In conjunction with World Football Day, here’s a look back at five of the most dramatic World Cup matches in recent history – unforgettable clashes filled with last-minute goals, heartbreak, controversy, and moments that continue to define the beautiful game.

Argentina vs France (2022 final)

The 2022 final at Lusail Stadium in Qatar saw Lionel Messi finally lift the only major trophy missing from his glittering career. It also marked Argentina’s first World Cup triumph since Diego Maradona led the nation to glory in 1986.

Argentina looked firmly in control early on, racing to a 2-0 lead. But in a stunning late twist, Kylian Mbappé converted a penalty before scoring again less than two minutes later to level the score at 2-2 and force extra time.

Messi appeared to have sealed victory once more when he scored from close range to make it 3-2.

But France were awarded another penalty after a handball, and Mbappé calmly completed his hat-trick to make it 3-3, becoming only the second player after Geoff Hurst in 1966 to score three goals in a World Cup final.

The match eventually went to penalties, where Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced crucial saves as his side triumphed 4-2 in the shootout.

Italy vs West Germany (1970 semi-final)

So iconic was this match that a plaque was later placed at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City declaring it the “Game of the Century”.

The 1970 semi-final remains legendary for its extraordinary extra time, during which five of the match’s seven goals were scored – still a World Cup record.

Italy took the lead in the eighth minute and looked set for victory before West Germany defender Karl-Heinz Schnellinger scored a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time to force extra time.

What followed was pure chaos. West Germany briefly went ahead before Italy responded to restore their lead. Then came another equaliser from Gerd Müller in the 110th minute, only for Gianni Rivera to score the winner for Italy just moments later.

Exhausted players battled on in the Mexico heat as Italy eventually sealed a thrilling 4-3 victory. (Watch here.)

Uruguay vs Ghana (2010 quarter-final)

Held in Johannesburg, South Africa, this remains one of the most controversial matches in World Cup history.

With the score tied 1-1 in the final seconds of extra time, Dominic Adiyiah headed the ball towards an open Uruguayan net, seemingly moments away from sending Ghana into the semi-finals as the first African nation ever to do so.

But Luis Suárez deliberately handled the ball on the line, denying a certain goal. He was immediately shown a red card and Ghana were awarded a penalty.

Under immense pressure, Asamoah Gyan stepped up – only to strike the crossbar.

The match went to penalties, where Uruguay emerged victorious, leaving Ghanaian fans and much of the football world devastated. (Watch here.)

Portugal vs Netherlands (2006)

Probably football’s most infamous “fight match”, the 2006 Round of 16 clash between Portugal and the Netherlands in Nuremberg became known as the “Battle of Nuremberg” for good reason.

The game produced a staggering 16 yellow cards and four red cards – both World Cup records.

Just seven minutes into the match, Dutch defender Khalid Boulahrouz launched a brutal tackle on Cristiano Ronaldo, leaving the Portuguese star injured and in tears before he was forced off in the first half.

Tempers spiralled throughout the game, with reckless tackles, elbowing, shouting, confrontations with the referee and clashes involving coaching staff and substitutes.

The chaos became so notorious that referee Valentin Ivanov was barred from officiating any further matches in the tournament.

Portugal eventually edged the Netherlands 1-0 to advance to the quarter-finals.

Brazil vs Germany (2014 semi-final)

This match was dramatic not because it was close, but because nobody could believe what they were witnessing.

Germany did not merely defeat host nation Brazil – they dismantled them 7-1 in one of the most shocking collapses in football history.

The Germans stormed to a 5-0 lead within just 29 minutes, scoring four goals in an astonishing six-minute blitz inside Brazil’s own backyard.

Brazil’s players looked shell-shocked and disorganised as Germany sliced through their defence with ruthless efficiency.

It marked the first time a team had scored seven goals in a World Cup semi-final and remains Brazil’s heaviest-ever home defeat on football’s biggest stage.