The 2026 World Cup has already delivered unforgettable moments, breakout stars and iconic performances that will live long in football history.
From all‑time greats adding new chapters to their legend, to underdog heroes producing once‑in‑a‑lifetime displays, the tournament has had it all — and we are only two weeks in.
Below, we break down the five best individual performances since the first ball was kicked at Estadio Azteca on June 11.
1. Lionel Messi vs Algeria — The Hat‑Trick That Rewrote History
There are great World Cup performances, and then there are Lionel Messi World Cup performances.
On his 200th appearance for Argentina, La Pulga delivered a masterclass that cemented his place atop the sport’s greatest stage.
His stunning hat‑trick in the defending champions’ 3–0 win over Algeria drew him level with Miroslav Klose as the joint‑top scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals.
The performance thrilled the fans at Arrowhead Stadium and many millions more watching worldwide because most didn’t know what to expect from the soon-to-be 39-year-old.
The Inter Miami star had been diagnosed with muscle fatigue after he made an abrupt exit from his side’s 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union a fortnight before the tournament.
And he had played only 20 minutes of Argentina’s two pre-tournament warm-up games.
But all fears that Messi’s star had faded were allayed after just 17 minutes in Kansas when he collected the ball in space and drove a powerful left-footed shot past Luca Zidane from 22 yards.
He later used his right foot to capitalise on a goalkeeper error before drilling an emphatic third home with his trusty left again.
In terms of answering questions about your status and sending a message to the rest of the teams, it was as good as it gets.
2. Erling Haaland vs Iraq — A Striker in Full Supernova Mode
Haaland spent last summer in the Norwegian mountains chopping wood. But this year his speciality seems to be slicing up opposition defences.
The Manchester City striker arrived at the World Cup with sky-high expectations and, in Norway’s opening game against Iraq, he delivered the kind of performance only he can.
For City, Haaland’s work is primarily done without the ball, sniffing out opportunities created by the stellar cast and finishing them with deadly accuracy.
But his national team role is completely different because Norway needs him to create chances for himself and others.
He got to work early in Boston with a blistering run onto a long ball that left defenders trailing in his wake before switching his attention to the Iraqi keeper.
Haaland’s rapid closing down of the custodian when a back-pass was left a little short earned him his first World Cup goal after just 29 minutes.
And his ice-cold finish from a cutback moments before half-time broke the Asian side’s resistance just minutes after they had levelled.
Of Haaland’s 20 touches on his World Cup debut, six were shots and four of those were on target. He also won a game-high seven duels and created another chance for Norway.
3. Eloy Room vs Ecuador — A Goalkeeping Performance for the Ages
Every World Cup has a goalkeeping performance that becomes folklore. In 2026, that honour belongs to Eloy Room.
The 37‑year‑old Curacao goalkeeper produced a record‑breaking 15 saves in a heroic 0–0 draw with Ecuador — the most ever in a 90‑minute men’s World Cup match.
Only Tim Howard’s 16‑save performance in 120 minutes for the United States at the 2014 World Cup surpasses it.
Room set the tone with a huge early stop to deny Enner Valencia one-on-one and he showcased cat-like reflexes, bravery and leadership as Curacao earned their first-ever World Cup point.
4. Brian Brobbey vs Sweden — The Breakout of a New Dutch Star
Brian Brobbey has long been touted as the next great Dutch No. 9, and against Sweden, he delivered the performance that announced him to the world.
Although a surprise inclusion for the game at the expense of Crysencio Summerville, Brobbey was unplayable against a side that had won their opening match 5-1.
His dominant hold‑up play, relentless pressing and intelligent movement between the lines provided the platform for the Netherlands’ own 5-1 rout.
Sweden’s defenders simply couldn’t cope with his physicality and Brobbey showed the calmer side to his nature in the way he ruthlessly converted his two chances.
This was the night the former Ajax prodigy stepped out of the 'prospect' category and into the 'superstar in the making' conversation.
5. Mikel Oyarzabal vs Saudi Arabia — A 24‑Minute Masterclass
Spain’s attack had looked sluggish in their goalless opener against Cape Verde, but Mikel Oyarzabal deserved to keep his place for the second clash with Saudi Arabia.
The Real Sociedad striker rewarded Luis de la Fuente for his faith with one of the most explosive first‑half performances in recent World Cup history.
He delivered two goals and one assist inside the first 24 minutes while also testing the Saudi keeper with a long-range piledriver.
Oyarzabal clearly felt he had to make up for lost time after an injury prevented him from going to the last World Cup.
He saw another spectacular effort glance off the top of the crossbar before he made way at half-time, probably to be wrapped in cotton wool by his coach.
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
