Most major nations have already secured their place at the 2026 World Cup. Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, and Spain all cruised through the qualifiers without major surprises.
But while the giants celebrated, Italy slipped into real danger.
A powerful performance from Erling Haaland and Norway pushed the Azzurri to the edge, turning their qualifying path into a serious challenge. Italy is not out yet, but the pressure is growing, and every remaining match now feels like a final.
After missing the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, Italian fans fear a repeat scenario—while others wonder if Haaland might be the one who ruins Italy’s chances again.
The giants are safe.
Italy isn’t.
And the race to 2026 just got a lot more dramatic
The World Cup has shaped the imagination of an entire generation, including mine. As someone who turns football moments into cartoons, I always return to the scenes that defined this century. These are the moments that became global symbols — images that still live in our collective memory.
Here are the greatest World Cup moments of the 21st century, the ones that inspired millions of fans and shaped how we remember each tournament:
Zidane’s headbutt in the 2006 final, a shocking moment that instantly became one of the most iconic images in football history. 
Brazil’s 7-1 collapse against Germany in 2014, a night that stunned the world and created one of the most unforgettable score lines ever.
Emiliano Martinez’s last-minute save in the 2022 final, a moment that saved a nation’s dream and instantly became legendary.
Luis Suarez’s bite in 2014, a chaotic scene that turned into a global meme within minutes.
Suarez’s handball against Ghana in 2010, a dramatic and controversial moment that changed the entire tournament.
Ronaldo’s famous haircut in 2002, a bizarre and unforgettable look that became a symbol of that World Cup.
Robin van Persie’s flying header in 2014, one of the most beautiful and visually iconic goals of the modern era.
AndrΓ©s Iniesta’s winning goal in the 2010 final and his tribute to Dani Jarque, a moment filled with emotion and meaning.
The drama of Korea versus Italy in 2002, with Totti’s red card becoming one of the most debated decisions of the century.
Messi lifting the World Cup in 2022 wearing the bisht, an image that became much larger than football and instantly went global.
These moments are more than highlights. They are stories, emotions, and snapshots of a football era I grew up watching and later started illustrating in my own style.
Cristiano Ronaldo received the first red card of his international career as Portugal fell to the Republic of Ireland in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
Despite saying in his pre-match interview that he wouldn’t react to the Irish crowd, Ronaldo mocked the fans early in the game before clashing with Dara O’Shea. A quick VAR review turned his yellow into a straight red, shocking everyone.
The moment went viral instantly, with Ireland fans copying Ronaldo’s gesture as he walked off the pitch.
Whether you searched for “Cristiano Ronaldo red card,” “Cristiano Ronaldo Republic of Ireland,” or “Ronaldo today,” this incident became one of the most talked-about moments of the week.
Vinicius Jr. has always played with emotion, and fans love imagining how he reacts to different coaches. Under Xabi Alonso’s strict and intense style, Vini looks stressed and overwhelmed — almost like a kid getting scolded at school.
But the moment he flies back to Brazil, everything changes. Carlo Ancelotti greets him with open arms, giving him the warm, fatherly hug he always needed. It’s a funny contrast that shows why Vini and Ancelotti had such a special connection.
A simple, light story about discipline, comfort… and one big Brazilian hug.
Lionel Messi’s emotional return to FC Barcelona’s legendary stadium, Spotify Camp Nou, stirred the hearts of football fans around the world. After years away, the Argentine legend stepped once again onto the sacred grass where he built his legacy, surrounded by memories of golden goals, roaring fans, and unforgettable nights under the lights.
The visit wasn’t just a walk down memory lane — it was a reminder of what Messi and Barcelona meant to each other. From his first goal as a teenager to lifting the Champions League trophies, every inch of Camp Nou holds a story written in blue and red.
Manchester City crushed Liverpool 3–0 in what became a celebration of both dominance and creativity. Erling Haaland, the Viking striker, opened the scoring with a powerful header, setting the tone for Pep Guardiola’s 1000th match as a manager. Nico GonzΓ‘lez added the second, before JΓ©rΓ©my Doku sealed the night with a breathtaking solo strike that sent fans into frenzy.
The win symbolized the perfect balance between raw power and flair — Haaland’s unstoppable finishing and Doku’s electric dribbling have made City almost unplayable. Guardiola’s 1000th game could not have been scripted better: total football, total control, total chaos for Liverpool.
As the Premier League title race heats up, Manchester City’s message was clear — they remain the team to beat.
In my latest football cartoon, I imagined Richarlison as a mischievous villain giving a “special hair treatment” to a poor Manchester United fan. Everything looks fun and chaotic until Matthijs De Ligt appears like a hero, smashing a powerful header that sends Richarlison flying!
The United fan finally feels saved and tries to thank De Ligt by offering him a haircut — but the trimmer suddenly stops working. That ironic twist perfectly sums up the unpredictable humor I love to bring into my football cartoons.
Through this short animation, I wanted to capture the fun, chaos, and emotions of the Premier League in my usual satirical style — turning football moments into funny, memorable stories that every fan can enjoy.
Leandro Andrade became the hero of the night for QarabaΔ after scoring the opening goal against Chelsea — a moment that symbolized the Azerbaijani club’s fearless spirit. His performance showed that QarabaΔ are not just underdogs, but warriors ready to wrestle giants.
This draw felt like a victory for the team and the fans, proving once again that passion and belief can stand tall against power and money. QarabaΔ continues to carry the pride of Azerbaijan on the European stage. π¦πΏπ₯