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It is impossible to have as big a spectacle as the World Cup and not experience a range of emotions: joy, pain, elation, and shock. Everyone tunes in for the World Cup because it is the biggest stage in football. This also means when things go wrong (or just completely off-script), they go wrong in front of billions. 

To celebrate the start of the 2026 World Cup in the Americas, we have compiled a list of the most bizarre, unforgettable, and craziest moments in World Cup history.

Kuwait Prince Overrules Goal (1982)

Kuwait has only ever been to one World Cup tournament back in 1982, and they made sure to leave their mark. After an impressive 1-1 draw with Czechoslovakia in their first game, they lined up against France in their second.

After 80 minutes, France’s dominance was clearly showing with a 3-1 lead, and they thought they had their fourth goal when midfielder Alan Giresse raced through on goal unchallenged to score. The Kuwaiti players had stopped running in the build-up to the goal, claiming they heard the referee’s whistle. 

However, the whistle had come from the crowd, and the goal stood…or so we thought. 

Sheikh Fahad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, president of the Kuwait Football Association and a member of the royal family, left his seat in the stands, came down to the pitch, and threatened to pull his team out of the game if the goal was not overruled.

More surprisingly, referee Miroslav Stupar bowed to the pressure and ruled the goal out. France eventually got their fourth goal to win 4-1, but the referee and Kuwait have yet to return to the World Cup since then.

Stolen World Cup (1966)

This story feels like a heist out of Red Notice. Four months before the start of the 1966 World Cup in England, the trophy was on display at Westminster’s Central Hall.

Well, not for long. Someone slipped past 6 guards and vanished with the World Cup trophy, leaving behind a £15,000 ransom note signed by “Jackson” in broad daylight.

Police did catch a middleman, but the trophy was found a week later by a dog named Pickles. Pickles and its owner had been on their evening walk in south London, and found the trophy wrapped in a newspaper.

It was given a £5,000 cheque as a reward and spent a lovely dinner with the winners of the tournament, England, at the end of the tournament. Pickles felt right at home, easing himself on the elevator shaft during dinner.

Zaire Kick the Ball Away to Survive (1974)

On June 22nd, 1974, Brazil and Zaire (now DR Congo) played in their final group match. Brazil were in danger of elimination following draws against Scotland and Yugoslavia, and needed to win by 3 or more goals. Zaire was already eliminated after defeats to the same teams. 

In the 78th minute, with Brazil 2-0 up, they were awarded a free kick. As the Brazilians stood behind the ball and Zaire players lined up to form a wall, Mwepu Ilunga raced from the wall and booted the ball into Brazil’s half. No one knew or understood what had just happened. 

Apparently, Zaire players had been threatened by the nation’s dictator, Mobutu Sese Seko, with the saying “Don’t return home if you lose by four or more goals!” Ilungu wanted to get sent off in protest, but received a yellow instead, and Brazil won 3-0—just enough for Brazil to qualify and for Zaire players to return safely. 

Diana Ross Penalty Miss (1994)

The United States hosted the World Cup for the first time in 1994, amidst controversy and criticism that the country did not have a functional football league. The plan from the hosts was to have an iconic opening ceremony to show what they had in store for the world. An estimated 750 million viewers were expected worldwide.

But things didn’t go exactly as planned. Oprah Winfrey, who was the Master of the Ceremony, stumbled and fell off the giant soccer ball, but graciously continued her duties and introduced Diana Ross.

Then Diana Ross came out to perform “I’m Coming Out” with dancers, confetti, and balloons all over the pitch. She was meant to stride to the penalty spot and score a penalty past the more than ready goalkeeper, with the post exploding to close out her performance. 

Diana missed the penalty, but the post exploded, making for an awkward moment that would be remembered when Roberto Baggio missed the penalty that crowned Brazil world champions.

Paul Gascoigne’s Tears (1990)

Paul Gascoigne was electric and brilliant in guiding England to the semi-final in Italy. At the penultimate game of the tournament, the Three Lions battled West Germany, with Gascoigne one yellow card away from suspension, meaning he would miss the final if booked.

In extra time, call it a tired tackle or not, Gascoigne brought down Thomas Berthold and was shown a yellow card. He apologized to Berthold, and that was when it hit him: he was suspended for the final game, and he burst into tears, uncontrollably.

The 23-year-old was so distraught that when the game went to penalties, he could not step up and take the designated fifth penalty. Chris Waddle volunteered to take it, but his miss knocked England out of the tournament. That image of Gazza weeping remains one of the most iconic images ever at the World Cup. 

Rijkaard Spits at Voller (1990)

Frank Rijkaard and Rudi Voller were caught up in the fierce rivalries between their nations in the Round of 16. The Netherlands and West Germany faced off in the repeat of the 1974 final.

Twenty minutes into the game, Rijkaard was booked for a hard tackle on Voller, to which he responded by spitting at the back of his head as the free kick was set up. 

Voller complained to the referee, who surprisingly booked him for his remonstration. From the resulting free kick, Voller had a run-in with the Dutch goalkeeper, with Rijkaard believing he dived looking for a penalty. 

Both players got into it and were duly sent off. But as they got off the pitch, Rijkaard spat at Voller’s hair for the second time.

Where is VAR when you need it?

Roy Keane Sent Home from the World Cup (2002)

Ireland was preparing for the World Cup at their base in Saipan when what would become a major row began. Team captain Roy Keane was displeased with the level of preparation put into the tournament by the Irish Football Federation. The equipment, training facilities, and diet were all points Keane complained about.

An article on the grievances of Keane made it to the public’s attention, and it did not sit well with everyone. Manager Mick McCarthy called a meeting, asking for an explanation. 

In front of the whole squad, Keane would go on a 10-minute vicious and scathing rant, ending with “I didn’t rate you as a player, I don’t rate you as a manager, and I don’t rate you as a person.” 

McCarthy sent Keane back home, and Ireland, without their skipper, reached the Round of 16.

Rivaldo’s Dive (2002)

On June 3rd, 2002, Brazil were leading Turkey 2-1 deep into extra time and got a corner kick. Rivaldo was at the corner flag, bent over, and waiting for the ball to be returned to him after it trickled back into the field.

Hakan Ünsal, already on a yellow card, kicked the ball back to Rivaldo, who went down, holding his face after being hit by the ball. Ünsal was shown a second yellow, but replays showed the ball hit Rivaldo in the thigh, not his face.

To add salt to injury, Rivaldo admitted to simulation post-match: “Obviously, I exaggerated the incident for the guy to be sent off. The ball hit my hand and my leg. It didn’t hit me in the face, but that kind of attitude must not be allowed on the pitch”. He was subsequently fined 11,000 Swiss francs by FIFA.

French Players Go On Strike (2010) 

France went to South Africa in 2010, aiming to win the World Cup after coming short in the final four years prior. The tournament got off to a slow start for the Les Bleus, drawing their opening game with Uruguay 0-0.

Things were not looking up by halftime in the second game against Mexico; France were lucky to still be at 0-0. But things escalated in the dressing room as Nicolas Anelka did not return for the second half. France lost the game 2-0. 

Things spiralled out of control after the game as French newspaper L’Equipe published a story claiming that Anelka had insulted head coach Raymond Domenech at halftime, saying “Go f*** yourself, you son of a wh*re”. Anelka was subsequently sent out to the dismay and disapproval of the squad.

Led by captain Patrice Evra, the French squad staged a training strike and sat in the team bus ahead of their all-important final game against South Africa. Domenech famously read out the players’ statement to the press. They lost the game 2-1.

Schumacher Puts Battiston in a Coma (1982)

The 1982 semi-final between West Germany and France is one of the greatest matches in World Cup history, but the game’s defining image is not a goal. It was a challenge by German goalkeeper Harald Schumacher on French defender Patrick Battiston that left him unconscious for 7 full minutes.

Battiston had come on in the second half of the game and was played through on goal by Michel Platini. Schumacher raced out of his goal, completely missed the ball, and collided with the defender.

Battiston suffered broken vertebrae, three cracked ribs, and lost two teeth as he slipped into a coma. Platini later said that he thought that Battiston was dead, because “he had no pulse and looked pale.” 

Schumacher did not receive a booking for the challenge; the referee did not even call for a foul. West Germany won the game on penalties, with Schumacher saving two.

Ronaldo Gets Poisoned (1998)

This remains one of the most controversial mysteries of the World Cup. Roanldo had enjoyed a blistering campaign, scoring four goals and providing three more to guide Brazil to the final.

But hours before the final against hosts, France, Ronaldo suffered a seizure at the team’s hotel. His name, probably the first on the list, was removed from the team sheet and replaced by Edmundo. 

Ronaldo argued he was fine and good enough to play the game, and after doctors found no cause for the medical episode, he was cleared to play. It just so happened that the game was his worst at the tournament as he looked visibly unwell, reacted slowly, and played badly in the 3-0 loss.

Different conspiracies filled the air after the final, with some saying sponsors Nike had pressured Brazil into playing the star man despite his health. Some said Brazil ‘sold’ the game to France to gain political favours.

Croatia’s 3 Yellow Cards (2006) 

No one is immune to errors; players make mistakes, managers do, and so do the referees. But some mistakes are mind-boggling even after hearing the reasons. The error made by Graham Poll during the group stage match between Croatia and Australia fits into that category.

Graham Poll showed Croatia defender Josip Simunic a yellow card in the 61st minute for a foul on Harry Kewell. Simunic would be shown a second yellow card in stoppage time, but a red card was not shown.

Apparently, Poll had incorrectly logged Simunic’s name into his book because of his accent. Yes, accent. Simunic grew up in Australia and had a strong Australian accent, so Poll put the number 19 in the Australia column.

At the end of the match, Simunic approached Poll to argue some of the decisions made, and he was shown a third yellow card and then a red card.

Lampard’s Non-Goal (2010)

At the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, England and Germany faced off in the Round of 16. With England trailing 2-1, Frank Lampard hit a shot that cannoned off the crossbar, over the goal line, and back in to play. England players were almost celebrating their equalizer, but the referee waved play on, deeming the ball did not cross the line.

But everyone saw the ball cross the line. The English players did; the Germans definitely did. Only the referees did not. England lost the game 4-1, but the discussion surrounding the goal continued.

This incident is the reason for goal-line technology, an idea that FIFA had vehemently rejected for years. A little too late for England, but as usual, England’s pain was everyone else’s gain.

Luis Suárez’s Handball (2010) 

The 2010 World Cup in South Africa is widely regarded as the best edition of the 2000s, producing drama and storylines alongside the quality of football. But one of the biggest stories is one that broke the heart of the continent.

Deep into extra time with the score level at 1-1, Ghana won a free kick. After a goal-mouth scramble, Dominic Adiyiah’s header was heading into the goal, but Luis Suárez blatantly blocked the shot with his hand. 

He was sent off, and the resulting penalty by Asamoah Gyan cannoned off the crossbar. In the penalty shootout, Uruguay advanced 4-2, knocking out Ghana and breaking the hearts of Africans. Ghana was the only African team in the knockout round, and would have been the first to reach the semi-finals had they won.

After the game, Suárez said, “Mine is the real ‘Hand Of God’. I made the save of the tournament.”

Maradona Gets Banned for Doping (1994)

The 1994 World Cup in the United States was the last tournament for Diego Armando Maradona, and it ended for all the wrong reasons. 

Maradona had endured a turbulent season in club football, battling injuries and personal problems. However, he got into great shape for the World Cup after training rigorously and famously scored a spectacular goal against Greece in a 4-0 win.

That would be his final goal for the national team. Following a 2-1 win over Nigeria in their second group game, he failed a mandatory anti-doping test for ephedrine and was expelled from the tournament.

Years later, in his autobiography, he argued that the test result was due to his personal trainer giving him an energy drink back in Argentina. When he ran out of his supply in the U.S., his trainer bought the American version containing the chemical.

Germany 7-1 Brazil (2014)

It still feels unexplainable what happened that Tuesday night at the Estádio Mineirão, but we will try our best.

Brazil reached the semi-final of the World Cup on home soil in 2014, and everyone could feel the sense of expectation that the Samba Boys would win their first title since 2002. Standing between them and a final spot was Germany.

However, the air of expectation quickly evaporated. Germany scored first in the 11th minute. Then in the 23rd, 24th, 26th, and 29th minute. And inside 30 minutes, Brazil were 5-0 down, and the only noise in the stadium was coming from the German fans. 

Germany completed a 7-1 rout, and Oscar’s goal was the perfect definition of a consolation that slightly felt insulting. The tears flowed before the game was over; players, fans, and the whole country were in tears.

The Battle of Nuremberg (2006)

On paper, Portugal v Netherlands in the Round of 16 of the World Cup was a clash of football cultures. But on the pitch, it was a clash. No, it was a war. The game looked like a recreation of the 2001 film Shaolin Soccer.

Portugal won 1-0, and that is the least interesting thing about the game, so let’s get it out of the way. The first sign of what was to come happened in the 2nd minute when Mark van Bommel was booked for a scything tackle on Cristiano Ronaldo.

Things only escalated from there. Luis Figo received a yellow card for headbutting van Bommel while four players were sent off, all for second yellow cards. In total, referee Valentin Ivanov brandished 16 yellow cards and 4 red cards.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter was critical of Ivanov, suggesting he should have shown himself a yellow card for his poor performance. He was immediately dropped from officiating for the remainder of the tournament.

Suárez Bites Chiellini (2014)

Let’s get something clear: this is not the first time Suárez has bitten a player. He bit Otman Bakkal on the shoulder while playing for Ajax in 2010. Three years later, he took a bite out of Branislav Ivanovic’s right arm. Both times, he was banned and apologised.

At the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, during a group stage game between Italy and Uruguay, he sank his teeth into Giorgio Chiellini’s shoulder. The Italian defender pulled down his shirt to reveal the bite mark to the referee, who had missed it entirely.

Uruguay scored in the next attack, and Suárez celebrated with his teammates like nothing had happened. FIFA reviewed the footage and handed him a nine-game international ban and a four-month suspension from football.

He later admitted that the incident was deliberate and he wanted to get sent off in protest. No, wait. That was Ilunga. Suárez just bit people for the fun of it.

Maradona’s Hand of God (1986)

The 1986 World Cup quarter-final pitted Argentina against England, four years after the Falklands War. So the tension around this game was something else.

In the 51st minute of the game, a long ball was launched into the England box with Maradona contesting in the air with English goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who was 8 inches taller than the Argentine.

Shilton jumped with his right hand to punch the ball, but so did Maradona with his left fist slightly above his head. The ball hits Maradona’s fist and loops over Shilton into the net, with Maradona gliding away in celebration as the referee awarded the goal.

Four minutes later, Maradona scored the Goal of the Century, picking the ball up in his own half, dribbling past five players and the goalkeeper to score. When asked by reporters how his first goal was scored, Maradona famously said, “A little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God”.

Zidane’s Headbutt (2006)

Heading into the 2006 World Cup in Germany, French icon Zinedine Zidane was prepared for his final stand. He led France to the tournament with the sole aim of closing out his illustrious career on a winning note.

He guided his team all the way to the final against Italy, and in the 7th minute, he opened the scoring with a Panenka-style penalty. Marco Materazzi equalized for Italy in the 19th minute, but both players would steal the headlines in extra time.

Materazzi insulted Zidane’s sister. Zidane turned back and headbutted Materazzi square in the chest, resulting in a straight red card. He walked straight down the tunnel, past the World Cup trophy, without looking back.

France lost on penalties, and Zidane’s last swansong had turned bitter. A disappointing end to an illustrious career was facilitated by a decision Zidane has said he won’t apologise for, even if he admits feeling regret.

What’s In Store for 2026?

There’s no doubt that the quality of football on display will be exhilarating in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This is the largest World Cup ever, with 48 teams from all confederations participating.

We have teams returning to the big stage after years of being away (and their dictator long gone), small nations qualifying for the first time, and powerhouses aiming to dethrone Argentina. 

And above all, the tournament will be in Trump’s America. Players are being strip-searched, referees have been denied entry, and coaches have been denied visas. And of course, there was a shooting near England’s training camp. So yeah, a shitshow awaits for sure.

But there’s no way anyone can preview or anticipate what crazy moments this World Cup will produce. All we can do is sit back and enjoy.