2022 FIFA World Cup / Wikimedia Commons
Sports Event
Top 10 Most Memorable World Cup Moments
From Maradona's legendary solo run past five England defenders to Germany's jaw-dropping 7-1 demolition of host Brazil, the FIFA World Cup has gifted football fans iconic moments that transcend sport. We've ranked the 10 greatest World Cup goals, upsets, and unforgettable scenes across a century of the beautiful game — but the final say is yours. Cast your vote below and tell us which World Cup moment gave you chills.
2026225 views
Top10Grid rankings are decided by votes, not algorithms — use the buttons below to move this list.
Current Rankings
Vote items up or down — rankings update instantly
Get the weekly sports rundown
Only lists published since the last email. Join the early readers.
- Only Top 10s published in the last 7 days
- One email a week — and none at all in a week with nothing new
- Unsubscribe in one click
No spam. One email per week. Unsubscribe anytime.
World Cup Moments — Your Questions Answered
What is considered the greatest World Cup moment of all time? Most football historians point to Diego Maradona's Goal of the Century in the 1986 quarter-final against England — a 60-metre solo dribble past five outfield players — as the single greatest World Cup moment ever captured on film.
Which World Cup final is the most memorable? The 2022 final between Argentina and France is widely regarded as the greatest in tournament history: Kylian Mbappé scored a second-half hat-trick to level at 3-3, yet Lionel Messi lifted the trophy after a penalty shootout in a match that had 88,000 fans in Lusail barely breathing.
What was the biggest upset in World Cup history? Senegal's 1-0 victory over defending champions France in the 2002 group stage and Germany's 7-1 demolition of host nation Brazil in the 2014 semi-final are the two moments most often cited as the tournament's most shocking results.
Readers Also Ranked
More Lists Like This
Top 10 Mexican Football Players of All Time
- #1Hugo Sanchez
- #2Cuauhtemoc Blanco
- #3Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez
Top 10 Most Iconic Football Celebrations
- #1Bebeto's Baby Cradle — USA 1994
- #2Roger Milla's Corner Flag Dance — Italia 90
- #3Robbie Fowler's Line-Sniffing — 1999
Top 10 Best NBA Arenas to Watch a Game
- #1Chase Center — San Francisco (Golden State Warriors)
- #2Madison Square Garden — New York (New York Knicks)
- #3Crypto.com Arena — Los Angeles (LA Lakers/Clippers)
Top 10 Greatest Olympians of All Time
- #1Michael Phelps
- #2Larisa Latynina
- #3Usain Bolt
Frequently asked questions
What are the top 10 most memorable World Cup moments?
The list typically includes iconic events like Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal in 1986, Zinedine Zidane's headbutt in 2006, and Brazil's 7-1 semifinal loss to Germany in 2014, among others.
Which World Cup moment is considered the most memorable of all time?
Many fans and analysts rank Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' and his subsequent 'Goal of the Century' against England in the 1986 quarterfinal as the most memorable single moment.
Are controversial moments included in the top 10 memorable World Cup moments?
Yes, controversial moments like Maradona's 'Hand of God' and Zinedine Zidane's headbutt in the 2006 final are often included due to their lasting impact and drama.
What was the most memorable World Cup final moment?
Zinedine Zidane's headbutt on Marco Materazzi during extra time of the 2006 final is widely considered the most memorable final moment for its shocking and decisive nature.
Does the top 10 list include moments from women's World Cups?
While the list often focuses on men's World Cups, iconic women's moments—such as Brandi Chastain's penalty and sports bra celebration in 1999—are also frequently cited as memorable.
Discussion
Have a take on this ranking?
Comments are how the argument actually happens here. Posting one needs a free account — it takes about a minute.
No comments yet.
The first comment sets the terms of the argument.
Would your top 10 look different?
Publish your own ranking of this topic. Your list gets its own page, and readers vote on it the same way you just voted on this one.
Build your own Top 10Related Videos
More Sports Rankings
More Sports Events Rankings
6
Top 10 Best World Cup Kits of All Time — Iconic Football Jerseys Ranked
251 views · @admin
Top 10 World Cup Underdogs & Upsets
265 views · @admin
Top 10 World Cup Songs and Anthems
301 views · @admin
Top 10 Greatest Olympic Sprinters of All Time (2026): Ranked & Reviewed
329 views · @admin
10 Biggest World Cup Hosting Controversies: From Qatar 2022 to Mussolini's 1934 Propaganda Tournament
338 views · @admin
Top 10 World Cup Documentaries and Films to Stream — Best Soccer Movies Ranked
339 views · @admin
You might also want to rank…
Top 10 African Football Stars of All Time
Top 10 Countries to Watch at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Top 10 Korean Hiking Trails 2026
Top 10 Best Rugby Players EverExplore more Sports rankings on Top10Grid
People Also Explore
Because you're viewing Sports
Top 10 Brazilian Football Clubs of All Time
283 views · 0 votes
Top 10 Action Athletes of 2026
305 views · 0 votes
Top 10 Greatest Tennis Players of All Time
312 views · 0 votes
Top 10 Greatest Olympic Sprinters of All Time (2026): Ranked & Reviewed
329 views · 0 votes
10 Biggest World Cup Hosting Controversies: From Qatar 2022 to Mussolini's 1934 Propaganda Tournament
338 views · 1 votes
Top 10 World Cup Penalty Shootout Dramas
353 views · 1 votes
You might also like
SPORTSSame type
Top 10 Greatest World Cup Finals in History
10 items
SPORTSSame type
Top 10 Greatest World Cup Goalkeepers
10 items
SPORTSSame type
Top 10 World Cup Penalty Shootout Dramas
10 items
SPORTSSame type
10 Biggest World Cup Hosting Controversies: From Qatar 2022 to Mussolini's 1934 Propaganda Tournament
10 items
SPORTSSame type
Top 12 Biggest World Cup Upsets Ever (Ranked)
12 items
SPORTSSame type
Top 10 Greatest World Cup Hat-Tricks
10 items
