100 Best Moments in FIFA 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.

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.

Ronaldo Nazário completed one of the greatest redemption stories in football history with a legendary performance in the 2002 FIFA World Cup Final against Germany. After years of injury setbacks, Ronaldo scored twice to lead Brazil to their fifth FIFA World Cup title and cement his legacy as one of the game's greatest strikers.

At the 1970 FIFA World Cup, Gordon Banks made one of the greatest saves in soccer history, denying Pelé. Even Pelé thought the header was in, but Banks produced a moment that would become legendary in World Cup history.

Just Fontaine delivered the greatest goal-scoring performance in FIFA World Cup™ history, scoring an unbelievable 13 goals during the 1958 tournament. More than 60 years later, no player has come close to breaking the legendary FIFA World Cup™ record that still stands today.

Robin van Persie stunned the world with his unforgettable flying header against Spain at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, scoring one of the greatest goals in tournament history. The iconic "Flying Dutchman" goal helped the Netherlands destroy defending champions Spain 5-1 in a legendary World Cup revenge match.

Landon Donovan and Brian McBride helped the United States secure a 2-1 win over Mexico, securing the United States' first ever quarter-final appearance in the FIFA World Cup™.

Before Lionel Messi, Argentina's World Cup dreams were carried by Mario Kempes. In 1978, Kempes led La Albiceleste to their first-ever World Cup title, scoring twice in the final on home soil.

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 with a stunning extra-time finish. Götze's unforgettable game winner crushed Lionel Messi's World Cup dream and secured Germany's fourth FIFA World Cup title in one of football's greatest finals.


Diego Maradona's final World Cup ended in heartbreak as Argentina were eliminated by Romania in the 1994 FIFA World Cup, just days after the football legend was expelled from the tournament following a failed drug test. The emotional exit marked the end of Maradona's iconic World Cup journey, closing the chapter on one of football's greatest and most controversial careers.

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.

In the 1982 FIFA World Cup, Paolo Rossi led Italy to victory with one of the greatest tournament performances in soccer history. Rossi won the Golden Boot, scored a legendary hat trick against Brazil, and helped Italy capture its third World Cup title.

Croatia and France battled in a 6-goal final, but Mbappé's brilliant goal ultimately sealed the FIFA World Cup™ for France.

After Brazil's best player, Pelé, went down with an injury during the second match of the 1962 FIFA World Cup™, Garrincha stepped up and led Brazil to victory.

England thought they were back in the game against Germany… until the goal was denied. One of the most shocking refereeing decisions in World Cup history.