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Iconic
moments

Every four years the World Cup writes another chapter of football folklore. These are the moments that outlived the tournaments that produced them — replayed, debated and remembered for generations.

1986
Maradona's two faces

Against England, Diego Maradona scored the 'Hand of God' and, minutes later, the 'Goal of the Century' — a solo run past half the team.

1950
The Maracanazo

Uruguay silenced a record Maracanã crowd to beat hosts Brazil in the deciding match — still Brazilian football's defining heartbreak.

1966
Hurst's final hat-trick

Geoff Hurst's treble won England the final at Wembley — the only World Cup final hat-trick until Mbappé in 2022.

2006
Zidane's headbutt

In his last-ever match, Zinedine Zidane was sent off for a headbutt in the final — one of the most replayed clips in football history.

2014
Germany 7–1 Brazil

In the semi-final on home soil, Brazil were dismantled in one of the most stunning results the tournament has ever seen.

2022
Messi's crowning

Messi led Argentina to glory in an all-time final against France, finally lifting the trophy that had eluded him.

Some were strokes of genius, some were disasters, and some were both at once. Together they form the emotional history of the game's greatest stage.