100 Best Moments in FIFA World Cup History

The 2022 FIFA World Cup Final delivered one of the greatest matches in football 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 that defined a generation of football.

During the 1986 FIFA World Cup™, Argentina's Diego Armando Maradona delivered the most iconic performance in World Cup history against England - scoring the controversial "Hand of God" and the legendary "Goal of the Century" in a 2-1 victory.

After taking the lead in front of nearly 200,000 fans at the Maracanã, Brazil appeared destined to win the 1950 FIFA World Cup™ before Uruguay completed one of the greatest upsets in soccer history. The heartbreak was so profound that Brazil abandoned its iconic white kit, adopting the famous yellow jersey that remains synonymous with the team today.

In his final professional match, Zinedine Zidane stunned the world with an infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi during the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final. One of soccer's greatest careers ended with one of the sport's most unforgettable moments.

At the 2014 FIFA World Cup™, Brazil entered the semifinal 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.

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.

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.

At the 1998 FIFA 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.

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.

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.

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 semi-final filled with drama, extra-time chaos, and legendary goals. From Beckenbauer's dislocated shoulder to Italy's historic 4-3 victory, this iconic clash forever changed World Cup history.

Roberto Baggio's missed penalty in the 1994 FIFA World Cup Final became one of football's most heartbreaking moments. After carrying Italy through the tournament, Baggio's shot over the bar handed Brazil the trophy and created an image forever etched into World Cup history.

England conquered the world in 1966 at home. From Geoff Hurst's historic hat-trick to the controversial "ghost goal" that still sparks debate today, England defeated West Germany in extra time to lift their first and only FIFA Men's World Cup title.

Before the 1950 FIFA World Cup™, the United States had been dominated on the international stage, suffering 7 heavy defeats and being outscored 45-2 in those matches. Against heavily favored England, the Americans delivered the game of their lives and pulled off one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.

At the 1954 FIFA World Cup Final™, Germany stunned the heavily favored Hungary in one of the greatest upsets in soccer history. The "Miracle at Bern" ended the reign of the Mighty Magyars and marked the beginning of Germany's rise as a global soccer powerhouse.

With the clock winding down at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, Landon Donovan scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to send the United States into the Round of 16. The iconic goal became one of the most unforgettable moments in American soccer history.

The 1974 Netherlands changed football forever with the rise of "Total Football" - a revolutionary style where every player could attack, defend, and switch positions seamlessly. The Dutch dazzled the world at the 1974 FIFA World Cup with fluid movement, relentless pressing, and some of the most beautiful football ever played, leaving a legacy that still influences the modern game today.

In one of the most controversial moments in 2010 FIFA World Cup history, Luis Suárez used his hands to stop Ghana's last-minute winner, changing the fate of an entire nation. The dramatic penalty miss that followed sent Uruguay to the semifinals and shattered Ghana's dream of becoming Africa's first World Cup semifinalist.

In the dying moments of the 1998 World Cup quarterfinal, Dennis Bergkamp produced one of the greatest goals football has ever seen. One touch to control a 60-yard pass, another to cut inside, and a flawless finish sent the Netherlands past Argentina in pure World Cup magic.

At the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the United States men's national team stunned Colombia in one of the biggest upsets in tournament history. The victory helped spark a new era for soccer in the United States and changed the perception of the USMNT on the world stage.

At the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Miroslav Klose scored his 16th World Cup goal, passing Ronaldo Nazário to become the tournament's all-time leading scorer. The historic moment cemented Klose's legacy as one of the greatest players in World Cup history.

At the 1990 FIFA World Cup™, England suffered a heartbreaking semifinal loss to Germany in a penalty shootout. What followed became a painful pattern that would haunt England for decades on soccer's biggest stage.

In 1990, Roger Milla led Cameroon on one of the greatest underdog runs in World Cup history. At 38 years old, Milla's goals, charisma, and iconic corner flag dance helped Cameroon become the first African nation to ever reach the World Cup quarterfinals.

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.