The most sensational matches of the 21st century World Championships

The 21st century FIFA World Cup has given us many unexpected and dramatic games - from sensational surprises in the group stage to shocking eliminations of favorites in the playoffs. At the start of the 2026 World Cup, it's the perfect time to recall them! We've selected 10 matches from this category. So, let's dive into history.

France - Senegal (0:1, 2002 World Cup)

The reigning world and European champions at that time suffered a defeat in the opening match of the tournament. And it was a real shock! The Senegalese, many of whom played in French clubs, played with incredible dedication and passion. The victorious result gave them a powerful boost and eventually led them to the quarterfinals - the best achievement in their history.

South Korea - Italy (2:1, Round of 16, 2002 World Cup)

The hosts of the 2002 World Cup beat the favorites in a match full of controversial episodes and emotional intensity. Ahn Jung Hwan brought victory to his team with a "golden goal", and South Korea advanced despite a storm of criticism about the refereeing. Francesco Totti's disallowed goal and expulsion were discussed long after the tournament ended.

Mexico - France (2:0, Group Stage, 2010 World Cup)

Mexico defeated the French in a group match at the 2010 World Cup, demonstrating an organized second-number game. That meeting is still in the memory of the hosts of the World Cup that started on July 11! For France, this defeat was a sign of an impending crisis, and for Mexico - a celebration and proof of the growth of their national football school.

Costa Rica - Italy (1:0, Group Stage, 2014 World Cup)

Costa Rica, which found itself in the "group of death" at the 2014 World Cup, defeated Italy and eventually took first place in the quartet, shocking all fans. Their organized defense and effective counterattacks allowed them to reach the quarterfinals of that World Cup. Italy, however, didn't even make it to the playoffs.

Germany - Brazil (7:1, Semifinal, 2014 World Cup)

One of the most painful and sensational routs in history - the tournament hosts were annihilated in the 2014 World Cup semifinal. The Germans showed composure and collective insane pressing, and the match went down in history not only for the record score, but also for the realization that a serious crisis had hit Brazil's "national" sport.

South Korea - Germany (2:0, Group Stage, 2018 World Cup)

The world champions didn't advance beyond the group stage after losing to South Korea at the 2018 World Cup. The Germans, who had a colossal statistical advantage, failed to capitalize on their gameplay advantage. That result was one of the most resounding fiascos in the modern history of the German national team.

Russia - Spain (1:1, 4:3 on penalties, Round of 16, World Cup 2018)

Russia was in a deep crisis before the start of the 2018 World Cup. Stanislav Cherchesov's team was predicted to be eliminated after the group stage. However, thanks to a miraculous victory over Spain in a penalty shootout, they made it to the quarterfinals (the highest achievement in the history of the Russian national team at the World Cup).

Croatia — England (2:1, semifinal, World Cup 2018)

England opened the scoring in the World Cup 2018 semifinal in the 5th minute: Kieran Trippier accurately kicked the ball over the wall into the right corner from a free kick. The British dominated the first half but failed to increase their lead, despite having several opportunities. In the end, the Croatians turned the game around after the break and snatched a ticket to the final in extra time. That World Cup was the culmination for the "golden generation" of Luka Modrić and co.

Argentina — Saudi Arabia (1:2, group stage, World Cup 2022)

The Saudis conceded first, but managed to turn the game around in the second half and defended the result, despite the heavy pressure from the favorites. Leo Messi and his team were heavily criticized after the disgraceful start to the World Cup 2022. However, the Argentinians transformed so much during the tournament that they won their third World Cup in history.

Morocco — Portugal (1:0, quarterfinal, World Cup 2022)

The Moroccan national team defeated Portugal and became the first African team in history to reach the semifinals of the World Cup - a historic event for the continent. Youssef En-Nesyri sent the team to the semifinals, and for Portugal with Cristiano Ronaldo in the lineup, that defeat was a painful end to the tournament. 

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