Toni Kroos’s Implausible Free Kick Makes World Cup High 100 Moments Checklist

[ad_1] What involves thoughts once you consider the highest males's FIFA World Cup moments?

It may very well be Diego Maradona carving via England's protection for the Objective of the Century. Or, a legend like Pele or Lionel Messi elevating the trophy up excessive into the sky. Or one thing extra controversial, like Cristiano Ronaldo's wink after getting Wayne Rooney despatched off.

When the World Cup involves North America this summer season, we'll be in retailer for a lot of extra moments. It stays to be seen if they will make the pantheon of one of the best.

You Gained’t Imagine #82… 🤯 The Greatest FIFA World Cup Moments™ (#100–76) 🏆 [WHEN AND WHERE: Full Schedule for 2026 FIFA World Cup]

Main as much as the 2026 World Cup, we're counting down essentially the most iconic, most controversial, most defining moments in match historical past:

JUMP TO: 100-95 | 94-90 | 89-85 | 84-80 | 79-75 | 74-70

No. 100: Pure Management, Pure Class, Pure Messi This contact from Messi saved Argentina 🤯 No. 100 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments In 2018, the strain on Lionel Messi was constructing. Argentina's star captain had gone scoreless via two video games, together with a 3-0 loss to Croatia. He wanted to do one thing in opposition to Nigeria. That is when the Messi magic appeared.

Argentina went on to win the sport and advance. An unbelievable first contact from Lionel Messi that saved Argentina. And whereas La Albiceleste had been eradicated by eventual champions France within the spherical of 16, Messi's chic purpose was maybe one of the best of the match.

No. 99: Crimson Card for … Celebrating?! A Crimson Card to Keep in mind 🟥 No. 99 in Greatest FIFA World Cup Moments Vincent Aboubakar made historical past for Cameroon when he scored a game-winning purpose in opposition to Brazil in 2022, the primary time an African nation had defeated the five-time champions in a World Cup setting. The issue was that he was then despatched off for extreme celebration.

The Indomitable Lions had been nonetheless eradicated regardless of the win, with the Brazilians advancing to the knockout rounds. Nonetheless, it was punishment definitely worth the second of shirtless pleasure. It even appeared just like the referee felt a bit unhealthy for having at hand out that crimson card.

No. 98: Cuauhtémoc Blanco Leaps Into Historical past This transfer was so WILD, they named it after him 🤯 No. 98 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments Making an attempt to shake off round two defenders? You must take into consideration attempting this trademark transfer created by one of many best Mexican gamers to ever reside. It was so good, it is identified all through the world because the "Cuauhtemiña."

On the 1998 World Cup, Cuauhtémoc Blanco clamped the ball between his ft did his finest impression of a kangaroo by hopping between two South Korean defenders. It might not have produced a purpose, however the participant from el barrio bravo de Tepito produced a transfer that has instantly leaped into the hearts and minds of soccer followers since.

No. 97: Klinsmann's Roundhouse Flick This volley was BEAUTIFUL 🇩🇪 No. 97 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments Lengthy earlier than he coached the USA males's nationwide workforce on the 2014 World Cup, Jürgen Klinsmann scored a ton of objectives for Germany, together with this stunner in opposition to South Korea.

Klinsmann, who 4 years earlier had helped his nation win the World Cup for the third time, would flip what regarded like a routine cross reception along with his again to the purpose into probably the most memorable objectives of USA ‘94 with one swivel of his hips.

No. 96: This Free Kick Modified USA Soccer Historical past This Free Kick CHANGED Historical past 🇺🇸 No. 96 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments The U.S. males's nationwide workforce hadn't made a splash on the World Cup in many years – however that each one modified it the USA hosted the 1994 version. It was because of a wonder-goal in opposition to Switzerland by the USA star Eric Wynalda.

Wynalda's unstoppable, curling free kick simply earlier than the groups headed to the dressing rooms almost blew the roof off the Silverdome in suburban Detroit. The match ended 1-1. That time, plus an upset win over Colombia just a few days later, was sufficient to ship the USA to the second spherical, the place they took eventual champ Brazil to additional time earlier than dropping 1-0.

No. 95: One Of the Greatest Opening Targets Ever You Could not Script a Higher Opening Objective 🇩🇪 No. 95 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments In 2006, Germany legend Philipp Lahm scored the most effective opening objectives to a World Cup ever. From a distance, Lahm (sporting a solid on his proper arm following a current harm) curled the ball completely into the highest nook previous Costa Rica keeper José Francisco Porras.

In fact, it was even sweeter because the Germans had been internet hosting the match with excessive hopes of profitable all of it on house soil. The hosts fell within the semifinals however Lahm's superb method and management on this purpose in Munich shall be one of many match's highlights.

No. 94: A Volley For The Ages A volley for the ages 🦘 Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆 No. 94 Tim Cahill is arguably Australia's finest males's soccer participant ever and that is because of his capability to attain in huge moments on the World Cup. That included this spectacular volley on the 2014 match in Brazil, the place he confirmed his method and skill in opposition to the Netherlands.

A looping lengthy cross from one aspect to the Porto Alegre pitch to the opposite, Cahill one-timed the shot into the online on the good angle because the ball kissed the underside of the bar. A stellar purpose adopted by his trademark fighting-the-corner-flag celebration.

No. 93: This Rule Proved Too Merciless This Rule Proved Too Merciless 🇫🇷 No. 93 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆 A brand new rule was launched within the 1998 World Cup spherical of 16: Golden Objective. Rating in additional time, and it’s over.

Hosts France had been deadlocked with Paraguay at 0-0 going into additional time of their spherical of 16 matchup at Lens. The ball discovered Laurent Blanc on the fringe of the six-yard field, and he buried it to finish the match at 1-0. France superior; Paraguay was eradicated on the spot.

France went on to win all of it, however it will be one of many remaining few international locations to profit from the merciless rule, because it was scrapped altogether six years later.

No. 92: First Again-to-Again Champs The First Again-to-Again Champs 🇮🇹 No. 92 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆 It did not take lengthy for the World Cup to have its first dynasty.

After lifting the trophy on house soil on the second-ever World Cup in 1934, Italy did it once more at France 1938, stamping its legacy eternally.

Italy won't be essentially the most well-known repeat World Cup champions of all time, however it can go down in historical past as the primary.

No. 91: A Objective That Deserved A Happier Ending This Objective Deserved a Happier Ending 🥲 No. 91 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆 Archie Gemmill’s marvel purpose for Scotland within the 1978 FIFA World Cup would have despatched them to the knockout stage in the event that they hadn’t fallen quick on purpose distinction in opposition to the Netherlands.

Gemmill had Scottish followers dreaming of an upset in opposition to one of many world's finest sides. Within the 68th minute, the diminutive midfielder danced away from three Dutch defenders earlier than lobbing a left-footed end over the keeper Jan Jongbloed. With a two-goal lead, it appeared Scotland would advance.

But it surely was to no avail because the Dutch scored minutes later, leaving the heartbroken Scots questioning what might have been. As a substitute, the Netherlands superior on goal-difference and would go on to make a second consecutive World Cup remaining look.

No. 90: The Final Staff Objective Is that this one of the best workforce purpose ever? 🤔 No. 90 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆 25 passes. 9 gamers. One iconic purpose for Argentina.

On the 2006 World Cup (the primary one during which Lionel Messi appeared), Argentina confronted a stern take a look at in opposition to Serbia within the group stage. It was a type of video games the place the underdogs knew they must be sharp on protection to maintain a much more gifted Argentina aspect at bay.

Besides it did not work that manner, and Argentina pounced from the get-go with an early purpose within the sixth minute by Maxi Rodriguez. And that is when the Albiceleste magic took over. Within the thirty first minute, a affected person ballet of teamwork that concerned a mixture of on-target passes led to Hernán Crespo looping a ball to early-match substitute Esteban Cambiasso. Objective, Argentina.

4 extra adopted – together with Messi's first ever at a World Cup. However Cambiasso's strike stood above all that day.

No. 89: A Controversial Objective Impacts Three Groups Most CONTROVERSIAL VAR Determination? 🤔 No. 89 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆 One of many hardest teams on the 2022 World Cup featured Germany (four-time champions), Spain (2010 champions), at all times gifted Japan, and feisty Costa Rica. So that you knew that this group was going to have some fireworks.

That occurred on the ultimate matchday. Germany dealing with Costa Rica and Japan taking over Spain with all 4 groups having hope of advancing.

At halftime of each matches, it appeared like Spain and Germany would advance, whereas Japan and Costa Rica would go house. However the script was then ripped aside. Within the 51st minute of the Japan-Spain sport, Kaoru Mitoma chases the ball down — it seems to be out. However he crosses it to Ao Tanaka, who scores off an unbelievable angle. VAR says the ball remained in play by the slimmest of margins. The purpose stands.

Japan topped the group. Spain additionally superior. Germany was eradicated regardless of beating Costa Rica. Pleasure and heartbreak throughout.

No. 88: Three Yellow Playing cards And One Crimson-Confronted Referee When a Participant obtained Booked THREE TIMES in ONE Recreation 🤯 No. 88 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆 Soccer is understood for its simplicity of guidelines when in comparison with different main sports activities. And probably the most well-known guidelines is that once you get two yellow playing cards, that equates to a crimson card and subsequently an automated dismissal from the sport.

Which is why an error by England official Graham Ballot on the 2006 World Cup was so memorable. Ballot had proven Croatia's Josip Šimunić two yellow playing cards within the group-stage finale in opposition to Australia, however the participant inexplicably stayed on. Solely till a 3rd card was proven to Šimunić that the defender truly left the pitch.

It was the final World Cup sport Ballot ever labored as he requested to not be thought of for future tournaments on account of his unforgettable mistake.

No. 87: Matador Magic! A Star Rises For Mexico at France '98 El Matador Magic 🇲🇽 No. 87 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments When your nickname is "El Matador," you higher have a killer intuition in entrance of the online. Luis Hernandez had that after which some as a star striker for Mexico on the 1998 World Cup.

By beating South Korea and tying Belgium of their first two group stage video games at France ‘98, Mexico appeared well-positioned to progress to the knockout rounds. Nonetheless, advancing was not assured. And with the Netherlands looming of their remaining first-round match, the nerves of El Tri followers had been, understandably, frayed.

They stayed that manner till virtually the final kick of the ball. Mexico was dropping 2-1 to the Dutch as the competition entered stoppage time. Within the different Group E finale being performed concurrently, the Koreans and Belgians had been tied. If El Tri misplaced and Belgium managed to attain a late winner, they’d advance at Mexico’s expense.

Hernandez, along with his trademark flowing blonde coiffure, wasn’t about to depart something to likelihood. As a substitute of counting on one other end result, the striker often known as "El Matador" pounced on a botched clearance within the field by Dutch middle again Jaap Stam and stabbed the ball into the online. The purpose pulled Mexico degree within the 94th minute. When the ultimate whistle blew moments later, Mexico was en path to the spherical of 16.

No. 86: Hungary's File Scoreline Will This File Ever be Damaged? 🤔 No. 86 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆 El Salvador was determined to provide a decent displaying in simply its second match look, having misplaced all three of their video games and failing to attain a purpose on the 1970 occasion. However an absence of funding meant they took simply 20 gamers, two wanting the roster restrict, and had been the final workforce to reach for competitors. Add in a very aggressive gameplan from younger coach Mauricio "Pipo" Rodríguez, and the end result was a 10-1 loss to Hungary of their opener. It stays essentially the most lopsided scoreline in World Cup historical past.

The efficiency was so humiliating that when ES ahead Luis Ramírez Zapata scored to make it 5-1, a few of his teammates implored him to tone down his celebration, lest he make the Hungarians indignant. Possibly he did; László Kiss got here off the bench to attain a seven-minute hat trick (additionally a file) and Hungary added two extra objectives earlier than the ultimate whistle to finish the rout.

No. 85: Bulgaria's Celebrity Takes Over Summer season of '94 Stoichkov At His Peak 🔥 No. 85 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆 Bulgaria had been thought of an afterthought. However one synthetic positive the world remembered them. On the 1994 World Cup, Hristo Stoichkov could not be stopped. After changing two penalties in opposition to Greece, the Barcelona legend scored in opposition to Argentina to safe a spot within the knockout spherical.

Then, the magic actually began. Within the Spherical of 16, Stoichkov bagged a sixth minute purpose, as Bulgaria took down Mexico on penalties. Subsequent got here defending champions Germany. Trailing 1-0 within the seventy fifth minute, he and Yordan Letchkov scored three minutes aside for the win.

Stoichkov and Bulgaria would finally lose within the semifinals, nevertheless it was actually an unforgettable run.

No. 84: No Period Penal No Period Penal? The Name That Nonetheless Haunts Mexico 😱 No. 84 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆 Mexico benefited from some luck simply to make it to Brazil 2014 — if not for a late purpose by their archrival United States versus Panama, El Tri would've didn't qualify out of CONCACAF — however there they had been, simply moments away from lastly reaching the elusive quinto partido, or fifth sport, at a World Cup.

Then their luck ran out. With simply two minutes of the 90 to play, the Dutch made it 1-1 via Wesley Sneijder. Mexico captain Rafa Márquez was then whistled for tripping Arjen Robben contained in the penalty field deep into second-half stoppage time.

Replays confirmed that Robben had theatrically embellished the contact, if there was any in any respect. It wasn't a penalty.

That did not matter. VAR was nonetheless 4 years away from its World Cup debut. With out video evaluation, the decision on the sphere stood, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored from the spot, and Mexico had been eradicated within the spherical of 16 for the sixth straight match.

No. 83: Sneijder Stands Tall in Dutch Rally Shortest Participant = Greatest Affect 🇳🇱 No. 83 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆 At 5-foot-7, Wesley Sneijder was by no means an imposing determine for the Netherlands. However he knew how you can rise in huge moments, similar to his standout two-goal efficiency in opposition to Brazil within the 2010 World Cup quarterfinals.

The Brazilians had been up early on Robinho's purpose within the quarterfinal match, enjoying about as sound as anybody else within the match. However then the Dutch took over. Sneijder first had a deep vast cross that seemingly floated eternally and slipped previous Brazil keeper Julio Cesar's punchout earlier than skimming off Felipe Melo’s head and into the online.

Then it was the diminutive dynamo who scored once more to finish the comeback, sneaking via the penalty space and discovering house for an unbelievable header. Even he could not imagine it, greedy his brow in delight. But it surely's the win that saved the Netherlands marching on and finally reaching the ultimate.

No. 82: No Choice For Zaire In Loss To Brazil "Don’t Return Dwelling if You Lose by 4 or Extra Targets!" 🗣️ No. 82 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆 Zaire’s qualification for the 1974 World Cup was a watershed second for the nation. They had been the primary workforce from sub-Saharan Africa to make it, and simply the third from that continent general.

However what ought to have been a joyous match for Zaire's gamers turned sinister. After dropping their opener 2-0 to Scotland, the gamers had been knowledgeable that they wouldn’t be paid their World Cup bonuses. They meant to boycott their subsequent match, in opposition to Yugoslavia, however relented after threats from the nation’s president, dictator Mobutu Sese Seko.

Following a 9-0 loss — tied for essentially the most one-sided scoreline in World Cup historical past — Mobutu instructed the workforce to not trouble coming house in the event that they misplaced to Brazil by greater than 4 objectives. So, down three late within the sport, Zaire’s Mwepu Ilunga raced from the defensive wall and booted the ball down the sphere. He was yellow-carded for time-wasting, nevertheless it was price it: Brazil didn’t rating once more, and the match completed 3-0. A lackluster however maybe life-saving efficiency for a rustic who at the moment are attempting to qualify in 2026 – this time with hopes of a greater consequence.

No. 81: South Korea Saves Mexico; Germany Hopes Dashed Why Mexico Followers LOVE South Korea 🤝 No. 81 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments "¡Coreano! Hermano! Ya eres mexicano!"

On the 2018 World Cup, that is how Son Heung-min and South Korea ousted the defending champions and helped out a really grateful Mexico squad.

Regardless of dropping to Mexico of their opening match, 2014 match winners Germany appreciated their odds of reaching the knockout stage on the 2018 version in Russia. All of the Germans needed to do was beat South Korea by two objectives to ensure a spot within the enterprise finish of the competitors.

As anticipated, Die Mannschaft dominated the Taeguk Warriors via almost 90 minutes, however the match was nonetheless scoreless. Germany was determined and pushed as many gamers as attainable ahead. Then South Korea pounced on the chance as Kim Younger-gwon first scored. It was then Son who sealed the entire group's destiny with a second purpose as time wound down.

That meant Germany was out. Mexico, regardless of getting pummeled by group winners Sweden, had been additionally advancing. A sigh of reduction for El Tri followers, who gratefully serenaded Korean gamers and followers in Russia – and even held celebrations outdoors of South Korea's diplomatic workplaces throughout Mexico.

No. 80: Did He Actually Imply To Rating That Objective? Did Maicon Try to Shoot or Cross? 🤔 No. 80 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆 The previous saying is which you can make your individual luck. And this memorable purpose by Maicon, which defied odds and angles, is an instance of that.

In the summertime of 2010, the Brazilian right-back was at his absolute peak. A Treble-winning elite defender for Inter Milan and a stalwart for his nation on the summer season's World Cup. And it was in opposition to North Korea that Maicon produced his signature second continues to be debated.

As Maicon barreled down the flank and into the 18-yard field and caught as much as a pinpoint cross by Elano, he powered a shot that whizzed behind keeper Ri Myong-guk and into the online on the tightest of angles. It appeared that Maicon was attempting to truly cross to Luis Fabiano, however as an alternative did the job himself. A celebration adopted that appeared extra reduction than pleasure, and the most effective "Did he imply to try this?" moments in soccer lore was born.

No. 79: USA's Pulisic Delivers a Winner Christian Pulisic DELIVERS for the USA ⭐️ No. 79 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆 The US males's nationwide workforce confronted immense strain to make it out of a tricky Group B on the 2022 FIFA World Cup after failing to qualify for Russia 2018. The issue? It solely managed two factors after its matchups with Wales and England.

With the U.S. in determined want of three factors in its remaining group stage match in opposition to Iran, Christian Pulisic put his physique on the road to get his workforce on the board, diving in entrance of a cross to beat the 2 defenders marking him and colliding with Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand within the course of.

This purpose despatched the U.S. via — and gave Christian Pulisic his World Cup second. Within the 2022 World Cup Group Stage, the USA wanted a win to advance. Within the thirty eighth minute, Weston McKennie despatched in a cross

Pulisic was compelled off on account of the collision, however his purpose ended up being the distinction for the U.S. because it superior to the spherical of 16 with a 1-0 win and three much-needed factors.

No. 78: Richarlison's Surprise Objective Richarlison Scores Gorgeous Scissor Kick Objective for Brazil 🇧🇷 No. 78 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆 Brazil entered the 2022 FIFA World Cup as one of many favorites to go the gap, and that hype solely obtained louder after Richarlison's grasp class within the Seleção's group stage opener in opposition to Serbia.

After failing to attain within the first half, Richarlison scored a second-half brace, and his second purpose will go down as probably the most skillful objectives in World Cup historical past. Richarlison volleyed a cross from Vinícius Júnior within the air to himself and scored with an acrobatic scissor kick.

Brazil would finally bow out of the match within the quarterfinals, nevertheless it made its mark on the match because of Richarlison.

No. 77: Do not Depend Out Dempsey and the USA Survived the Group of Loss of life—don’t ever rely out the USA 🇺🇸🔥 No. 77 in Greatest FIFA World Cup Moments™ On the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the soccer gods did the USA no favors. A bunch stage that included match heavyweights Germany, a Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal squad, and Ghana (the workforce that had ousted the USA in two straight World Cups).

Pundits had written off the USA even earlier than the workforce reached the match, pondering there could be no manner coach Jurgen Klinnsman's squad would survive a tricky group.

In opposition to Ghana, Clint Dempsey scored the quickest World Cup purpose in USA historical past. Ghana equalized earlier than John Brooks rose to the event and netted a header for the dramatic game-winner. In opposition to Portugal, Jermaine Jones smashed a stunner that was mooted after Ronaldo's last-second equalizer. A loss to Germany nonetheless noticed the USA advance into the knockout stage because of a purpose differential over Portugal.

With tough-as-nails playmakers similar to Dempsey, Jones and keeper Tim Howard, this USA squad proved loads of folks mistaken.

No. 76: Sunday Oliseh's screamer vs. Spain This Shot was so POWERFUL, Even in Gradual-Mo it Appeared Quick 🚀 No. 76 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments There's one thing to be stated for sheer energy.

Fairly passing sequences and deftly positioned pictures are good and all, however generally you do not need to watch the lock get picked — you need to see a ball hit with sufficient drive to blow the complete home down.

That is what Sunday Oliseh gave us in Nigeria's first match of the 1998 World Cup. The defensive midfielder wasn't identified for scoring — he managed just one different purpose in 53 worldwide appearances — however he knew what to do when a Spain clearance fell to him 30 yards from purpose with about 12 minutes remaining within the sport.

Fernando Hierro and Raul scored for Spain on both aspect of halftime, however Nigeria equalized twice. With time operating quick, Hierro cleared a Tremendous Eagles throw-in deep in his personal finish. Oliseh caught it on the half-volley and thundered a low strike simply contained in the publish previous surprised La Roja backstop Andoni Zubizarreta.

The kick could not have been extra ferocious. Not solely was it sufficient to offer Nigeria the win, nevertheless it additionally helped propel them to the highest of Group D. Spain, in the meantime, didn't survive the group stage.

Speak about a robust shot.

No. 75: Van Bronckhorst's Blast He had NO enterprise taking pictures from there 🇳🇱😳 No. 75 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments Giovanni van Bronckhorst wasn’t often known as a scorer all through his lengthy and embellished worldwide profession for the Netherlands, for good purpose.

In 106 appearances with the Oranje, the skin again managed simply six objectives. And at age 35 in 2010, many questioned if the veteran would even crack Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk’s remaining 23-man roster for the match in South Africa.

Van Bronckhorst didn’t simply make it, he was named captain. And within the semifinal in opposition to Uruguay, he opened the scoring with an audacious, 40-yard, left-footed strike that grazed diving La Celeste keeper Fernando Muslera’s fingertips and kissed the within of the far publish earlier than settling into the online.

The one World Cup purpose Van Bronckhorst ever scored helped ship his nation to the title match for the third time, and it stays among the many most spectacular in match historical past.

No. 74: 5 Targets in One Recreation! Salenko Makes Historical past The Best World Cup Efficiency No one Talks About 🤯 No. 74 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆 You’ve heard of a hat trick. However what a few Salenko?

Once you rating 5 objectives in a single sport, you’re worthy of getting the feat named after you. On the 1994 World Cup, Russian striker Oleg Salenko discovered the online 5 occasions in a 6-1, group stage victory over Cameroon.

The win wasn’t sufficient to assist the Russians attain the knockout stage, however Salenko’s record-setting day did go a great distance towards him turning into the one participant in World Cup historical past to win the Golden Boot as high scorer regardless of solely taking part within the first spherical.

Salenko additionally scored from the penalty spot in opposition to Sweden to complete USA ‘94 with six objectives, the identical quantity as Bulgarian striker Hristo Stoichkov, with whom he shared the award. Not unhealthy for a man who performed in 4 fewer matches.

No. 73: Rivaldo’s Oscar-Worthy Diving Efficiency A Flop Worthy of an Oscar 🎭 No. 73 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆 Everyone knows soccer stars have a penchant for the dramatic. However Brazilian legend Rivaldo might take the Oscar for an all-time performing efficiency for his inexplicable dive on the 2002 World Cup.

Throughout a gaggle stage match, Turkiye's Hakan Ünsal, irritated that Rivaldo was taking his candy time getting ready to take a nook kick, booted the ball off the Brazilian’s legs. Rivaldo collapsed and started rolling on the turf holding not his thigh — however his face.

Ünsal was proven a crimson card and the ridicule in opposition to Rivaldo started. In an period earlier than social media, the video went viral and proven over sports activities and information and late-night exhibits alike throughout the globe. Rivaldo was fined (however not suspended) by FIFA however he additionally obtained the final chuckle — Brazil received its fifth (and its most up-to-date) World Cup title.

No 72: Rooney’s Crimson and Ronaldo’s Wink Ronaldo knew EXACTLY what he did 👀 No. 72 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆 A warmth second on the world’s greatest stage between two World Cup heavyweights concerned a pair of Manchester United famous person teammates.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney had been among the many faces of world soccer on the 2006 World Cup. So, when England and Portugal had been pitted within the quarterfinals, the world knew sparks would fly.

Within the second half, Rooney stamped on Portugal’s Ricardo Carvalho and the referee reached for crimson. Ronaldo had been pleading to the ref that his Man United teammate ought to be despatched off, and that’s when the cameras caught it: a sly, virtually celebratory wink towards the Portugal bench proper after Rooney’s dismissal.

Portugal would survive on penalties as Ronaldo scores the decider. England’s dream of a World Cup title ends. And that wink — like it or hate it — turns into a defining, unforgettable and controversial moments in World Cup historical past.

No 71: Kuwait's Princely Protest When Royalty Disallowed a World Cup Objective 👑 No. 71 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆 On an inventory of most weird World Cup moments, this must be close to the highest.

On the 1982 occasion in Spain, first time qualifier Kuwait had simply gone 4-1 right down to France with 10 minutes left of their group stage match.

Contained in the stadium, Kuwaiti Prince Fahad Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah took exception, contending {that a} whistle from the gang sounded earlier than Les Bleus scored their fourth purpose, inflicting Kuwait’s gamers to cease defending pondering Soviet referee Myroslav Stupar had halted the sport.

The Prince strode onto the sphere and threatened to drag his nation’s gamers off of it if the ref didn’t reverse his resolution — which he did! However France scored once more anyway to revive the lopsided victory. The Prince was later fined by FIFA, and Stupar by no means labored a World Cup match once more.

Kuwait had been eradicated of their remaining first spherical match, a 1-0 loss to England. They haven’t been again to a World Cup since.

No. 70: The 'Saudi Maradona' This Objective Earned Him an INSANE Reward 🤯 🇸🇦 No. 70 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments 🏆 Diego Maradona wasn’t the one participant to dribble via a whole workforce and rating at a World Cup. And if we’re being truthful, the unbelievable solo purpose Saeed Al-Owairan managed to drag off for Saudi Arabia at USA ‘94 was each bit as fairly.

Al-Owairan’s run and end didn’t come within the knockout stage, as Maradona’s slalom had eight years earlier. It didn’t come in opposition to England or another former champion. It started deeper in his personal half, although, and he beat yet another would-be defenders. And whereas the Argentine legend picked the lock by calmly rolling the ball house after rounding keeper Peter Shilton, Al-Owairan blasted the door down with a ferocious shot previous Belgian netminder Michel Preud'homme.

The purpose was significant, too. Not solely did Al-Owairan’s unforgettable strike give Saudi Arabia a 1-0 win, it additionally sealed their passage to the second spherical — the one time the nation has survived group play.

No. 69: The Objective that Saved Germany The Objective that Saved Germany… For One Recreation 😳 No.69 in Greatest FIFA World Cup™ Moments This purpose gave Germany hope — not less than for yet another sport.

On the point of elimination within the group stage at Russia 2018, defending champions Germany had been awarded a free kick from simply outdoors the field within the ninety fifth minute. Kroos lined the ball up from a tough angle and curled the ball into the highest left nook of the purpose. Germany lives to see one other day.

Sadly for Germany, it solely delayed the inevitable. Days later, Germany misplaced to South Korea and crashed out of the group. A masterpiece in a World Cup that finally slipped away.

Till the beginning of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 11, FOX Sports activities is counting down the highest 100 moments in match historical past. Examine again day by day for a brand new second.

2026 FIFA World Cup: How To Watch The World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Unfold throughout three international locations, the match will culminate with the ultimate on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 match matches will air reside throughout FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with each match streaming reside and on-demand inside each the FOX One and the FOX Sports activities apps.