From Maradona to Mbappe: the best photo from every World Cup

 

From Maradona to Mbappe: the best photo from every World Cup

© BONGARTS 1986 World Cup, Mexico. Argentina's Diego Maradona handles the ball past Peter Shilton of England to score the so-called 'Hand of God' goal, during the quarter final at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Argentina won 2-1 and went on to lift the trophy. Getty Images

The World Cup has been delivering spectacular moments for almost 100 years, ever since the nations of the world first competed for football’s most prestigious prize in 1930.

From Diego Maradona’s ‘hand of God’ goal against England to the bloody ‘Battle of Santiago’, in which three players were sent off and a player’s nose was broken, the tournament has never been short on thrills.

Fortunately, photographers have been at hand to capture some of the most iconic and controversial moments over the years.

Scroll through the gallery above to see our choice of the best photo from each of the 21 World Cups.

From Diego Maradona to Fabio Cannavaro - the UAE's World Cup connections

World Cup 2022: Complete match schedule, kick-off times and venues

Lionel Messi and Argentina closing in on record-breaking run with World Cup on horizon

World Cup 2022 Group B: England need to find form to follow Lionesses success

World Cup 2022 Group C: Messi-inspired Argentina have eyes on the prize

VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF VF redirect 301 redirect 301 redirect 301 redirect 301 redirect 301 redirect 301 redirect 301 redirect 301 redirect 301 redirect 301 redirect 301 redirect 301 redirect 301 redirect 301 redirect 301 redirect 301 redirect 301 redirect 301 redirect 301