Iconic Moments in FIFA World Cup History: A Countdown to 2026
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. It could be 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 create the pantheon of the best. Until then, we’re counting down the most iconic, most controversial, most defining moments in men’s World Cup history.
The 2026 FIFA 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. A record 40 matches, more than one-third of the tournament, will air in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19).
Leading up to the 2026 World Cup, here’s a look at some of the best moments in tournament history:
No. 100: Pure Control, Pure Class, Pure Messi
In 2018, the pressure on Lionel Messi was building. Argentina’s star captain had gone scoreless through two games, including a 3-0 loss to Croatia. He needed to do something against Nigeria. That’s when the Messi magic appeared. Argentina went on to win the game and advance. An unbelievable first touch from Lionel Messi that saved Argentina. While The Albiceleste were eliminated by eventual champions France in the round of 16, Messi’s goal was perhaps the best of the tournament.
No. 99: Red Card for… Celebrating?!
Vincent Aboubakar made history for Cameroon when he scored a game-winning goal against Brazil in 2022, the first time an African country had defeated the five-time champions in a World Cup setting. The problem was that he was then sent off for excessive celebration. Despite the win, the Indomitable Lions were still eliminated, with Brazil advancing to the knockout rounds. Nonetheless, it was a punishment worth the moment of shirtless joy, even seeming to make the referee feel bad about issuing the red card.
No. 98: White Cuauhtemoc Leaps Into History
At the 1998 World Cup, Cuauhtémoc Blanco clamped the ball between his feet and did his best impression of a kangaroo by hopping between two South Korean defenders. It may not have produced a goal, but the player from the Tepito neighborhood produced a move that has leaped into the hearts and minds of soccer fans.
No. 97: Klinsmann’s Roundhouse Flick
Long before he coached the United States men’s national team at the 2014 World Cup, Jürgen Klinsmann scored a ton of goals for Germany, including this stunner against South Korea. Klinsmann, who four years earlier had helped his country win the World Cup for the third time, turned what looked like a routine pass reception with his back to the goal into one of the most memorable goals of USA ‘94 with one swivel of his hips.
Until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 11, FOX Sports is counting down the top 100 moments in tournament history.