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 make 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.
2026 FIFA World Cup: How To Watch
The 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).
[WHEN AND WHERE: Full Schedule for 2026 FIFA World Cup]
Leading up to the 2026 World Cup, here’s our countdown of the 100 best men’s moments in 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.
This touch from Messi saved Argentina 🤯 No. 100 in Best FIFA World Cup™ Moments
Argentina went on to win the game and advance. An unbelievable first touch from Lionel Messi that saved Argentina. And while La Albiceleste were eliminated by eventual champions France in the round of 16, Messi’s sublime 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.
A Red Card to Remember 🟥 No. 99 in Best FIFA World Cup Moments
The Indomitable Lions were still eliminated despite the win, with the Brazilians advancing to the knockout rounds. Nonetheless, it was punishment worth the moment of shirtless joy. It even seemed like the referee felt a bit bad for having to hand out that red card.
No. 98: Cuauhtémoc Blanco Leaps Into History
Trying to shake off around two defenders? You should think about trying this trademark move created by one of the greatest Mexican players to ever live. It was so nice, it’s known throughout the world as the “Cuauhtemiña.”
This move was so WILD, they named it after him 🤯 No. 98 in Best FIFA World Cup™ Moments
At the 1998 World Cup, Cuauhtémoc Blanco clamped the ball between his feet 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 el barrio bravo de Tepito produced a move that has immediately leaped into the hearts and minds of soccer fans since.
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.
This volley was BEAUTIFUL 🇩🇪 No. 97 in Best FIFA World Cup™ Moments
Klinsmann, who four years earlier had helped his country win the World Cup for the third time, would turn what looked like a routine pass reception with his back to their goal into one of the most memorable goals of USA ‘94 with one swivel of his hips.
No. 96: This Free Kick Changed USA Soccer History
The U.S. men’s national team hadn’t made a splash at the World Cup in decades – but that all changed it the USA hosted the 1994 edition. It was thanks to a wonder-goal against Switzerland by the USA star Eric Wynalda.
This Free Kick CHANGED History 🇺🇸 No. 96 in Best FIFA World Cup™ Moments
Wynalda’s unstoppable, curling free kick just before the teams headed to the dressing rooms nearly blew the roof off the Silverdome in suburban Detroit. The match ended 1-1. That point plus an upset win over Colombia a few days later was enough to send the USA to the second round, where they took eventual champ Brazil to extra time before losing 1-0.
Until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 11, FOX Sports is counting down the top 100 moments in tournament history. Check back every day for a new moment.
