A Coral survey of 1,500 people has revealed the World Cup's most iconic moments
The commentary for Sir Geoff Hurst's hat-trick-sealing goal in 1966 has been crowned the greatest moment
Germany's 7-1 win over Brazil is in second, level with Maradona's Hand of God goal

It is the line that has defined and haunted English football history for the last 60 years, and now football fans have officially crowned it as the greatest World Cup moment of all time.
To celebrate their centenary year - meaning the bookmaker has been in business for every World Cup - Coral commissioned a survey of 1,500 football fans to rank the most iconic moments from the tournament's history.
With a massive 38% of the vote, Kenneth Wolstenholme’s iconic commentary of Sir Geoff Hurst’s hat-trick goal in the 1966 final was crowned the ultimate World Cup moment.
Sharing the runner-up spots with 9% of the vote was Germany’s 7-1 humiliation of hosts Brazil in 2014, alongside Diego Maradona’s infamous Hand of God goal for Argentina against England in 1986.
The list also proves that football fans love raw drama just as much as technical brilliance. Michael Owen’s breathtaking solo wonder goal against Argentina in 1998 finished in fourth place, just ahead of Zinedine Zidane’s shocking headbutt on Marco Materazzi in the 2006 final.
Completing the top ten was David Beckham's controversial red card against Argentina in 1998 and Paul Gascoigne’s tears at Italia '90, while Gordon Banks’ legendary 1970 save from Pelé also featured, as did a 17-year-old Pele's brace of goals in the 1958 final.
David Stevens, Head of PR at Coral, said:
Coral has been offering odds on football for the last 100 years, but even after almost a century of World Cup drama, nothing comes close to the magic of 1966.
"Sir Geoff Hurst’s legendary hat-trick goal alongside Kenneth Wolstenholme's iconic commentary of it aren't just football memories, 60 years on they are a cultural touchstone for football fans.
"Whether it’s the genius of players like Pele, shock moments like Germany thrashing Brazil 7-1, or villains like Maradona’s Hand of God or Ronaldo’s cheeky wink, the World Cup has delivered unmatched drama over the last 96 years, and having been here for all of them, Coral can't wait to see what memorable moments this summer's tournament brings.
SURVEY RESULTS
1966 - They Think It's All Over...Hurst's third goal in the final v Germany | 38% |
2014 - Germany thrash Brazil 7-1 on Brazilian soil | 9% |
1986 - Maradona's Hand of God goal | 9% |
1998 - Michael Owen's wonder goal v Argentina | 6% |
2006 - Zinedine Zidane headbutts Marco Materazzi in the final | 6% |
1958 - 17-year-old Pele scores two goals for Brazil in the final | 5% |
1970 - The Save of the Century by Gordon Banks from Pele's header | 5% |
1998 - David Beckham's red card v Argentina | 5% |
1990 - Gazza's Tears v Germany in Italia '90 | 5% |
1986 - Maradona's second goal v England, Barry Davies' commentary "You have to say that's magnificent" | 3% |
1970 - Carlos Alberto's brilliant team goal for Brazil v Italy | 3% |
2006 - Ronaldo's wink following Wayne Rooney's red card | Less than 3% |
1954 - Austria 7, Switzerland 5, the highest scoring World Cup finals match ever | Less than 2% |
1978 - Archie Gemmill's goal for Scotland v Holland | Less than 2% |
1974 - Holland v Sweden, the first Cruyff Turn | Less than 1% |
Check out our ultimate guide to the 2026 World Cup ahead of the start of the tournament on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.