From Pitch to Pop Culture
This player’s dramatic 2006 headbutt became a viral global meme.
Zinedine Zidane.
Fans of this country created the “Viking Clap.
Iceland.
This player scored the “Hand of God” in 1986.
Diego Maradona.
This Colombian scored an infamous own goal in 1994.
Andrés Escobar.
Only player to win three World Cups.
Pelé.
This Shakira song became the anthem of the 2010 World Cup.
Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).
This was the first African country to host the World Cup in 2010.
South Africa.
This Argentine scored in the 2022 final to secure his legacy.
Lionel Messi.
This team suffered a shocking 7–1 defeat at home in 2014.
Brazil.
First player to score in five different World Cups.
Cristiano Ronaldo.
This Brazilian star appeared in multiple Nike commercials and pop culture campaigns in the 2000s.
Ronaldinho.
This Asian country co-hosted the 2002 World Cup with Japan.
South Korea.
This German broke the all-time goal record in 2014.
Miroslav Klose.
This team was eliminated in the group stage in 2014 as defending champions.
Spain.
German captain who lifted the trophy in 2014.
Philipp Lahm.
This England player became a fashion icon as much as a footballer in the early 2000s.
David Beckham.
This country has hosted the World Cup the most times.
Brazil.
This player scored a stunning volley in the 2018 final for France.
Paul Pogba.
This team failed to score a single goal in 2010 despite high expectations.
France.
This goalkeeper captained Spain to their 2010 win.
Iker Casillas.
This animated wolf named “Zabivaka” was the official mascot of the 2018 World Cup.
Zabivaka.
Supporters of this country often bring giant drums and wear blue-and-white stripes.
Argentina.
This player scored the winning goal in the 2010 final for Spain.
Andrés Iniesta.
This Croatian scored an own goal in the 2018 final.
Mario Mandžukić.
This German legend is known as “Der Kaiser.”
Franz Beckenbauer.