From last-gasp winners to the fastest strike of the tournament, the World Cup 2026 has already served up a string of unforgettable goals. Here are the best goals of the World Cup 2026 so far — the strikes that defined the drama. For more, visit our World Cup 2026 hub.
Stephen Eustaquio’s history-maker — Canada 1-0 South Africa
Few goals have carried more weight. Eustaquio struck in the 92nd minute of the Round of 32 to beat South Africa 1-0 and send co-hosts Canada into the last 16 for the first time in their men’s World Cup history. Relive it in our biggest shocks feature.
Ismael Diop breaks Dutch hearts — Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
With the Netherlands leading through Cody Gakpo and the 90 minutes almost up, defender Diop popped up in the 91st minute to force penalties — and Morocco held their nerve to win the shootout 3-2 and dump the Dutch out. See the player ratings.
Gabriel Martinelli’s late dagger — Brazil 2-1 Japan
Japan looked set to drag Brazil into extra time until Martinelli struck in the 95th minute to win the Round-of-32 tie for the Seleção. Full player ratings here.
Leroy Sané after 120 seconds — the fastest goal of the tournament
Germany’s Leroy Sané needed just two minutes to put his side ahead against Ecuador, the quickest goal of the World Cup 2026 so far — though Ecuador roared back to win 2-1.
Lionel Messi turns back the clock — Argentina 3-0 Algeria
Even at 39, Messi rolled back the years with a hat-trick against Algeria (17′, 60′, 76′), proving the magic has not faded as Argentina marched through the group stage.
Julio Enciso lights the fuse — the goal that doomed Germany
Enciso’s 42nd-minute strike put Paraguay ahead against Germany in the Round of 32. The four-time champions hit back to force extra time, but Paraguay held on to win on penalties — with the young Enciso the catalyst.
Mikel Merino sinks Portugal — Portugal 0-1 Spain
A last-16 heavyweight clash looked destined for extra time until Mikel Merino struck in the 91st minute to win it for Spain and send Portugal home. See the player ratings.
Enzo Fernández completes the comeback — Argentina 3-2 Egypt
Egypt led 2-0 and were 11 minutes from a stunning upset before Argentina roared back: Cristian Romero pulled one back on 79 minutes, Lionel Messi levelled on 83, and Enzo Fernández lashed home a 92nd-minute winner to keep the holders’ dream alive. Relive it in the player ratings.
Jude Bellingham drags England through — Norway 1-2 England
With England heading out, Jude Bellingham equalised on the stroke of half-time and then struck the extra-time winner to beat Norway 2-1 and reach the semi-finals. See the player ratings.
More to come
With the final between Spain and Argentina up next, the World Cup 2026 highlight reel has one more chapter to write.
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Opinions vary, but Stephen Eustaquio’s 92nd-minute winner that sent Canada to the last 16 for the first time is among the most memorable goals of the World Cup 2026 so far.
Germany’s Leroy Sane scored after just two minutes against Ecuador, the fastest goal of the World Cup 2026 so far.
Gabriel Martinelli (95th minute vs Japan), Enzo Fernandez (92nd vs Egypt) and Mikel Merino (91st vs Portugal) are among the dramatic late goals that have decided knockout ties.
Julio Enciso put Paraguay ahead against Germany; the tie finished 1-1 and Paraguay won on penalties to eliminate the four-time champions.