Norway taking down Brazil, England knocking Mexico out, Lionel Messi’s continued excellence, Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha’s meteoric rise, an incredible Golden Boot race and star-studded semifinals â the 2026 World Cup delivered some incredible moments, and it’s hard to pick a favorite.Â
There were so many thrilling and outrageous matches and tons of fun off the pitch, and FOX Sports ranked the 50 best moments.Â
But we want to weigh in too. We’ve covered the largest World Cup in history from so many angles, but these are our favorite moments from the tournament. And we’re sure we won’t be forgetting about these any time soon.
Under normal circumstances, the game wouldve been over. England was hanging on for dear life at that point, sure. But the Three Lions were still leading 1-0. They were still five minutes of regular time away from the World Cup final â their first in 60 years. Most opponents just arent coming back from that. But Argentina isnt normal. Lionel Messi definitely isnt. So with Messi & Co. knocking on the door, what happened next felt almost pre-ordained.Â
First, Messi set up Enzo Fernándezs equalizer. Then the 39-year-old GOAT found Lauturo Martinez at the back post for La Albicelestes stoppage-time winner. Sitting in the Atlanta Stadium press box behind Englands goal, I had the perfect view of both goals. And I still cant believe what I saw. â Doug McIntyre
Going with the U.S. men here, which might be controversial. Of course, the expectation was for this team to get past the round of 16 and into the quarterfinals, and their match against Belgium was a dud compared to their previous games. It was challenging for the group to mentally get past the red card debacle.Â
But taking a step back, I dont remember a time covering the Americans where they all seemed so loose. It was clear every day in training that the guys were having a blast together, and that was reflected in their performance through four games. Even Christian Pulisic, who is a little more reserved with his emotions, seemed happy and was smiling a lot. USA fans really came together behind this team and the stadiums were rocking in LA, Seattle and Santa Clara. It was fun covering their run. â Laken Litman
Erling Haaland ending Brazils World Cup has to be at the top. Norways round of 16 win was the result that made me sit back in my chair. This was the countrys first World Cup in 28 years, facing a Brazil side that Carlo Ancelotti was hired specifically to fix, and for most of the afternoon, the Seleçao had the better chances. Then Haaland rose for a header, and a few minutes later hammered a left-footed shot from outside the box that no keeper alive was stopping.Â
Two touches, two goals, seven for the tournament. Norway had never reached a World Cup quarterfinal. Brazil hadnt gone out that early since 1990. The sports most decorated nation, undone by a country of just more than 5 million people and <a href="https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/erling-haa
