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 Pele 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.
When the World Cup comes to North America this summer, we’ll be in store for many more moments. It remains to be seen if they’ll make the pantheon of the best.
Leading up to the 2026 World Cup, we’re counting down the most iconic, most controversial, most defining moments in tournament history.
JUMP TO: 100-95 | 94-90 | 89-85 | 84-80
2026 FIFA World Cup: How To Watch
The World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every match streaming live and on-demand within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports apps.
[WHEN AND WHERE: Full Schedule for 2026 FIFA World Cup]
No. 100: Pure Management, Pure Class, Pure Messi
This contact from Messi saved Argentina 🤯 No. 100 in Finest FIFA World Cup™ Moments
In 2018, the stress on Lionel Messi was constructing. Argentina‘s star captain had gone scoreless via two video games, together with a 3-0 loss to Croatia. He wanted to do one thing in opposition to Nigeria. That is when the Messi magic appeared.
Argentina went on to win the sport and advance. An unbelievable first contact from Lionel Messi that saved Argentina. And whereas La Albiceleste have been eradicated by eventual champions France within the spherical of 16, Messi’s chic purpose was maybe the very best of the event.
No. 99: Pink Card for … Celebrating?!
A Pink Card to Bear in mind 🟥 No. 99 in Finest FIFA World Cup Moments
Vincent Aboubakar made historical past for Cameroon when he scored a game-winning purpose in opposition to Brazil in 2022, the primary time an African nation had defeated the five-time champions in a World Cup setting. The issue was that he was then despatched off for extreme celebration.
The Indomitable Lions have been nonetheless eradicated regardless of the win, with the Brazilians advancing to the knockout rounds. Nonetheless, it was punishment well worth the second of shirtless pleasure. It even appeared just like the referee felt a bit unhealthy for having handy out that purple card.
No. 98: Cuauhtémoc Blanco Leaps Into Historical past
This transfer was so WILD, they named it after him 🤯 No. 98 in Finest FIFA World Cup™ Moments
Attempting to shake off round two defenders? It is best to take into consideration attempting this trademark transfer created by one of many biggest Mexican gamers to ever stay. It was so good, it is recognized all through the world because the “Cuauhtemiña.”
On the 1998 World Cup, Cuauhtémoc Blanco clamped the ball between his ft did his greatest impression of a kangaroo by hopping between two South Korean defenders. It could not have produced a purpose, however the participant from el barrio bravo de Tepito produced a transfer that has instantly leaped into the hearts and minds of soccer followers since.
No. 97: Klinsmann’s Roundhouse Flick
This volley was BEAUTIFUL 🇩🇪 No. 97 in Finest FIFA World Cup™ Moments
Lengthy earlier than he coached the US males’s nationwide staff on the 2014 World Cup, Jürgen Klinsmann scored a ton of targets for Germany, together with this stunner in opposition to South Korea.
Klinsmann, who 4 years earlier had helped his nation win the World Cup for the third time, would flip what appeared like a routine move reception along with his again to the purpose into one of the memorable targets of USA ‘94 with one swivel of his hips.
No. 96: This Free Kick Modified USA Soccer Historical past
This Free Kick CHANGED Historical past 🇺🇸 No. 96 in Finest FIFA World Cup™ Moments
The U.S. males’s nationwide staff hadn’t made a splash on the World Cup in a long time – however that every one modified it the USA hosted the 1994 version. It was because of a wonder-goal in opposition to Switzerland by the USA star Eric Wynalda.
Wynalda’s unstoppable, curling free kick simply earlier than the groups headed to the dressing rooms almost blew the roof off the Silverdome in suburban Detroit. The match ended 1-1. That time, plus an upset win over Colombia a couple of days later, was sufficient to ship the USA to the second spherical, the place they took eventual champ Brazil to additional time earlier than shedding 1-0.
No. 95: One Of the Finest Opening Objectives Ever
You Could not Script a Higher Opening Objective 🇩🇪 No. 95 in Finest FIFA World Cup™ Moments
In 2006, Germany legend Philipp Lahm scored top-of-the-line opening targets to a World Cup ever. From a distance, Lahm (sporting a forged on his proper arm following a latest harm) curled the ball completely into the highest nook previous Costa Rica keeper José Francisco Porras.
In fact, it was even sweeter because the Germans have been internet hosting the event with excessive hopes of successful all of it on dwelling soil. The hosts fell within the semifinals however Lahm’s superb method and management on this purpose in Munich might be one of many event’s highlights.
No. 94: A Volley For The Ages
A volley for the ages 🦘 Finest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆 No. 94
Tim Cahill is arguably Australia’s greatest males’s soccer participant ever and that is attributable to his capacity to attain in massive moments on the World Cup. That included this spectacular volley on the 2014 event in Brazil, the place he confirmed his method and talent in opposition to the Netherlands.
A looping lengthy move from one facet to the Porto Alegre pitch to the opposite, Cahill one-timed the shot into the online on the excellent angle because the ball kissed the underside of the bar. A stellar purpose adopted by his trademark fighting-the-corner-flag celebration.
No. 93: This Rule Proved Too Merciless
This Rule Proved Too Merciless 🇫🇷 No. 93 in Finest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆
A brand new rule was launched within the 1998 World Cup spherical of 16: Golden Objective. Rating in additional time, and it’s over.
Hosts France have been deadlocked with Paraguay at 0-0 going into additional time of their spherical of 16 matchup at Lens. The ball discovered Laurent Blanc on the fringe of the six-yard field, and he buried it to finish the match at 1-0. France superior; Paraguay was eradicated on the spot.
France went on to win all of it, however it will be one of many closing few nations to profit from the merciless rule, because it was scrapped altogether six years later.
No. 92: First Again-to-Again Champs
The First Again-to-Again Champs 🇮🇹 No. 92 in Finest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆
It did not take lengthy for the World Cup to have its first dynasty.
After lifting the trophy on dwelling soil on the second-ever World Cup in 1934, Italy did it once more at France 1938, stamping its legacy eternally.
Italy won’t be probably the most well-known repeat World Cup champions of all time, however it would go down in historical past as the primary.
No. 91: A Objective That Deserved A Happier Ending
This Objective Deserved a Happier Ending 🥲 No. 91 in Finest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆
Archie Gemmill’s surprise purpose for Scotland within the 1978 FIFA World Cup would have despatched them to the knockout stage in the event that they hadn’t fallen quick on purpose distinction in opposition to the Netherlands.
Gemmill had Scottish followers dreaming of an upset in opposition to one of many world’s greatest sides. Within the 68th minute, the diminutive midfielder danced away from three Dutch defenders earlier than lobbing a left-footed end over the keeper Jan Jongbloed. With a two-goal lead, it appeared Scotland would advance.
However it was to no avail because the Dutch scored minutes later, leaving the heartbroken Scots questioning what may have been. As an alternative, the Netherlands superior on goal-difference and would go on to make a second consecutive World Cup closing look.
No. 90: The Final Crew Objective
Is that this the very best staff purpose ever? 🤔 No. 90 in Finest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆
25 passes. 9 gamers. One iconic purpose for Argentina.
On the 2006 World Cup (the primary one through which Lionel Messi appeared), Argentina confronted a stern take a look at in opposition to Serbia within the group stage. It was a type of video games the place the underdogs knew they must be sharp on protection to maintain a much more gifted Argentina facet at bay.
Besides it did not work that method, and Argentina pounced from the get-go with an early purpose within the sixth minute by Maxi Rodriguez. And that is when the Albiceleste magic took over. Within the thirty first minute, a affected person ballet of teamwork that concerned a mixture of on-target passes led to Hernán Crespo looping a ball to early-match substitute Esteban Cambiasso. Objective, Argentina.
4 extra adopted – together with Messi’s first ever at a World Cup. However Cambiasso’s strike stood above all that day.
No. 89: A Controversial Objective Impacts Three Groups
Most CONTROVERSIAL VAR Resolution? 🤔 No. 89 in Finest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆
One of many hardest teams on the 2022 World Cup featured Germany (four-time champions), Spain (2010 champions), at all times gifted Japan, and feisty Costa Rica. So that you knew that this group was going to have some fireworks.
That occurred on the ultimate matchday. Germany going through Costa Rica and Japan taking over Spain with all 4 groups having hope of advancing.
At halftime of each matches, it appeared like Spain and Germany would advance, whereas Japan and Costa Rica would go dwelling. However the script was then ripped aside. Within the 51st minute of the Japan-Spain recreation, Kaoru Mitoma chases the ball down — it seems out. However he crosses it to Ao Tanaka, who scores off an unbelievable angle. VAR says the ball remained in play by the slimmest of margins. The purpose stands.
Japan topped the group. Spain additionally superior. Germany was eradicated regardless of beating Costa Rica. Pleasure and heartbreak throughout.
No. 88: Three Yellow Playing cards And One Pink-Confronted Referee
When a Participant obtained Booked THREE TIMES in ONE Recreation 🤯 No. 88 in Finest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆
Soccer is understood for its simplicity of guidelines when in comparison with different main sports activities. And one of the well-known guidelines is that while you get two yellow playing cards, that equates to a purple card and subsequently an computerized dismissal from the sport.
Which is why an error by England official Graham Ballot on the 2006 World Cup was so memorable. Ballot had proven Croatia’s Josip Šimunić two yellow playing cards within the group-stage finale in opposition to Australia, however the participant inexplicably stayed on. Solely till a 3rd card was proven to Šimunić that the defender really left the pitch.
It was the final World Cup recreation Ballot ever labored as he requested to not be thought-about for future tournaments on account of his unforgettable mistake.
No. 87: Matador Magic! A Star Rises For Mexico at France ’98
El Matador Magic 🇲🇽 No. 87 in Finest FIFA World Cup™ Moments
When your nickname is “El Matador,” you higher have a killer intuition in entrance of the online. Luis Hernandez had that after which some as a star striker for Mexico on the 1998 World Cup.
By beating South Korea and tying Belgium of their first two group stage video games at France ‘98, Mexico appeared well-positioned to progress to the knockout rounds. Nonetheless, advancing was not assured. And with the Netherlands looming of their closing first-round match, the nerves of El Tri followers have been, understandably, frayed.
They stayed that method till virtually the final kick of the ball. Mexico was shedding 2-1 to the Dutch as the competition entered stoppage time. Within the different Group E finale being performed concurrently, the Koreans and Belgians have been tied. If El Tri misplaced and Belgium managed to attain a late winner, they’d advance at Mexico’s expense.
Hernandez, along with his trademark flowing blonde coiffure, wasn’t about to go away something to likelihood. As an alternative of counting on one other end result, the striker generally known as “El Matador” pounced on a botched clearance within the field by Dutch heart again Jaap Stam and stabbed the ball into the online. The purpose pulled Mexico stage within the 94th minute. When the ultimate whistle blew moments later, Mexico was en path to the spherical of 16.
No. 86: Hungary’s File Scoreline
Will This File Ever be Damaged? 🤔 No. 86 in Finest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆
El Salvador was determined to supply a decent displaying in simply its second event look, having misplaced all three of their video games and failing to attain a purpose on the 1970 occasion. However an absence of funding meant they took simply 20 gamers, two in need of the roster restrict, and have been the final staff to reach for competitors. Add in a very aggressive gameplan from younger coach Mauricio “Pipo” Rodríguez, and the end result was a 10-1 loss to Hungary of their opener. It stays probably the most lopsided scoreline in World Cup historical past.
The efficiency was so humiliating that when ES ahead Luis Ramírez Zapata scored to make it 5-1, a few of his teammates implored him to tone down his celebration, lest he make the Hungarians indignant. Possibly he did; László Kiss got here off the bench to attain a seven-minute hat trick (additionally a report) and Hungary added two extra targets earlier than the ultimate whistle to finish the rout.
No. 85: Bulgaria’s Celebrity Takes Over Summer season of ’94
Stoichkov At His Peak 🔥 No. 85 in Finest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆
Bulgaria have been thought-about an afterthought. However one synthetic certain the world remembered them. On the 1994 World Cup, Hristo Stoichkov could not be stopped. After changing two penalties in opposition to Greece, the Barcelona legend scored in opposition to Argentina to safe a spot within the knockout spherical.
Then, the magic actually began. Within the Spherical of 16, Stoichkov bagged a sixth minute purpose, as Bulgaria took down Mexico on penalties. Subsequent got here defending champions Germany. Trailing 1-0 within the seventy fifth minute, he and Yordan Letchkov scored three minutes aside for the win.
Stoichkov and Bulgaria would finally lose within the semifinals, however it was really an unforgettable run.
No. 84: No Period Penal
No Period Penal? The Name That Nonetheless Haunts Mexico 😱 No. 84 in Finest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆
Mexico benefited from some luck simply to make it to Brazil 2014 — if not for a late purpose by their archrival United States versus Panama, El Tri would’ve didn’t qualify out of CONCACAF — however there they have been, simply moments away from lastly reaching the elusive quinto partido, or fifth recreation, at a World Cup.
Then their luck ran out. With simply two minutes of the 90 to play, the Dutch made it 1-1 via Wesley Sneijder. Mexico captain Rafa Márquez was then whistled for tripping Arjen Robben contained in the penalty field deep into second-half stoppage time.
Replays confirmed that Robben had theatrically embellished the contact, if there was any in any respect. It wasn’t a penalty.
That did not matter. VAR was nonetheless 4 years away from its World Cup debut. With out video evaluation, the decision on the sphere stood, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored from the spot, and Mexico have been eradicated within the spherical of 16 for the sixth straight event.
No. 83: Sneijder Stands Tall in Dutch Rally
Shortest Participant = Greatest Affect 🇳🇱 No. 83 in Finest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆
At 5-foot-7, Wesley Sneijder was by no means an imposing determine for the Netherlands. However he knew find out how to rise in massive moments, resembling his standout two-goal efficiency in opposition to Brazil within the 2010 World Cup quarterfinals.
The Brazilians have been up early on Robinho’s purpose within the quarterfinal match, enjoying about as sound as anybody else within the event. However then the Dutch took over. Sneijder first had a deep large cross that seemingly floated eternally and slipped previous Brazil keeper Julio Cesar’s punchout earlier than skimming off Felipe Melo’s head and into the online.
Then it was the diminutive dynamo who scored once more to finish the comeback, sneaking via the penalty space and discovering area for an unbelievable header. Even he could not consider it, greedy his brow in delight. However it’s the win that saved the Netherlands marching on and finally reaching the ultimate.
No. 82: No Choice For Zaire In Loss To Brazil
“Don’t Return House if You Lose by 4 or Extra Objectives!” 🗣️ No. 82 in Finest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆
Zaire’s qualification for the 1974 World Cup was a watershed second for the nation. They have been the primary staff from sub-Saharan Africa to make it, and simply the third from that continent total.
However what ought to have been a joyous event for Zaire’s gamers turned sinister. After shedding their opener 2-0 to Scotland, the gamers have been knowledgeable that they wouldn’t be paid their World Cup bonuses. They meant to boycott their subsequent match, in opposition to Yugoslavia, however relented after threats from the nation’s president, dictator Mobutu Sese Seko.
Following a 9-0 loss — tied for probably the most one-sided scoreline in World Cup historical past — Mobutu instructed the staff to not hassle coming dwelling in the event that they misplaced to Brazil by greater than 4 targets. So, down three late within the recreation, Zaire’s Mwepu Ilunga raced from the defensive wall and booted the ball down the sphere. He was yellow-carded for time-wasting, however it was value it: Brazil didn’t rating once more, and the match completed 3-0. A lackluster however maybe life-saving efficiency for a rustic who are actually attempting to qualify in 2026 – this time with hopes of a greater end result.
No. 81: South Korea Saves Mexico; Germany Hopes Dashed
Why Mexico Followers LOVE South Korea 🤝 No. 81 in Finest FIFA World Cup™ Moments
“¡Coreano! Hermano! Ya eres mexicano!”
On the 2018 World Cup, that is how Son Heung-min and South Korea ousted the defending champions and helped out a really grateful Mexico squad.
Regardless of shedding to Mexico of their opening match, 2014 event winners Germany preferred their odds of reaching the knockout stage on the 2018 version in Russia. All of the Germans needed to do was beat South Korea by two targets to ensure a spot within the enterprise finish of the competitors.
As anticipated, Die Mannschaft dominated the Taeguk Warriors via almost 90 minutes, however the match was nonetheless scoreless. Germany was determined and pushed as many gamers as potential ahead. Then South Korea pounced on the chance as Kim Younger-gwon first scored. It was then Son who sealed the entire group’s destiny with a second purpose as time wound down.
That meant Germany was out. Mexico, regardless of getting pummeled by group winners Sweden, have been additionally advancing. A sigh of reduction for El Tri followers, who gratefully serenaded Korean gamers and followers in Russia – and even held celebrations exterior of South Korea’s diplomatic places of work throughout Mexico.
Till the beginning of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 11, FOX Sports activities is counting down the highest 100 moments in event historical past. Test again on daily basis for a brand new second.
