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The FIFA World Cup isn’t just the biggest football tournament in the world—it’s a stage where legends are born, hearts are broken, and history is made. Over the decades, the World Cup has given us unforgettable goals, shocking upsets, and iconic celebrations. Here’s a look back at some of the greatest World Cup moments that still give us chills.
In a quarterfinal clash between Argentina and England, Diego Maradona danced past five defenders and the goalkeeper to score what many consider the greatest goal in World Cup history. A moment of magic that defined his legacy.
Brazil’s 4–1 win over Italy in the 1970 final wasn’t just about goals—it was a footballing symphony. Pele’s headed goal, Carlos Alberto’s thunderbolt after a team build-up, and the sheer style of play were pure samba football at its finest.
It wasn’t a goal or a win—but it was unforgettable. In his final match for France, Zinedine Zidane headbutted Marco Materazzi in extra time, earning a red card. A bizarre end to a glittering career, and a moment that stunned the football world.
No one saw it coming. Hosts Brazil were dismantled in front of their home crowd in what became the most shocking result in World Cup history. Germany’s ruthless efficiency left fans in disbelief—and reminded the world that anything can happen in football.
In a tense final against the Netherlands, Andrés Iniesta scored in the 116th minute to give Spain their first-ever World Cup title. His celebration—dedicating the goal to late friend Dani Jarque—was as emotional as it was historic.
Despite being a small nation, Croatia stunned the world with their grit and talent, making it all the way to the final. Luka Modrić's leadership and performances were nothing short of heroic, earning him the Golden Ball.
The 38-year-old Cameroonian became a global sensation with his corner-flag dance and four goals. He helped Cameroon reach the quarterfinals—the best finish by an African team at the time—proving age is just a number.
In one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, Saudi Arabia defeated eventual champions Argentina 2–1 in the group stage. It was a reminder that in football, no giant is unbeatable.
England's only World Cup win came at Wembley, and Geoff Hurst became the first—and until recently only—player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final. The controversial “was-it-over-the-line?” second goal is still debated today.
South Africa kicked off the first-ever African-hosted World Cup in style with a thunderbolt from Tshabalala. The goal, the celebration, and the roar of the vuvuzelas—pure goosebumps.
After a nightmare final in 1998, Ronaldo returned in 2002 with a vengeance. He scored eight goals in the tournament, including two in the final against Germany, to lead Brazil to their fifth title.
Robin van Persie stunned Spain with a diving header from a long ball in the group stage. The image of him soaring through the air became instantly iconic and sparked a 5–1 demolition of the defending champions.
In their World Cup debut, Senegal shocked defending champions France with a 1–0 win, thanks to Papa Bouba Diop’s goal. It set the tone for a historic run to the quarterfinals.
James lit up the 2014 tournament with a stunning chest-and-volley against Uruguay. It won him the Puskás Award and helped Colombia reach their first-ever World Cup quarterfinal.
Super-sub Mario Götze controlled a cross with his chest and volleyed it past Argentina’s keeper in extra time to win Germany their fourth title. A moment of precision and calm under ultimate pressure.
At just 19, Kylian Mbappé scored four goals—including one in the final—to lead France to World Cup glory. He became the first teenager since Pelé to score in a World Cup final.
With Ghana seconds away from reaching the semifinals, Luis Suárez deliberately handled the ball on the line. He was sent off, but Asamoah Gyan missed the penalty, and Uruguay won the shootout. A moment of controversy that split opinions.
At just 17, Pelé took the world by storm with six goals, including a hat-trick in the semifinal and a brace in the final. He helped Brazil lift their first title and started a new era in world football.
