Philipp Lahm's spellbinding strike in the opening game of Germany 2006 kicked off the tournament in style.
Classic World Cup goals are more than old highlights. They remind fans why certain players, teams and matches stay part of tournament history. FIFA first published this update on May 23, 2026.
Why this World Cup goal still stands out
Lahm lights up curtain-raiser belongs in the kind of World Cup memory fans revisit before every tournament. The best goals carry a match story with them, not just a finish.
How it links to the 2026 tournament
World Cup 2026 will give a new group of players the same chance to create a defining moment. With 48 teams and 104 matches, there will be more stages for a single run, pass or finish to become part of the tournament story.
Explore the next World Cup
Check the World Cup 2026 schedule, stadiums guide and World Cup groups guide to see where the next memorable moments could happen.
Source: FIFA.com.