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We’re all feeling the soccer spirit with the World Cup fever going all around the world, even if this is the first one you seriously think about watching. The event, happening once every four years, has already had its fair share of legendary moments, from incredible saves to questionable moves.
To know what to expect when watching the greatest at their best, we’ve compiled the most iconic moments of the World Cup’s history, since they are basic know ledge for any soccer fan. While many of these moments were made by players either gone or retired, they still mark a precedent for what to expect from their respective countries.
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The Hand of God
In the 1986 quarterfinal against England, Diego Maradona punched the ball into the net. The goal stood, and his later description of it as the “Hand of God” became soccer folklore.
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The Goal of the Century
Just minutes after the Hand of God goal, Maradona dribbled past five English players and the goalkeeper before scoring. Many still consider it the greatest goal ever scored at a World Cup.
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Zidane’s Headbutt
The 2006 World Cup final took a shocking turn when Zinedine Zidane headbutted Italy’s Marco Materazzi in extra time. It was the final match of Zidane’s legendary career.
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Brazil’s 7-1 Collapse
Host nation Brazil entered the 2014 semifinal expecting glory. Instead, Germany scored five goals in the first 29 minutes and won 7-1 in one of sports’ greatest upsets.
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The Miracle of Bern
In the 1954 final, underdog West Germany defeated heavily favored Hungary despite trailing 2-0 early. The victory became one of the most celebrated moments in German sports history.
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The Impossible Save
England goalkeeper Gordon Banks somehow stopped a powerful header from Pelé during the 1970 tournament. The save remains one of the most famous in soccer history.
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Pelé Announces Himself
At just 17 years old, Pelé scored six goals in the knockout stages of the 1958 World Cup. The tournament launched one of the greatest careers in sports.
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The First Golden Goal
During the 1998 World Cup, the golden goal rule was still in effect. Fans became fascinated by the possibility that a single sudden-death strike could instantly end a match.
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The Vuvuzela World Cup
The 2010 World Cup in South Africa introduced much of the world to the vuvuzela. The constant buzzing sound became nearly as memorable as the tournament itself.
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Iniesta Wins It for Spain
In extra time of the 2010 final, Andrés Iniesta scored against the Netherlands. The goal secured Spain’s first World Cup title and became a defining moment for a golden generation.
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The Suarez Handball
In 2010, Luis Suárez deliberately blocked a goal-bound shot with his hands against Ghana. The controversial play helped Uruguay survive and remains fiercely debated.
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Roger Milla’s Corner Flag Dance
At age 38, Roger Milla led Cameroon on a remarkable run and celebrated goals with a dance by the corner flag. The celebration became instantly iconic.
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The Maracanazo
In 1950, Uruguay stunned host nation Brazil in front of nearly 200,000 spectators at the Maracanã Stadium. The defeat remains one of the most painful moments in Brazilian sports history.
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Messi Finally Lifts the Trophy
After years of near misses, Lionel Messi captained Argentina to victory in the 2022 final. The triumph completed one of soccer’s most celebrated careers.
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The Greatest World Cup Final
The 2022 final between Argentina and France featured dramatic comebacks, extra time, a hat trick by Kylian Mbappé, and a penalty shootout. Many regard it as the greatest final ever played.
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