Germany's Greatest FIFA World Cup Goals Recalled Ahead of 2026

Germany will enter the FIFA World Cup 2026™ as four-time world champions, marking their 19th consecutive appearance and 21st overall. Across 112 matches at the tournament, the German national team has scored 232 goals, a tally that includes two of the top three all-time leading scorers: Miroslav Klose (16 goals) and Gerd Müller (14 goals).

Gerd Müller's Title-Winning Strike (1974)

In the 1974 World Cup final on home soil, West Germany faced the Netherlands. With two minutes remaining in the first half, Gerd Müller received the ball in the penalty area with his back to goal. Despite being in a difficult position, the striker known as "Der Bomber" spun quickly and slammed the ball past Dutch goalkeeper Jan Jongbloed. The goal secured West Germany's second World Cup title and was Müller's last for his country, as he retired from international football shortly after.

Uwe Seeler's Impossible Header (1970)

During the 1970 World Cup quarter-final, England led West Germany 2-1 when five-foot-seven forward Uwe Seeler produced a remarkable headed goal. Facing away from goal, Seeler flicked a high, hanging cross from teammate Karl-Heinz Schnellinger over the English goalkeeper. The equalizer sent the match into extra time, where West Germany eventually prevailed.

Franz Beckenbauer's Comeback Goal (1970)

Before Seeler's header, Franz Beckenbauer initiated the West German comeback against England by hammering a shot into the bottom corner of Peter Bonetti's goal. Beckenbauer, known as "Der Kaiser," finished his career with five World Cup goals and two trophies—one as a player and one as a manager.

Jürgen Klinsmann's Diving Header (1990)

In the 1990 World Cup group stage, Jürgen Klinsmann threw himself at a cross from Andreas Brehme to score a spectacular header in a 4-1 win over Yugoslavia. The goal was one of many stunning strikes West Germany produced on their way to capturing their third World Cup title.

Mario Götze's Final Winner (2014)

In the 2014 World Cup final in Rio de Janeiro, Mario Götze came off the bench and scored the winning goal in the 113th minute. After controlling a cross from teammate André Schürrle, Götze volleyed past Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero to seal a 1-0 victory. A week earlier, Miroslav Klose had tapped in Germany's second goal against hosts Brazil, becoming the tournament's all-time top scorer.

As Germany prepares for the 2026 World Cup, the question remains: who will add to the nation's goalscoring legacy?