From Maradona to Suarez, the FIFA World Cup has produced some of football’s greatest memories, but it has also been the stage for incidents that continue to spark debate years later. Questionable refereeing decisions, controversial handballs and heated on-field confrontations have all shaped the tournament’s legacy. Here are five moments that remain among the most talked-about controversies in World Cup history.

Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal

Argentina legend Diego Maradona was at the centre of one of football’s biggest controversies during the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal against England. He punched the ball into the net past goalkeeper Peter Shilton, but the officials failed to spot the handball and awarded the goal.

Maradona later famously described it as being scored “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God.” Minutes later, he scored the spectacular “Goal of the Century” in the same match.

Zidane’s unforgettable World Cup farewell

France captain Zinedine Zidane’s illustrious career ended on a dramatic note in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy. During extra time, Zidane headbutted defender Marco Materazzi after an exchange of words.

Referee Horacio Elizondo sent him off following consultation with his assistants, and Italy eventually lifted the trophy after winning the penalty shootout.

Suarez’s goal-line handball against Ghana

In the dying moments of extra time during the 2010 quarterfinal, Uruguay striker Luis Suarez deliberately handled the ball on the goal line to stop Ghana from scoring.

Suarez received a red card, but Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan missed the resulting penalty. Uruguay went on to win the shootout, leaving fans divided over whether the punishment adequately reflected the offence.

Lampard’s goal that never counted

England were left furious during their 2010 Round of 16 clash against Germany when Frank Lampard’s long-range effort clearly crossed the goal line before bouncing out.

With no goal-line technology in place, the goal was not awarded. The incident played a significant role in FIFA’s decision to introduce goal-line technology in future competitions.

The Battle of Nuremberg

Portugal’s Round of 16 encounter with the Netherlands at the 2006 World Cup became infamous for its physicality and disciplinary record.

The match produced a World Cup-record 16 yellow cards and four red cards, earning it the nickname “The Battle of Nuremberg.” It remains one of the fiercest and most ill-tempered matches ever played on football’s biggest stage.