2026 FIFA World Cup Features Thrilling Matches and Upsets

New York. The 2026 World Cup presented unforgettable football matches filled with excitement, dramatic comebacks, unexpected results, and decisive goals in the final moments.

From Lionel Messi's inspiring performance to Cape Verde's historic journey and Spain's dominance, this tournament provided fans with memorable moments.

Here is a list of the top 10 matches before the final between Spain and Argentina:

10. Paraguay 1-1 Germany (4-3 on penalties)

In the Round of 32 on June 29, Paraguay caused the biggest upset of the tournament, defeating the strong title contender Germany in a penalty shootout. The match ended 1-1 in regulation and extra time, with Germany controlling most of the ball but unable to break down Paraguay's solid defense.

Jonathan Tah's goal in extra time was disallowed by VAR for a foul. In the subsequent penalty shootout, goalkeeper Orlando Gill saved shots from Kai Havertz and Nick Voltemade, securing a historic victory for Paraguay.

9. Morocco 1-1 Netherlands (3-2 on penalties)

Similarly, in another Round of 32 match on June 29, two strong teams met in the knockout stage. The match between Morocco and the Netherlands presented a quarter-final level competition.

Cody Gakpo gave the Netherlands the lead in the 72nd minute. Gakpo, who had lost his child during pregnancy, looked towards the sky in tribute after scoring. However, in the first minute of injury time, Morocco equalized with a header from Issa Diop. Despite excellent saves from Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen in extra time, Morocco emerged victorious in a tense penalty shootout where five shots were missed.

8. Spain 2-0 France

The semi-final match on July 14 was also somewhat unexpected. France's attack and speed were considered unstoppable. However, Spain once again proved why it is one of the best teams in the world.

Through possession-based play and intense counter-pressing, Spain rendered Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and Bradley Barcola almost ineffective. France failed to register a single shot on target until the 82nd minute. After winning Euro 2024 and the Nations League, Spain defeated France again to secure a place in the World Cup final.

7. Cape Verde 0-0 Spain

In the group stage on June 15, Cape Verde, participating in the World Cup for the first time, produced the biggest sensation of the tournament. Despite Spain taking 27 shots, 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha made incredible saves, stopping all seven shots that were on target.

Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente even brought on Lamine Yamal, who was returning from injury, but they couldn't score. With this draw, Cape Verde achieved the greatest accomplishment in its sporting history.

6. Belgium 3-2 Senegal

Also, in the Round of 32 on July 1, Belgium staged one of the most incredible comebacks in World Cup history, overturning a two-goal deficit. Romelu Lukaku reduced the deficit in the 86th minute, and three minutes later, Youri Tielemans scored the equalizer. At the end of extra time, captain Tielemans scored the decisive goal in the 125th minute after a VAR-awarded penalty, sending Belgium to the last 16.

5. Argentina 2-1 England

The match between Argentina and England in the semi-finals on July 15 was also considered an excellent game. England's coach Thomas Tuchel adopted an overly defensive strategy to protect their one-goal lead. This ultimately proved costly for England.

Enzo Fernández equalized in the 85th minute. Then, in the second minute of injury time, Lautaro Martínez scored the winning goal with a header. Lionel Messi assisted both goals, sending Argentina to another consecutive World Cup final.

4. Portugal 2-1 Croatia

In the Round of 32 on July 2, the match between Portugal and Croatia centered on the discussion of whose World Cup journey would end between the 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo and the 41-year-old Luka Modrić. The game became even more famous due to its controversial ending.

Although Josko Gvardiol seemed to have equalized in injury time, the sensor embedded in the ball confirmed a slight touch on Igor Matanović's head. Because of this, the goal was disallowed, ruling Mario Pašalić offside. While the decision was correct according to technology, many felt it snatched away an unforgettable moment.

3. Argentina 3-2 Egypt

The intense match between Argentina and Egypt in the Round of 16 on July 7 was also remarkable. Egypt had taken a 2-0 lead by the end of the second half, dreaming of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time.

However, in the 79th minute, Cristian Romero scored from Messi's excellent cross. Four minutes later, Messi himself scored the equalizer. Enzo Fernández's header in injury time secured a sensational victory for Argentina. After the match, Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan expressed dissatisfaction with the referee's decisions, accusing Argentina of favoritism.

2. England 3-2 Mexico

Similarly, in the Round of 16 match on July 5, England achieved a rare historic victory at the Estadio Azteca, considered Mexico's fortress.

Jude Bellingham scored two goals within two minutes. Then, Harry Kane scored the decisive goal from a penalty, even with one player down. For the remaining time, England defended bravely and disciplinedly, securing a thrilling victory in a stadium packed with home supporters.

1. Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde

The Round of 32 match on July 3 between Argentina and Cape Verde, due to Cape Verde's fighting performance, was recorded as the best match of this World Cup. Cape Verde, a small nation participating in the World Cup for the first time, came back twice to equalize against defending champions Argentina. The second equalizer, a curling shot from Sidney Lopes Cabral, was considered one of the best goals of the tournament.

Finally, Argentina scored the winning goal in the 111th minute to advance. Despite being defeated, Cape Verde won the respect of fans worldwide. Maintaining a draw for 90 minutes against three former world champions like Spain, Uruguay, and Argentina was an extraordinary achievement for Cape Verde.