Haaland and Mbappe Lost! Top 11 Most Spectacular Goals of 2026 World Cup Revealed: One-Man Breakthrough, England vs France Match Achieves Legendary Status

The 2026 FIFA World Cup expanded to 48 teams, and U.S. media outlet 'Yahoo Sports' selected 11 sequences comprising 12 of the most outstanding goals from the tournament. Stars like Messi, Haaland, and Mbappe all made the list, with Jude Bellingham's midfield solo run against France in the third-place playoff—dribbling past multiple defenders before scoring with his right foot—becoming the defining moment of England's 6-4 victory.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi quickly found his rhythm in the opening match against Algeria, scoring three goals. His first goal came from the edge of the penalty arc, where he received the ball and immediately fired it into the net without hesitation.

Cape Verde equalized against Argentina in the knockout stage with a spectacular goal by Cabral. From a position near the sideline close to the goal, he struck the ball with a curved trajectory that curled into the far corner, leaving Argentina's goalkeeper unable to react. Although Cape Verde later suffered an own goal and was eliminated 2-3, this strike remained their most iconic moment of the tournament.

France forward Kylian Mbappe continued rewriting records. In the group stage opener against Senegal, he turned and shot from distance, securing the top spot on France's all-time scoring list. In the third-place match, he added two more goals against England, bringing his World Cup career tally to 22 goals.

Haiti's forward Isidor scored from outside the box against Morocco, his shot weaving through multiple defenders before finding the net. This was Haiti's only goal in their first World Cup appearance in 52 years, making this long-range strike a historic milestone in their return to the global stage.

Norway, returning to the World Cup after 28 years, stunned traditional powerhouse Brazil in the Round of 16. Haaland, despite being surrounded by defenders, found space and fired a low shot that slipped past goalkeeper Alisson. Norway advanced to the quarterfinals with this crucial goal.

USA's rising star Gio Reyna came off the bench in the opening match against Paraguay and entered play late in the game. In stoppage time, he scored with an outside-of-the-foot shot, adding to the host nation's victory and becoming one of the USA's most talked-about goals of the tournament.

Argentina's quarterfinal clash with Switzerland went into extra time. In the 112th minute, Alvarez launched an attack from outside the box, capitalizing on defenders' slow retreat to score and extend the lead. Argentina won 3-1 and advanced to the semifinals.

Ivory Coast reached the knockout stage for the first time, with Diallo emerging as a key impact substitute. Less than 15 minutes after coming on, he broke past three defenders in the attacking third and scored, netting Ivory Coast's first-ever World Cup knockout stage goal.

Norway lost to England in the quarterfinals but still showcased standout performances. Sherdrup seized a shooting opportunity at the edge of the box and powered the ball past England goalkeeper Pickford. Though it didn't lead to advancement, the goal marked Sherdrup as one of Norway's most promising young talents.

USA midfielder Tillman earned two spots on Yahoo Sports' list. He first scored a direct free kick against Bosnia in the Round of 32, then repeated the feat against Belgium, beating Courtois with another set-piece strike, demonstrating consistent free-kick proficiency.

England and France combined for 10 goals in the third-place playoff, with England emerging victorious 6-4. Bellingham initiated one attack from midfield, dribbling past several defenders before scoring with his right foot. This solo effort not only helped England maintain their lead but also became one of the most iconic moments of the goal-filled match.