ever in World Cup play — not to mention a national humiliation on par with that famous 1950 defeat. No. 4 Zinedine Zidane’s Headbutt And Ensuing Red Card At the 2006 FIFA World Cup final, France captain Zinedine Zidane was one match away from a storybook ending to a legendary career, only to exit the sport in the most shocking fashion imaginable. In an unforgettable clash with Italy, a maestro’s final masterclass transformed into a stunning moment of madness that left the world in disbelief. With the hopes of his nation on the line, Zidane looked poised to repeat his 1998 heroics when he audaciously chipped a 7th-minute penalty past Gianluigi Buffon. Italy’s Marco Materazzi soon answered with a powerful equalizer, locking the two heavyweights in a grueling, high-stakes stalemate that pushed into extra time. Both men had scored their team’s lone goals, but their date with destiny was far from over. Deep into extra time, in the 118th minute, the match’s two protagonists crossed paths again. Following a sharp exchange of words, Materazzi’s psychological warfare cracked the Frenchman’s icy composure. In a flash, Zidane turned and drove his forehead straight into the Italian defender’s chest. The resulting red card was a devastating eruption, leaving the world to watch in silence as one of the greatest to ever play the game walked past the trophy and off the pitch forever. France would go on to lose the ensuing penalty shootout, cementing the headbutt as Zidane’s final, haunting moment in professional football—an image forever suspended in time. No. 3 The Day 173,000 Fans Went Absolutely Silent At the 1950 FIFA World Cup, Brazil entered the final match needing only a draw on home soil to secure their first-ever title, but instead suffered a heartbreak so impactful it permanently altered the nation’s footballing identity. In front of an estimated 173,000 fanatical supporters packing Rio de Janeiro’s legendary Maracanã stadium, a celebration decades in the making turned into an unforgettable national tragedy. Coming off a 12-year tournament hiatus due to global conflict, there was an absolute air of certainty across the country that the Seleção were destined for glory. When Friaça scored early in the second half to put the hosts up 1-0, the trophy felt entirely secure. But Uruguay refused to follow the script. The underdogs mounted an unthinkable comeback, striking twice to take a shocking 2-1 lead. The result triggered a generational change as Brazil chose to completely abandon their traditional white uniforms, switching to the iconic yellow kits they wear today. Years later, Uruguayan hero Alcides Ghiggia would famously note that only three people had ever managed to silence the Maracanã: the Pope, Frank Sinatra, and him. No. 2: Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ and ‘Goal of the Century’ At the 1986 FIFA World Cup, Diego Maradona treated the world to the ultimate display of footballing duality during a high-stakes quarterfinal clash against England, decades before the internet would marvel at Lionel Messi’s modern imitations. Just minutes after scoring his infamous, rule-bending “Hand of God” goal, the Argentine maestro decided to remove even a shred of doubt about his transcendent greatness. What followed was an individual masterclass that would forever define the beautiful game. Picking up the ball a daunting 60 yards away from the English net, Maradona embarked on a breathtaking, physics-defying journey towards goal. He sliced, glided, and spun past five English defenders who were left grasping at the air. Accelerating toward the penalty box, he got past goalkeeper Peter Shilton, tumbling toward the grass while clipping a precise strike into the back of the net. The magical solo effort proved to be the decisive blow, breaking English hearts and leading Argentina on a march toward the World Cup trophy. No. 1: Best Final Ever? The Night Messi Completed His Trophy Cabinet The 2022 FIFA World Cup final delivered one of the greatest matches in sports history, as Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé battled in an unforgettable showdown for the world title. From dramatic comebacks to a legendary penalty shootout, this final became an instant classic. Mbappé and France were looking to repeat. Only Argentina and Messi, needing the ultimate prize to fill his trophy case after a storied career for club and country, stood in their way. Argentina held onto a two-goal lead thanks to goals Messi and Angel Di Maria with the title in sight. But then with about 10 minutes left, Mbappé converts a penalty. A minute later, he scores again. Game on in Qatar. In extra time, Messi scores again. Mbappe responds for a hat trick. And with France looking to seal the win in the final moments, Emiliano Martinez stands tall for the save of the tournament. To penalties we go. Mbappé converts. So does Messi. But two misses for France then allows unlikely hero Nahuel Molina seal it for Argentina. Heartbreak for Les Bleus. Relief for Messi. Euphoria for Argentina. A GOAT’s legacy secured.
Messi, Mbappé, Greatness: The 2022 Final Is Our Top World Cup Moment
Mar 3, 2026 | 12:04 AM
