Key points to know
- Robin van Persie scored a spectacular goal with a flying header from outside the penalty area for the Netherlands at the 2014 World Cup.
- Diego Maradona's individual goal against England in 1986 was named ‘Goal of the Century'.
- James Rodriguez scored a spectacular goal for Colombia against Uruguay in 2014.
- Dennis Bergkamp scored a spectacular last-minute goal for the Netherlands against Argentina in the quarter-finals of the 1998 World Cup.
- Carlos Alberto completed one of the best team goals for Brazil against Italy in the 1970 World Cup final.
- Benjamin Pavard scored the “goal of the tournament” for France against Argentina in 2018.
Benjamin Pavard – France v Argentina (2018)
The French national team has an impressive World Cup history. On their way to the 2018 title, the French played an impressive eighth-final match against Argentina.
The match was tense and went both ways, but Benjamin Pavard scored a goal just before the break for themirstrain. After catching a long pass from Lucas Hernandez, Pavard showed remarkable technique. He struck an aerial shot with the outside of his right foot and the ball flew into the top corner of the net. This goal was voted “Goal of the Tournament”.
James Rodriguez – Colombia v Uruguay (2014)
The World Cup is where new stars are born. Until the 2014 tournament, few spectators knew James Rodriguez. But this Colombian made his name in one moment against Uruguay.
Controlling the ball with his chest about 25 metres from the goal, Rodriguez turned around and took a stunning aerial shot. The ball hit the crossbar and flew into the net. This goal helped Rodriguez get his dream contract with Real Madrid.
Robin van Persie – Netherlands v Spain (2014)
The Dutch national team at its best can beat any team. This was clearly evident at the 2014 World Cup when they thrashed Spain 5-1.
The highlight of that match was van Persie's goal. After seeing a long pass from Daley Blind, van Persie leapt into the air and sent the ball into the net from outside the penalty area with a stunning header. It was an acrobatic performance that nobody expected.
Dennis Bergkamp – Netherlands v Argentina (1998)
Special players create special moments. Bergkamp describes it well – he gave the Dutch fans an extraordinary joy during the quarter-final match against Argentina.
The game was heading towards extra time when Frank de Boer spotted Bergkamp on the run and made a long pass 70 metres out. Bergkamp controlled the ball beautifully, broke through his opponent and fired a precise shot over the keeper. Three soft touches on the ball put Bergkamp's name in World Cup history.
Diego Maradona – Argentina v England (1986)
The word “genius” is used a lot in football. But when it comes to Argentina's Maradona, it certainly applies – his skills always made the crowd take notice.
In the same match, Maradona's controversial ‘Hand of God' goal. But Maradona's solo goal was even more impressive. He outpaced four England players in eleven touches on the ball in eleven seconds before scoring past goalkeeper Peter Shilton. This goal was deservedly dubbed the “goal of the century”.
Carlos Alberto – Brazil v Italy (1970)
This goal is in a category of its own. It was not a long-range shot, but Carlos Alberto's goal is still iconic.
the 1970 World Cup was the first to be broadcast in colour. The tournament showed Brazil at its best. In the final against Italy, the Brazilians played with great confidence. One of the best moments of the match was the team's nine-pass attack, which started in their own half of the pitch. Carlos Alberto completed the attack with a perfect run and a precise shot into the bottom corner of the net.
What to expect from the 2026 World Cup
As history has shown, the World Cup is never short of drama and amazing goals. All the goals described in this article will go down in football history for their beauty and significance. the 2026 World Cup will be no exception, and the tournament is likely to see even more spectacular moments.
the 2026 tournament will also be historic because of its new format. For the first time in history, 48 teams are participating and the tournament will be held in three countries. You can read about all the changes to the tournament in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Changes article. For a detailed look at the main contenders, see our separate reviews of France at the 2026 World Cup and Argentina at the 2026 World Cup.
World Cup betting options
The three-week group stage will offer more than 70 matches. For an overview of the verified operators, see the article on the best betting company.
Responsible betting during the tournament
The World Cup lasts almost six weeks and matches are played almost every day. The Responsible Gambling Guide provides practical advice.
FAQs on the most spectacular World Cup goals
Which is the best goal in World Cup history
This question is subjective, as all the goals mentioned were amazing in their own way. However, most football experts agree that Diego Maradona's solo goal in 1986 is the best of all time.
Is there an award for the best World Cup goal
There is no special award for the best World Cup goal. However, the Puskas Award recognises the best goal of the calendar year worldwide. Many World Cup goals have won this award.
How many times has Brazil won the World Cup
Brazil is the most successful team in World Cup history. It has won the tournament five times – in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002.
What are the odds of France winning the World Cup
France is among the main favourites to win the tournament. The bookmakers offer odds of around 6.60 for its victory.
When does the 2026 World Cup start
the 2026 World Cup starts on 11 June. For the first time in its history, the tournament features 48 teams divided into 12 groups.
Which player scored from the greatest distance in World Cup history
One of the best long-range shots belongs to Belgian Marouane Fellaini and several other players. However, the title of most spectacular long-range goal often goes to James Rodriguez in 2014 or van Persie's header in the same year.
Is van Persie's header the best header in World Cup history
Many football experts consider it to be the best header goal in World Cup history. Flying into the air from outside the penalty area was a unique and acrobatic performance that earned Puskas the award in 2014.
