The FIFA World Cup has given football fans many unforgettable moments. Some of the biggest memories come from goals scored at the very last minute. These moments bring shock, joy, heartbreak, and history all at once. In this blog, we look at the top 7 last-minute World Cup goals in the world cup history.
7. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge – West Germany vs. France, 1982 (Extra Time 102’)
The 1982 semi-final between West Germany and France is known as one of the wildest matches ever played. France was ahead 3–1 in extra time, and many fans believed the game was already decided. But Germany kept fighting.
Rummenigge scored in the 102nd minute, a moment that completely changed the mood of the match. While not a last-second goal, it came at a stage where every minute felt like the end. Germany pushed the game to penalties and went on to win.
This goal may not be the most dramatic on this list, but it played a key role in one of the most intense World Cup matches ever.
6. Claudio Caniggia – Argentina vs. Brazil, 1990 (Goal at 80’)
This was not a stoppage-time goal, but it was a late winning goal that carried huge shock value. Brazil was the better team for most of the match. They attacked again and again, hitting the post and controlling the game.
But in the 80th minute, Diego Maradona slipped through three Brazilian defenders and played a perfect pass to Caniggia. He rounded the goalkeeper and scored.
The goal knocked Brazil out and helped Argentina reach the final. It remains one of the most dramatic late goals in World Cup knockout history.
5. Hwang Hee-chan – South Korea vs. Portugal, 2022 (90+1’)
The last group-stage match for South Korea in 2022 was full of suspense. They needed a win to have any chance of reaching the Round of 16.
Late in the match, Son Heung-min carried the ball from his own half, fighting off defenders. He slid the ball to Hwang Hee-chan, who finished calmly in the 90+1 minute.
The goal sent South Korea into the knockout stage and created emotional scenes on the field. It instantly became one of the most memorable last-minute World Cup goals of the modern era.
4. Landon Donovan – USA vs. Algeria, 2010 (90+1’)
The USA was seconds away from being knocked out of the 2010 World Cup. They needed a win, but Algeria kept the score 0–0.
Then, in the 90+1 minute, the USA made a fast counterattack. Clint Dempsey’s shot was blocked, and the ball fell to Donovan, who smashed it into the net.
The goal was iconic for American soccer. It won the group for the USA and is still remembered as one of the most emotional late goals in World Cup history.
3. Mario Götze – Germany vs. Argentina, 2014 Final (113’)
The 2014 world cup final was tense and goalless after 90 minutes. In extra time, it seemed both teams were heading for penalties.
But in the 113th minute, André Schürrle crossed the ball into the box. Götze controlled it on his chest and volleyed into the net.
It was a beautiful finish and one of the best late goals ever scored in a World Cup final. It gave Germany their fourth World Cup title.
2. Andrés Iniesta – Spain vs. Netherlands, 2010 Final (116’)
The 2010 World Cup final was another long, difficult match. Both teams had chances, but it stayed 0–0 deep into extra time.
In the 116th minute, Cesc Fàbregas passed the ball to Iniesta, who hit a perfect shot past the Dutch goalkeeper.
The goal gave Spain their first-ever World Cup title. It remains one of the most emotional and important last-minute World Cup goals of all time.
1. Geoff Hurst – England vs. West Germany, 1966 Final (120’)
The greatest last-minute World Cup goal ever came in the very last second of the 1966 final. England was leading 3–2 in extra time, and Germany had pushed everyone forward.
Hurst ran onto a long pass, carried it to the box, and fired it into the top corner. The famous commentary said, “They think it’s all over… it is now!”
It was the final kick of the match and sealed England’s only World Cup title. No late World Cup goal has ever carried more drama or history.
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