Our 5 favorite moments from the 2026 World Cup, from Argentina’s return to American chemistry

Norway beating Brazil, England knocking out Mexico, the continued excellence of Lionel Messi, the meteoric rise of Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, an incredible run for the Golden Boot and a star-studded semi-final – the 2026 World Cup has delivered some incredible moments, and it’s hard to pick a favorite.

There were so many exciting, outrageous matches and lots of fun off the field, and FOX Sports ranked the top 50 moments.

But we also want to intervene. We’ve covered the biggest World Cup in history from many angles, but these are our favorite moments from the tournament. And we’re sure we won’t forget them anytime soon.

Under normal circumstances, the game would have been over. England was clinging to his life at that point, of course. But the Three Lions still led 1-0. They were still five minutes from regulation time in the World Cup final – their first in 60 years. Most opponents simply can’t believe it. But Argentina is not normal. Lionel Messi certainly isn’t. So with Messi & Co. knocking on the door, what happened next seemed almost predetermined.

First, Messi created Enzo Fernández’s equalizer. Then the 39-year-old GOAT found Lauturo Martinez at the back post for the Albiceleste’s stoppage-time winner. Sitting in the press box at Atlanta Stadium, behind the England goal, I had a perfect view of both goals. And I still can’t believe what I saw. —Doug McIntyre

Going with the American men here, which might be controversial. Of course, this team was expected to advance past the round of 16 and advance to the quarterfinals, and their match against Belgium was a dud compared to their previous matches. It was difficult for the group to mentally overcome the red card debacle.

But looking back, I can’t remember a time when Americans all seemed so cowardly. It was clear every day in practice that the guys were having fun together, and that was reflected in their performance over the course of four games. Even Christian Pulisic, a little more reserved with his emotions, seemed happy and smiled a lot. American fans really rallied behind this team and stadiums were buzzing in Los Angeles, Seattle and Santa Clara. It was fun covering their race. -Laken Litman

Erling Haaland finishing the World Cup in Brazil must be at the top. Norway’s victory in the round of 16 was the result that made me sit up in my chair. It was the country’s first World Cup for 28 years, facing a Brazil side that Carlo Ancelotti had been specially brought in to repair, and for most of the afternoon the Selecao had the better chances. Then Haaland rose for a header and, minutes later, hammered home a left-footed shot from outside the box that no living goalkeeper stopped.

Two touches, two goals, seven for the tournament. Norway had never reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup. Brazil hadn’t gone out this early since 1990. The sport’s most successful nation, defeated by a country of just over 5 million people and an unstoppable attacker. These are the underdog stories that entire fan bases rally around.

Oh, and Haaland has also gained social media during her time here in North America. His star has never been bigger. —Matteo Bonetti

For my part, I will opt for Jude Bellingham’s World Cup. It came in with a lot of criticism, especially from the British media, which isn’t that surprising since I’ve known this trend my whole life and career. But in the end, this young man proved once again how special he is and helped the Three Lions secure third place, which is their best record since 1966 and the highest World Cup finish on foreign soil.

Remember: he became the highest midfield goalscorer in tournament history, as well as England’s highest tournament goalscorer. Only Peru’s Teófilo Nene Cubillas has more goals from midfield in the World Cup than Bellingham. Oh, and his solo effort against France? A work of art. —Luis Miguel Echegaray

The end of Cape Verde’s 0-0 draw against Spain was incredible and with what we know now, it’s even more impressive. This small archipelago off the coast of Africa has a population of around 500,000 and has very little history in the game. In one of the viral stories surrounding this team, left back Roberto “Pico” Lopes was brought in when the national team’s head coach discovered him through Linkedin.

But the performance of goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, and the images of him after this match will remain etched in the memories of many people for a long time. Spain has won seven of its eight matches at this World Cup. They have won all seven of their matches at Euro 2024. The only blemish in Spain’s record in their 15 matches at their last two major tournaments came from Cape Verde. There was much debate leading up to this tournament about whether a 48-team World Cup would work. Cape Verde helped make a strong case for the expanded tournament. —Brian Sciaretta