Top 7 Most Iconic Goals In FIFA World Cup History

The FIFA World Cup is the most prestigious soccer tournament in the world, and it has seen some of the most iconic goals in history. From the header by Geoff Hurst to Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal, these are some of the most memorable goals in World Cup history.

7. Dennis Bergkamp’s goal vs. Argentina, 1998

Dennis Bergkamp’s iconic goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup Round of 16 was one of the most memorable goals of all time. It began when Bergkamp received the ball from Frank de Boer, just beyond the halfway line.

He then went on a brilliant run, beating three defenders with a series of feints and turns, before firing a low shot into the far corner of the goal, past the despairing dive of Argentine goalkeeper Carlos Roa. The goal was crucial in helping the Netherlands to a 2-1 victory, and they ultimately went on to reach the semi-finals.

6. Esteban Cambiasso’s goal vs. Serbia & Montenegro, 2006

Esteban Cambiasso’s goal against Serbia & Montenegro in the 2006 World Cup was a stunning solo effort.

Cambiasso received the ball in his own half of the field and surged forward, displaying his quick feet and dribbling ability to evade his markers. He then drove towards the edge of the penalty area, where he unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that flew into the bottom corner of the net, past the despairing goalkeeper.

The goal was not only a beautiful moment of individual skill, but it was also vital for Argentina’s World Cup hopes as it secured a 1-0 victory over Serbia & Montenegro and ensured their progress to the knockout stages.

5. Geoff Hurst’s goal vs. West Germany, 1966

Geoff Hurst scored the winning goal in the 1966 FIFA World Cup final against West Germany. It was the third and final goal of a hat-trick, the first ever scored in a World Cup final, and it sealed a 4–2 victory for England.

Hurst’s goal came in extra time, in the 101st minute of the match. His shot hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced down, with the West German players appealing for it not to be given as a goal. After consulting with a linesman, the referee, Gottfried Dienst, awarded the goal.

4. Andres Iniesta’s goal vs. Netherlands, 2010

In the 2010 World Cup Final, Andres Iniesta scored a dramatic late goal in extra time to give Spain a 1–0 win over the Netherlands.

Iniesta received a pass from Cesc Fabregas and dribbled past two Dutch defenders before shooting the ball past goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg from the edge of the box. It was the first time Spain had ever won the World Cup. The goal was considered one of the greatest goals in World Cup history.

3. Saeed Al-Owairan’s solo goal vs. Belgium, 1994

Saeed Al-Owairan’s solo goal against Belgium in the 1994 World Cup was a sight to behold.

The Saudi Arabian midfielder picked up the ball in his own half and, with a series of dazzling dribbles, weaved his way past six Belgian defenders before slotting the ball past the goalkeeper. It was a truly remarkable goal that encapsulated the spirit of the tournament and is still remembered fondly in the footballing world today.

2. Carlos Alberto’s goal vs. Italy, 1970

Carlos Alberto’s goal vs. Italy in the 1970 FIFA World Cup Final is widely considered to be one of the greatest goals in the history of football.

The goal was scored in the fourth minute of the match after a length-of-the-field passing combination between several Brazilian players, beginning with a backheel from Tostão in his own half and ending with a powerful right-footed shot from Carlos Alberto into the top corner of the goal. The goal sealed Brazil’s victory and led them to their third World Cup title.

1. Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal vs. England, 1986

Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal occurred during the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals between Argentina and England. In the 51st minute, Maradona leapt above the England goalkeeper and punched the ball into the net.

The goal was initially allowed, although replays clearly showed that Maradona had used his hand. After the game, Maradona famously explained the goal as the “Hand of God” goal, saying that the goal was scored by “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God”. The goal ultimately proved to be the winner, as Argentina went on to win the match 2-1. The goal is widely considered to be one of the most iconic goals in the history of football.

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