Ranking the Top 10 Matches of a Memorable World Cup
This summer's World Cup has delivered countless thrilling moments and dramatic finishes, making it tough to pick a single standout match. From stunning upsets to last-minute comebacks, here is our ranking of the 10 most exciting games leading up to the final between Spain and Argentina.
10. Paraguay 1, Germany 1 (4-3 on penalties) | Round of 32, June 29
Paraguay stunned the tournament by holding Germany to a 1-1 draw after extra time, then edging them in penalties. The South American team’s tight defense and selective counterattacks frustrated Germany despite their dominance in possession. A disallowed goal for Germany in extra time and crucial saves by goalkeeper Orlando Gill sealed the upset.
9. Morocco 1, Netherlands 1 (3-2 on penalties) | Round of 32, June 29
Meeting so early in knockout rounds, these teams delivered quarterfinal-quality drama. Cody Gakpo opened the scoring, visibly emotional due to personal tragedy, but Morocco responded with a stoppage-time equalizer. Despite many missed penalties, Morocco triumphed in the shootout, making this an unforgettable battle.
8. Spain 2, France 0 | Semifinals, July 14
Spain dismantled the favored French side through patient possession and aggressive pressing. France barely threatened, only managing their first shot on goal deep into the second half. Spain’s control over star players like Kylian Mbappe left France stunned and marked another major defeat against Spain on big stages.
7. Cape Verde 0, Spain 0 | Group Stage, June 15
Making their World Cup debut, Cape Verde held European champions Spain scoreless. Despite 27 shots from Spain, their keeper Vozinha made spectacular saves to keep his country in the match. Cape Verde earned a historic point, stunning fans worldwide and announcing themselves on football’s biggest stage.
6. Belgium 3, Senegal 2 | Round of 32, July 1
Belgium staged a dramatic comeback from two goals down late in regular time. Goals from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans leveled the match before Tielemans calmly scored the winning penalty deep into extra time. Senegal’s inability to hold a lead echoed struggles faced by other African nations during the tournament.
5. Argentina 2, England 1 | Semifinals, July 15
England coach Thomas Tuchel’s defensive shift cost the team momentum as Argentina pressed relentlessly. After several near misses, Enzo Fernandez equalized in the 85th minute, and Lautaro Martinez scored a stoppage-time winner with assists from Lionel Messi. The match showcased Argentina’s resilience and left England with a lost chance.
4. Portugal 2, Croatia 1 | Round of 32, July 2
This clash between veterans Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric featured a thrilling finish spoiled by a controversial VAR decision. Croatia’s late equalizer was overturned due to an offside call detected by ball sensors, dashing hopes of a comeback and leaving fans debating the role of technology in football’s finest moments.
3. Argentina 3, Egypt 2 | Round of 16, July 7
Egypt led 2-0 deep into the match, nearly securing their first quarterfinal appearance. Lionel Messi sparked Argentina’s comeback with a goal and assist, followed by a stoppage-time winner from Enzo Fernandez. Controversial refereeing decisions sparked complaints from Egypt’s coach, who accused officials of favoritism toward Argentina.
2. England 3, Mexico 2 | Round of 16, July 5
England overcame a hostile crowd at Estadio Azteca, defying Mexico’s strong home record. Jude Bellingham scored twice early, Harry Kane added a penalty, and England withstood relentless pressure despite going down to 10 men. Fans sang "Football’s coming home" but will have to wait for the next tournament.
1. Argentina 3, Cape Verde 2 | Round of 32, July 3
Argentina faced an unlikely opponent in debutants Cape Verde, who twice matched the reigning champions. Sidny Lopes Cabral scored a stunning equalizer that had fans buzzing. Though Argentina eventually prevailed in extra time, Cape Verde’s fearless performance against giants earned global admiration.
