As the World Cup comes to a close and we brace ourselves for the return of club football in the second half of the season, we’ve gone back through the tournament to pick out some of the biggest, and best moments of the past month of footballing action.

With brilliant goals, superb team displays, shock results and plenty of emotions, drama and celebration, there’s been plenty to choose from, but with our top 5 World Cup 2022 moments, we think we’ve picked out the very best of the tournament.

If you have anything to add to our selections, or disagree with any of our best moments, head over to Twitter (@NextGoalWinBlog) or Instagram (@NextGoalWin) and let us know what you think.

5. Saudi’s Stun Argentina

Few could have predicted the seismic shock delivered by Saudi Arabia in their opening group-stage clash against Argentina. Lionel Messi’s early penalty seemed to set the tone for a routine win, but the Saudis had other ideas. Two quickfire goals from Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari turned the match on its head, securing one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history and sending shockwaves through the tournament.

4. Japan Are Giant-Killers

Japan emerged as the kings of comebacks, toppling two European giants in Germany and Spain, with a blend of tactical discipline and unrelenting intensity. Against Spain, the Samurai Blue’s second goal, a controversial effort that was adjudged to have stayed in play by millimetres, proved decisive. Their fearless performances saw them top the ‘group of death’ and capture the world’s imagination.

3. Morocco’s Historic Run

Morocco rewrote history by becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals. Their fairy-tale journey included knocking out Belgium, Spain (on penalties), and Portugal, with a resolute defence led by Romain Saïss and heroics from goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. The sight of Achraf Hakimi’s Panenka penalty and the joyous Moroccan fans will live long in World Cup folklore.

2. Richarlison’s Brilliant Finish

In a tournament filled with breath-taking goals, Richarlison’s acrobatic strike against Serbia stood out as a moment of pure Brazilian brilliance. Controlling the ball with a deft first touch before launching into an audacious bicycle kick, the Spurs forward produced an instant classic, cementing his place among the tournament’s standout performers.

1. A Final For The Ages

The grand finale between Argentina and France was an all-time classic. Argentina raced to a 2-0 lead, only for Kylian Mbappé to drag France back with two goals in 97 seconds. Lionel Messi thought he had sealed it in extra time, but Mbappé, refusing to be overshadowed, completed a historic hat-trick to force penalties. In the end, Argentina held their nerve, clinching their first World Cup in 36 years and crowning Messi’s legendary career with the ultimate prize. The sheer emotion of the moment, the quality of football on display, and the narrative arc of Messi’s triumph made it the greatest World Cup final in history.