17 Greatest & Most Viewed World Cup Goals Of All Time

Ever argued with friends on which World Cup goals are the greatest? Well, in this article you’ll know better.

The World Cup is the most prestigious tournament in football. The finest players from around the world gather to compete for their country’s pride. It’s a tournament with a lot of emotion, a lot of energy, and everything on the line.

The World Cup is never short of spectacular goals. These World Cup goals contribute to the creation of stories about the World Cup’s most memorable moments while also highlighting talents.

The FIFA World Cup has consistently produced spectacular goals since its inception in 1930. However, what defines a “greatest goal” varies among individuals.

Football fans will appreciate the frumpy poacher’s tap-in coupled with the teamwork that comes with it, while others will prefer the fanciful efforts that turn into memorable, long-range net screamers. Not to mention volleys, set pieces, and bicycle kicks, through-ball runs from the midfield.

Here are the top 20 greatest World Cup goals

Seriously, there are few fierce goals in this piece, since greatness is somewhat relative, we put this up in no particular order.

• Maradona’s Vs England (1986) – Hand of God

Argentina and England meet in a World Cup semi-final at the Azteca Stadium, amid lingering Falkland Islands hostility.

After a delightful, mazy run, Maradona attempts a one-two with Jorge Valdano. However, the ball is intercepted by Steve Hodge, who successfully diverts it towards England goalkeeper Peter Shilton. El Diez isn’t having it and leaps magnificently to redirect the ball past the England goalkeeper.

The incident will go down in World Cup and sporting history as one of the most controversial aspects of dishonesty in a high-stakes competition. Argentina would go on to win the World Cup in 1986, which was widely attributed to Maradona rather than the team.—as the iconic player would proceed to show some of the more refined and praiseworthy aspects of his talent as the tournament, and the game, wore on…

• Diego Maradona’s Goal Vs. England (1986)

Argentina vs. England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals will be noted for Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” moment. However, this is a list of the best World Cup goals, not the most hotly debated.

Maradona scored one of the greatest World Cup goals of all time four minutes after deliberately handling the ball into England’s net.

The Argentine forward received the ball inside his own half before spinning away from two England midfielders. He then weaved past three more weak and vulnerable defenders and the goalkeeper before finishing his 60-meter run calmly.

FIFA.com voters named the goal “Goal of the Century” in 2002. As a result, it ranks among the top World Cup goals ever scored.

• Benjamin Pavard’s Goal Vs. Argentina (2018)

With France trailing Argentina 2-1 in the 2018 FIFA World Cup’s knockout stages, attacking stars such as Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann were assumed to save the day. The equalizer, however, came from an unexpected player.

Lucas Hernandez, a French left-back, delivered a cross from the byline after 57 minutes. The ball eluded everyone in the box before finding its way to Pavard.

Pavard leaned back before launching a stunning half-volley into the net’s roof. The ball continued to rise past Argentina goalkeeper Franco Armani, who was unable to reach for the shot.

France went on to win the match 4-3, with Mbappe scoring two quick goals after Pavard’s wonder goal.

READ ALSO | 5 Of The Most Sensational World Cup Songs

• Robin Van Persie’s Goal Vs. Spain (2010)

Long-range strikes and vicious volleys aren’t the only top World Cup goals. Robin van Persie, in fact, scored one of the greatest World Cup goals in history.

The 2010 World Cup final happened to be one of the opening games of the 2014 World Cup, as if fate want a rematch. In 2010, Spain won the trophy with a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands. Four years later, the Dutch levied their vengeance in dramatic fashion.

The Netherlands would have feared the worst when Xabi Alonso put Spain ahead from the penalty spot on 27 minutes. Van Persie, on the other hand, produced a moment of magic to turn the game on.

On the edge of the penalty area, the lethal striker met Daley Blind’s inch-perfect cross-field pass before executing a magnificent header. Every football fan across the world was flabbergasted, including Spain’s goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

After the break, the floodgates opened, with the Netherlands defeating the defending champions 5-1. Arjen Robben scored twice in the second half, and Robin van Persie added another.

• Siphiwe Tshabalala’s  Vs Mexico (2010)

For all of the great moments and songs it provided, the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa was one of the most exciting editions in recent history.

Siphiwe Tshabalala’s goal in the first World Cup game in front of a home crowd was the ideal way to kick off the first tournament on African soil.

The home team turned the ball over in their own half and launched a quick counter-attack on the Mexicans. Tshabalala was placed behind Mexico’s defense. From the edge of the box, the winger took a few touches and smashed the ball into the top corner of the goal.

The home crowd went into a frenzy as they celebrated the tournament’s first goal.

• Maxi Rodriguez’s Goal Vs Mexico (2016)

Argentina vs Mexico’s 2006 World Cup last-16 match got off to a rocky start. Rafael Marquez gave Mexico the lead after only six minutes, but Hernan Crespo equalized four minutes later.

However, neither team scored again in normal time. With the score tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes, the game demands a hero to break the tie in additional time.

Juan Pablo Sorin received the ball from Lionel Messi midway inside Mexico’s half in the 98th minute. Sorin sent a hopeful cross to the edge of the penalty area, where Rodriguez was waiting. Rodriguez kept the ball on his chest before launching a thunderous left-footed volley into the top corner of the net. Mexican goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez dived at full stretch, but he was unable to prevent the strike.

There is no denying that Rodriguez’s screamer against Mexico is one of the FIFA World Cup goals of all time.

• James Rodriguez’s  Vs Uruguay (2014)

At the 2014 World Cup, Colombia faced South American rival Uruguay in the round of 16. As the game approached the 30-minute mark, James received the ball 20 meters away from the goal at an unusual height. The young forward took the ball down with his chest, swiveled, and rifled a rocket off the underside of the crossbar with his back to goal.

James’ wonder strike is not only one of the best World Cup goals of all time, but it is also one of the greatest goals in soccer history. For his troubles, the Colombian received the 2014 FIFA Puskas Award.

Colombia defeated Uruguay 2-0 thanks to another goal from James. Despite Colombia losing to Brazil in the quarterfinals, James scored six goals in five games to secure the golden boot.

• Carlos Alberto – Brazil vs. Italy (1970)

The Brazil side of 1970 is undoubtedly one of the greatest World Cup teams of all time.

Spearheaded by the legendary Pele – who holds several FIFA World Cup records – the Brazilians clinched their third title in Mexico. Brazil beat Czechoslovakia, England, and Romania during the group stage before dispatching Peru and Uruguay in the knockout phase. Five straight victories set up a final showdown against Italy.

In the final at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca, the Brazilians found themselves 3-1 up with only a few minutes left on the clock. Still, they clearly weren’t content with the score.

Following some skillful midfield play by Clodoaldo, the ball made its way to Rivelino before arriving at the feet of Jairzinho. The ball was then passed to Pele, who waited for the perfect moment to set up the onrushing Carlos Alberto.

The marauding wing-back meets the ball and thumps it into the bottom corner of the net, completing a team move to rival Argentina in 2006. Thanks to this strike, Carlos Alberto cemented his status among the best soccer players of all time.

• Saeed Al Owairan’s  Vs Belgium 1994

Perhaps the least well-known player on our list, Saeed Al Owairan scored an absolute belter during the 1994 World Cup.

During the group stages against Belgium, A Owairan picked up the ball in his own half and proceeded to take it past a maze of Belgian players before hammering it over the goalkeeper. It was the game’s only goal and was one Diego Maradona would have been proud of.

The goal was also made even more significant as it helped Saudi Arabia qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament, where they would lose to Sweden in the round of 16.

READ ALSO | 5 Of The Most Beautiful World Cup Balls Since 2002

• Dennis Bergkamp’s  Vs. Argentina (1998)

Throughout his illustrious career, Dennis Bergkamp scored numerous memorable goals. Indeed, the former Arsenal, Ajax, and Inter Milan forward was known for his beautiful and one-of-a-kind goals.

The Dutchman’s pirouette goal for Arsenal and Newcastle United in 2002 is arguably his best club goal. But there is only one winner when it comes to ranking his best international goals.

The Netherlands and Argentina appeared to be heading to extra time in the 1998 World Cup quarter-final. Both teams scored early in the first half, but neither team was able to break the tie. That is, until Bergkamp’s moment of brilliance.

In the final minute of normal time, Frank De Boer floated a perfect long-range pass into Bergkamp’s path. in the final minute of normal time. The forward controlled the ball with a flawless touch took it past Roberto Ayala and used the outside of his right foot to seal the deal. Bergkamp’s late winner sent the Netherlands through to the semi-finals.

Despite pushing the Brazilians all the way to penalties, the Dutch failed to reach the final.

• Esteban Cambiasso vs. Serbia/Montenegro (2006)

Many of the best FIFA World Cup goals ever scored were the result of individual brilliance. The next entry on CheapGoal’s list, however, is one of the best team goals you’ll ever see.

Argentina faced Serbia and Montenegro in the 2006 World Cup group stage before Maxi Rodriguez’s volley against Mexico in the Round of 16. The Argentines scored six goals in that game, but the second goal stands out.

Rodriguez took Mateja Kezman down just inside his own half. Esteban Cambiasso scored one of the best goals in FIFA World Cup history after 54 seconds and 25 passes.

Javier Saviola, Juan Roman Riquelme, Javier Mascherano had multiple touches in the move. Cambiasso then played a neat one-two with Hernan Crespo, who backheeled the ball back to the scorer.

How many passes did they make there?  You’d need a count again right ?.

• Archie Gemmill’s Vs Holland 1978

The World Cup for Scotland in 1978 was not going well. They had lost to Peru and then drew to Iran which meant they had to beat the Netherlands by three goals. Halfway through the second half, qualification looked possible as they had a 2-1 lead. And it got better for them when Archie Gemmill scored his wonder goal.

Gemmill received the ball in the Dutch half and proceeded to take it past Wim Jansen, Ruud Krol, and Jan Poortvliet and then lofted it over Dutch keeper Jan Jongbloed.

It was 3-1 with only one more goal needed. Unfortunately, the Dutch scored soon after which made qualification impossible. But regardless, Gemmill’s goal was beauty.

• Giovanni Van Bronckhorst’s Vs Uruguay (2010)

Giovanni van Bronckhorst continued the theme of Dutchmen scoring incredible World Cup goals twelve years after Bergkamp’s heroics. The strike this time, however, was a long-range spinebuster. The Netherlands faced Uruguay in the World Cup semi-finals in 2010. The game began slowly, as expected, with both teams approaching the crucial tussle with cautiousness.

Nonetheless, with only 18 minutes remaining, van Bronckhorst took matters into his own hands. The left-back received the ball far from the goal and unleashed a thunderous strike past goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

As you can see, van Bronckhorst had no right to score at all. Most players would not even consider shooting from that distance, but van Bronckhorst believed in himself and delivered.

The Netherlands beat Uruguay 3-2 to reach the World Cup final for the third time. However, they eventually lost the showpiece to Spain – conceding an agonizingly late goal in the dying embers of extra time.

Even so, van Bronckhorst’s effort must go down as one of the best World Cup goals in history.

• Michael Owen’s Goal Vs. Argentina (1998)

With this solo effort, Michael Owen ushered himself onto the world stage in 1998. Owen received a diagonal ball from David Beckham and touched it through with a lovely right foot touch.

Owen’s pace is incredible as he shrugs off Jose Chamot and then takes it past Matias Almeyda.

Paul Scholes arrives on the right side, but Owen takes the shot instead, slamming the ball home to put the game 2-1. England eventually lose on penalties, but Owen’s goal catapulted him to international prominence.

• Sunday Oliseh’s Vs Spain (1998)

Spain won the first half 2-1 and were favorites to finish the job in the second half. A huge twist of fate helped the Super Eagles gain balance of power in the 73rd minute, thanks to an own goal.

Oliseh came up with something that will go down in football history 5 minutes later. The wondorous strike, like David’s thunderous stone that sunk Goliath, caught goalkeeper Andoni Zubizaretta off guard and secured Nigeria’s 3-2 victory over Spain in the championship.

READ ALSO | 2026 World Cup Stadiums & Cities

• Philippe Coutinho’s Goal Vs. Switzerland (2018)

Tite decided to play Coutinho in a midfield three rather than his traditional right-sided position in a front three with Gabriel Jesus and Neymar.

Chelsea’s Willian filled Coutinho in the front three, with Barcelona’s Coutinho dropping into a deeper midfield role alongside Casemiro and Paulinho. Tite’s decision appeared to have paid off, as the tactical shift had no negative impact on Coutinho’s performance.

Philippe Coutinho made his first World Cup appearance in less than twenty minutes, scoring against Switzerland with a sensational curling shot from 25 yards.

• Pele’s Vs Sweden (1958)

Pele had scored the winner against Wales in the quarter-final and then a hat-trick in the semi-final win over France, but he outdid both goals here with a brilliant display of close control. He executed an outrageous flick over the defender and a stunning finish past goalkeeper Kalle Svensson.

The strike put Brazil 3-1 up, with the talented teenager later adding his second as his team ran out 5-2 winners to capture their first World Cup.

• Fabio Grosso’s Vs Germany (2006)

The World Cup semi-final in Dortmund, 2006. Old foes Germany and Italy contend a classic. 119 minutes of deadlock and 24 years of anguish were broken as Del Piero’s corner fell to Andrea Pirlo. It slips in Grosso with a deft ball and in one delicious movement, the full-back fires home.

Ecstatic scenes were replicated five days later as Italy beat France 5-3 on penalties in another dramatic clash. Grosso’s goal sent the Azzuri to their first World Cup final in over a decade.

• Iniesta’s Vs Holland (2010)

For the first time since 1978, a World Cup final features two teams who have never won the world’s most prestigious trophy. Spain, the European Champions, has had a difficult season but now faces the disappointingly reactive Dutch.

After 116 minutes of deadlock and 80 years of heartbreak for Espana, Iniesta finally breaks through. A Dutch penalty appeal is dismissed, and the Spaniards break for goal via Jesus Navas, Andres Iniesta, and, crucially, Cesc Fabregas. With the finish, Iniesta makes no mistake—the Dutch resolve is finally broken.

Spain’s Barcelona-inspired possession game earned them the ultimate prize, and thus the meat in their sandwich of European Championship victories.

FAQ

Who has scored the most goals in a World Cup game?

Just Fontaine! The record for the most goals at a single World Cup is 13 by Frenchman Just Fontaine in 1958, which he achieved in six games.

Who scored 100 international goals?

Iran’s Ali Daei, who was the first football player to score 100 international goals, Ferenc Puskas of Hungary, who boasted an astounding 1:1 goal-to-match ratio, and three-time World Cup winner Pele also find a place in the roll of honor.

What is the biggest win in World Cup history?

Germany’s 8-0 victory at the 2002 World Cup against Saudi Arabia is the biggest World Cup win in the 21st Century.

What is the biggest loss in World Cup history?

31- 0 ! On 11 April 2001, the Australian and American Samoa national soccer teams played each other in an Oceanian qualifying match for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The match was played at the International Sports Stadium in Coffs Harbour, Australia.

Which country has the best World Cup record?

Brazil. No matter which way you look at it, Brazil comes out on top as the best team in the history of the World Cup. With 19 total appearances at a finals, the nation has also played the most different competitions, having been present at every single World Cup since Uruguay in 1930.

Who is the youngest ever goalscorer at a World Cup?

Pele, to date, is the youngest goalscorer in World Cup history. The Brazilian scored his first-ever goal in the flagship tournament against Wales in the quarterfinal. Riding on Pele’s goal Brazil booked their place in the semifinal.

Which is the best goal in World Cup history?

• Gerson (Brazil), 1970.
• Jorge Burruchaga (Argentina), 1986
• Emmanuel Petit (France), 1998
• Mario Kempes (Argentina), 1978
• Ronaldo, 2nd Goal (Brazil), 2002
• Helmut Rahn (West Germany), 1954
• Marco Tardelli (Italy), 1982
• Zinedine Zidane (France), 2006.

Who has scored the most World Cup goals for England?

Wayne Rooney

53 goals. Also England’s most-capped outfield player, Rooney only scored once at a World Cup finals tournament, against Uruguay in 2014, but his six European Championship goals leave him fourth among England scorers at major tournaments behind Kane, Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer

What is the biggest win in football history?

AS Adema 149–0 SO l’Emyrne was a football match played on 31 October 2002 between two teams in Toamasina, Madagascar. It holds the world record for the highest scoreline in a football match, recognized by The Guinness Book of Records.

Who is the only player who won the World Cup 3 times?

Pelé

A total of 445 players have been in the winning team in the World Cup. Brazil’s Pelé is the only one to have won three times, while another 20 have won twice.