The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be remembered as one of the most exciting tournaments in history. The expanded 48-team format produced unforgettable upsets, dramatic comebacks and thrilling matches. Several underdogs challenged football’s biggest nations and became the true surprise packages of the tournament.
Contents
- England v France (6–4)
- Norway v Brazil (2–1)
- Cape Verde – the Tournament’s Biggest Surprise
- Argentina v Egypt (3–2)
- Paraguay knock Germany out
- DR Congo
- Curaçao
Best World Cup 2026 matches
England vs France (6–4): a ten-goal ‘bronze’ spectacle
The third-place play-off between England and France turned out to be one of the highest-scoring matches in World Cup history.
First-half shock
England, even without Kane and Bellingham in the starting line-up, stunned their opponents. By half-time, the score was 4–0, with Bukayo Saka scoring a brace.
France’s comeback
After the break, France responded with a powerful onslaught. Kylian Mbappé scored twice, taking his World Cup tally to 22 goals and overtaking Lionel Messi. Thanks to Barcol, the French reduced the deficit to 3–4.
An epic finale
Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot, Dembélé reignited the drama, but Bellingham put the game beyond doubt — 6–4.
Norway v Brazil (2–1): Haaland’s triumph
One of the biggest upsets of the play-offs.
- A clash of the stars – Haaland and Neymar traded goals
- A sensation: Norway knocked out the five-time champions in the round of 16
- The key to victory: defensive discipline and clinical finishing
Cape Verde – the tournament’s biggest fairy tale
The Cape Verde national team has been the biggest revelation of the 2026 World Cup.
A draw with Spain
A sensational 0–0 draw in the opening match. 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha made seven saves.
The clash with Uruguay
A thrilling 2–2 draw against one of the favourites.
Drama against Argentina
In the Last 32, Cape Verde came within a whisker of causing an upset. Argentina only secured victory in extra time — 3–2.
Messi opened the scoring, but the Africans equalised twice. Goals from Duarte and Cabral took the match into extra time. Martínez’s goal and an own goal in the 111th minute proved decisive.
Egypt v Argentina (2–3): an 11-minute comeback
One of the best matches of the tournament.
Egypt in control
Until the 78th minute, the score was 2–0 in Egypt’s favour. Salah and his teammates were in complete control of the game.
The turning point
Romero pulled one back, and Messi levelled the score.
Late Drama
In the 90+2nd minute, Enzo Fernández snatched victory for Argentina — 3–2.
Paraguay — Germany’s nightmare
Round of 32: 1–1 draw and a penalty shoot-out victory over Germany
Round of 16: narrow defeat to France (0–1)
Paraguay demonstrated impeccable defensive organisation.
DR Congo — a historic breakthrough
1–1 draw with Portugal
A creditable 1–2 defeat to England in the play-offs
The team reached the play-off stage for the first time and showed real character.
Curaçao — the sensation of the group stage
Following their defeat by Germany, the team managed to take a point off Ecuador — 0–0.
Man of the match — goalkeeper Eloy Rum:
15 saves
28 shots on goal
Summary
The 2026 FIFA World Cup proved that the gap between football’s traditional powerhouses and emerging nations is becoming smaller every year. Cape Verde, Paraguay, DR Congo and Curaçao delivered unforgettable performances and showed that underdogs can compete with the world’s elite.
It is stories like these that make the World Cup truly unforgettable.
FAQ
Which match was the highest-scoring at the 2026 World Cup?
The highest-scoring match was the third-place play-off between England and France, which ended in a 6–4 victory for England.
Which team was the biggest surprise of the 2026 World Cup?
The biggest revelation of the tournament was the Cape Verde national team, which reached the round of 16 and nearly knocked Argentina out.
What was the biggest upset of the tournament?
One of the biggest upsets was Norway’s 2–1 victory over Brazil in the play-offs.
Who won the Golden Boot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Kylian Mbappé was the tournament’s top scorer, netting 10 goals.
As a reminder, the World Cup final took place on 19 July. The match was contested by Spain and Argentina.
