Relive the drama with our list of the greatest World Cup qualifying matches, featuring comebacks, upsets, and legendary moments that shaped global football history.
Best World Cup Qualifying Matches You Need to Rewatch
The journey to the FIFA World Cup is often just as thrilling as the tournament itself. While the World Cup finals capture the attention of billions, it’s in the qualifying stages where stories are written in grit, determination, and heart-stopping drama. The most unforgettable football memories are sometimes not in the final, but in the passionate battle to reach it.
World Cup qualifiers are more than just games—they are battles that define legacies, spark national pride, and sometimes, shift the global Lgd gaming landscape. From iconic goals to miracle comebacks, these matches deserve a place in every fan’s rewatch list.
In this article, we take a journey through the best World Cup qualifying matches of all time—each one a showcase of passion, strategy, and pure footballing magic.
1. Algeria vs. Egypt (2009) – The Desert Showdown
Final Score: Egypt 2–0 Algeria (leading to a playoff)
The rivalry between Egypt and Algeria reached fever pitch during the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. With both teams tied on points and goal difference, this match in Cairo turned into a political and sporting spectacle.
Why Rewatch:
- Incredible atmosphere and crowd intensity
- Last-minute goal by Egypt forcing a playoff
- High-stakes football and raw emotion
Their eventual playoff in Sudan saw Algeria win 1–0, sparking national celebrations that shook North Africa.
2. USA vs. Panama (2013) – The San Zusi Miracle
Final Score: Panama 2–3 USA
This match had no stakes for the USA, but everything for Panama and Mexico. Panama were seconds away from qualifying for a playoff when the USA scored twice in stoppage time—rescuing Mexico from elimination.
Why Rewatch:
- A dramatic double strike in injury time
- Commentary emotion from both sides of the border
- A bizarre twist of fate in North American football
This match shows how even eliminated teams can rewrite the fate of entire regions in football.
3. Portugal vs. Sweden (2013) – Ronaldo vs. Ibrahimović
Aggregate Score: Portugal 4–2 Sweden
This two-legged playoff for Brazil 2014 was billed as a clash of titans: Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Zlatan Ibrahimović. What followed was a footballing masterclass.
Why Rewatch:
- Ronaldo’s unforgettable hat-trick in the second leg
- Zlatan’s fighting spirit with two goals of his own
- A showcase of world-class talent under pressure
This was not just a match—it was a battle of superstars, highlighting how individual brilliance can define international football.
4. Australia vs. Uruguay (2005) – A Nation Reborn
Final Score: 1–1 on aggregate; Australia win on penalties
After decades of heartbreak, Australia finally qualified for the 2006 World Cup by defeating Uruguay in a penalty shootout in Sydney. The match is etched into Australian football folklore.
Why Rewatch:
- The drama of a penalty shootout
- John Aloisi’s iconic winning penalty celebration
- National redemption after years of near-misses
This match symbolized the coming of age of Australian football on the global stage.
5. South Korea vs. Italy (2002) – A Turning Point
Final Score: South Korea 2–1 Italy (Golden Goal)
Though technically a World Cup match, South Korea’s controversial win over Italy was the culmination of a stunning qualifying and preparation phase that saw them become the first Asian team to reach the semi-finals.
Why Rewatch:
- The drama of golden goal rules
- Upset over a global football powerhouse
- Emotional rollercoaster and wild fan celebrations
It’s a reminder of how far Asian football has come and how underdogs can shake the foundations of the sport.
6. Senegal vs. Egypt (2022) – The Laser Penalty Drama
Final Score: 1–1 on aggregate; Senegal win on penalties
In a rematch of the AFCON final, Egypt and Senegal met again for a place in the 2022 World Cup. What followed was a tense affair, with lasers, penalties, and heartbreak.
Why Rewatch:
- Sadio Mané vs. Mohamed Salah
- Psychological warfare and atmosphere
- Penalty drama that shook African football
A match that encapsulates the emotion and controversy football can bring.
7. Honduras vs. Mexico (2013) – Azteca Under Siege
Final Score: Mexico 1–2 Honduras
A stunning result that nearly eliminated Mexico from World Cup 2014 contention. It was a wake-up call that led to managerial changes and a dramatic turnaround.
Why Rewatch:
- Underdog performance in a hostile environment
- Shock result that changed the CONCACAF landscape
- A reminder that no team is invincible at home
This game altered Mexican football and sparked renewed focus.
8. Nigeria vs. Algeria (1993) – Yekini’s Legacy
Final Score: Nigeria 4–1 Algeria
A vintage performance that qualified Nigeria for their first-ever World Cup in 1994, led by the iconic Rashidi Yekini.
Why Rewatch:
- Historical qualification for a new African power
- Electric attacking football
- A symbol of rising African excellence
This match laid the foundation for Nigeria’s golden generation in football.
9. Ireland vs. France (2009) – The Hand of Henry
Aggregate Score: France 2–1 Ireland
One of the most controversial moments in World Cup qualifying history occurred when Thierry Henry handled the ball in the build-up to the decisive goal in a playoff.
Why Rewatch:
- High drama and lasting controversy
- A tragic tale for Ireland
- A flashpoint for debates about VAR and fair play
This match remains a case study in football ethics and heartbreak.
10. Colombia vs. Chile (2017) – The Final Day Madness
Final Score: 1–1
On the final day of South American qualifiers for Russia 2018, six teams were still in contention. This game played a crucial role in Colombia’s qualification and Chile’s shock elimination.
Why Rewatch:
- High-stakes tension throughout the match
- Tactical complexity and late goals
- A masterclass in South American passion
The sheer chaos of the final matchday in CONMEBOL made this an unforgettable chapter in football history.
Conclusion: The Qualifiers Are the Soul of Football
While World Cup finals may get the spotlight, it’s the qualifiers where stories are born. They offer football at its rawest—where passion, tension, and dreams collide. These matches deserve to be rewatched not only for their drama but for what they represent: the pure, unscripted magic of international football.
Whether you’re a long-time supporter or a new fan of the game, take time to revisit these legendary matches. Share them, analyze them, and keep their stories alive. Supporting football isn’t just about the final—it’s about remembering every incredible step on the journey to get there. Let your love for football grow deeper with every match you rewatch!
