Late goals, comebacks and upsets - is record-breaking World Cup best ever?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is delivering an exceptionally thrilling tournament, marked by numerous dramatic comebacks, surprising upsets, and a high volume of late goals as it progresses into the quarter-final stage. Many are already hailing this edition as a potential "best ever" World Cup, with some records, such as the highest number of goals, already broken.

Throughout the competition, exciting matches have seen teams overcome deficits and underdogs cause significant upsets, captivating fans globally. Notable instances include dramatic come-from-behind victories in the Round of 16.

However, the tournament has also been plagued by persistent refereeing controversies, including disputed VAR decisions and other contentious calls, which have drawn criticism despite the exceptional on-field excitement. This blend of exhilarating football and ongoing disputes highlights the intense and often unpredictable nature of the current World Cup, keeping audiences engaged as the fight for the trophy intensifies.