Relive the top 10 goals in FIFA World Cup history. From solo runs to long-range screamers, these iconic strikes define the beauty of football across every league.

Top 10 Goals in World Cup History

The FIFA World Cup is not just about lifting trophies — it’s about unforgettable moments, iconic goals, and legendary players etching their names into history. Over the decades, the tournament has produced some of the most breathtaking goals in football, transcending generations and inspiring millions.

From mesmerizing solo runs to unstoppable volleys, these goals aren’t just scores — they’re time capsules of emotion, skill, and global magic. In this article, we revisit the Top 10 Goals in World Cup History, exploring the stories behind each masterpiece, the players who scored them, and how their respective MQM Bet leagues helped shape these moments.

1. Diego Maradona vs England (1986)

• Tournament: Mexico 1986 Quarter-final

• Result: Argentina 2–1 England

Known as the “Goal of the Century,” Maradona dribbled past five England players and the goalkeeper to score one of the most remarkable goals in football history.

Why It’s Iconic:

• Solo dribble from his own half

• Perfect balance, speed, and ball control

• Capped off an unforgettable World Cup performance

2. James Rodríguez vs Uruguay (2014)

• Tournament: Brazil 2014 Round of 16

• Result: Colombia 2–0 Uruguay

James controlled the ball with his chest outside the box and hit a sensational volley into the top corner.

Why It’s Iconic:

• Technical brilliance

• Long-range strike with perfect timing

• Elevated James to global stardom and earned him a Real Madrid transfer to La Liga

3. Dennis Bergkamp vs Argentina (1998)

• Tournament: France 1998 Quarter-final

• Result: Netherlands 2–1 Argentina

In the 90th minute, Bergkamp controlled a 60-yard pass with a perfect touch, beat the defender, and finished with the outside of his foot.

Why It’s Iconic:

• Immaculate first touch and control

• Ice-cold composure under pressure

• A defining goal in Dutch football and Premier League legacy

4. Pelé vs Sweden (1958)

• Tournament: Sweden 1958 Final

• Result: Brazil 5–2 Sweden

At just 17, Pelé chested the ball, flicked it over a defender, and volleyed it into the net to announce his greatness to the world.

Why It’s Iconic:

• Teenage brilliance

• Showed elegance and technique far beyond his age

• Marked the beginning of Brazil’s World Cup dominance

5. Benjamin Pavard vs Argentina (2018)

• Tournament: Russia 2018 Round of 16

• Result: France 4–3 Argentina

From outside the box, Pavard sliced across the ball to strike a stunning outside-foot volley that curved into the top corner.

Why It’s Iconic:

• Perfect technique and curve

• Helped shift momentum in a classic World Cup match

• Showcased Bundesliga talent on the world stage

6. Saeed Al-Owairan vs Belgium (1994)

• Tournament: USA 1994 Group Stage

• Result: Saudi Arabia 1–0 Belgium

Al-Owairan ran from his own half past multiple Belgian defenders to score a solo stunner.

Why It’s Iconic:

• One-man show reminiscent of Maradona

• Put Saudi football on the global map

• A rare Middle Eastern highlight in World Cup history

7. Michael Owen vs Argentina (1998)

• Tournament: France 1998 Round of 16

• Result: England 2–2 Argentina (Argentina won on penalties)

The 18-year-old Owen burst past defenders and curled the ball into the net, showing electric pace and maturity beyond his years.

Why It’s Iconic:

• Breakout goal from a teenage Premier League star

• Sparked international recognition

• Became a symbol of youthful fearlessness

8. Esteban Cambiasso vs Serbia and Montenegro (2006)

• Tournament: Germany 2006 Group Stage

• Result: Argentina 6–0 Serbia and Montenegro

After a 24-pass team move involving nearly every player, Cambiasso calmly finished to cap off one of the best team goals in history.

Why It’s Iconic:

• Total football execution

• Unselfish teamwork and fluid play

• Showcased the tactical depth of La Liga-trained players

9. Gio van Bronckhorst vs Uruguay (2010)

• Tournament: South Africa 2010 Semi-final

• Result: Netherlands 3–2 Uruguay

The Dutch captain unleashed a rocket from 35 yards that sailed into the top corner.

Why It’s Iconic:

• Long-range thunderbolt in a high-stakes match

• Celebrated for its sheer power and accuracy

• Highlighted Eredivisie development and leadership

10. Carlos Alberto vs Italy (1970)

• Tournament: Mexico 1970 Final

• Result: Brazil 4–1 Italy

After a series of fluid passes from Brazil, Pelé laid off the ball to Carlos Alberto, who smashed it home.

Why It’s Iconic:

• The perfect team goal

• Symbolized Brazil’s footballing philosophy

• A timeless blend of flair and precision

How Leagues Shape Legendary Goals

While the World Cup is a showcase of international talent, many of these legendary goals were created by players who honed their skills in the world’s top leagues:

• Premier League: Known for developing attacking pace and resilience under pressure.

• La Liga: Famous for technical flair and intelligent movement, enabling stunning goals like those by James and Cambiasso.

• Bundesliga: Pavard’s goal shows the German league’s emphasis on precision and discipline.

• Serie A: Tactical intelligence and defensive acumen prepare players for moments of brilliance.

• Eredivisie: Dutch youth systems that focus on ball mastery and vision.

• Saudi Pro League: Rising as a proving ground for regional stars like Al-Owairan and Al-Dawsari.

Without these leagues, the skills required to produce such goals might never have fully developed. The connection between club competition and World Cup glory is deeply intertwined.

Honorable Mentions

• Tim Cahill vs Netherlands (2014) – A stunning volley from a looping cross.

• Maxi Rodríguez vs Mexico (2006) – Controlled the ball on his chest and fired it into the corner.

• Lionel Messi vs Nigeria (2018) – Perfect control and finish under pressure.

• Cristiano Ronaldo vs Spain (2018) – A stunning free kick in the dying moments.

Conclusion: More Than Just Goals

These goals are more than statistics — they’re moments that live forever in the hearts of fans. Each one carries with it the essence of the World Cup: unpredictability, brilliance, and the power of football to unite the world.

As we head toward the 2026 World Cup, many more iconic goals will be scored. Will the next “Goal of the Century” come from a Premier League wonderkid? Or a Saudi Pro League breakout? One thing is certain: the league you follow could very well produce the next football legend.

Want to witness the next great World Cup goal before it happens? Start tracking talent now in your favorite league. Whether you follow the flair of La Liga, the intensity of the Premier League, or the rising stars of the Saudi Pro League — every legendary goal starts in a league. Support your league and watch history unfold!