6 Most Breathtaking Goals in the FIFA World Cup History

In its near-100-year history, the World Cup has been imbued with some amazing moments, particularly sublime goals that were jaw-dropping in their execution.

The 23rd edition of the World Cup is just around the corner, and we’re bound to see some more stunning strikes that will raise the roof. 

What are the most breathtaking goals ever scored at the World Cup? In this guide, we have limited the blockbuster collection to six, but trust us, they will always be fondly remembered.

France, who are currently floating around the 6.00 mark with most recognised crypto betting operators ahead of the World Cup, have an undeniable pedigree on the biggest stage in international football.

En route to their 2018 triumph, Les Bleus played out a pulsating quarter-final clash with Argentina. A Round of 16 contest ebbed and flowed, but Benjamin Pavard provided an unforgettable moment just before the hour mark.

Latching onto a deep Lucas Hernandez cross, Pavard demonstrated incredible technique as he slammed a volley with the outside of his right boot which rocketed into the top corner. It was voted ‘Goal of the Tournament’, and it’s worth searching for on YouTube.

The World Cup is where stars are created. Few fans would have known too much about Rodriguez before 2014; however, he catapulted himself into the spotlight for Colombia against Uruguay.

After taking a ball down on his chest 25 yards from goal, Rodriguez swivelled and dispatched a sumptuous volley that nestled in the net via the crossbar. It was a poetic moment, and one that played a role in securing Rodriguez’s dream move to Real Madrid.

When at their imperious best, the Netherlands can play most teams off the park. This was showcased in the 5-1 thrashing of Spain at the 2014 World Cup.

A defining moment of Oranje’s masterclass was Van Persie’s superb goal. A speculative lofted Daley Blind pass was gobbled up by Van Persie, who flung himself at the ball from outside the box with a spectacular diving header that seemingly defied expectation.

Special players produce special moments. That is apt for Bergkamp, who sent the Dutch fans into ecstasy in their quarter-final tie with Argentina.

With the game ticking towards extra-time, Frank de Boer spotted Bergkamp’s run with a raking 70-yard pass. Bergkamp brought the ball out of the air with a smooth touch, nutmegged his opponent, and then rifled an exquisite effort across the goalkeeper. These three touches etched Bergkamp’s name into the World Cup annals.

Genius is a word often overused in football. But as far as Argentina maverick Maradona is concerned, the breadth of his footballing skillset made you sit up and take notice.

Yes, there was Maradona’s controversial ‘Hand of God’ moment in that game. However, Maradona’s stunning solo goal, where he beat four players with 11 touches in 11 seconds before stroking the ball past Peter Shilton, was rightly dubbed ‘Goal of the Century’.

This goal ought to fall into another category. While it wasn’t a long-range screamer, Carlos Alberto’s effort was iconic nonetheless.

The 1970 World Cup was the first to be broadcast in colour, and it exhibited Brazil at their brilliant best. Against Italy in the Final, Brazil had plenty of swagger. 

In one of the game’s best moves, the Selecao instigated a nine-pass attack that began in their own half. It ended with Alberto timing his marauding run to perfection as he bent the ball into the bottom corner, marking an evocative moment in the tournament’s history.

As we’ve witnessed, the World Cup has never been short on drama or stunning goals.

The goals that featured in this collection were spellbinding in their brilliance, and the 2026 World Cup will be no different, with more incredible strikes set to define this tournament.