1930 World Cup, Uruguay. Jules Rimet, president of Fifa, presents the first World Cup trophy (the Jules Rimet Trophy) to Dr Paul Jude, president of the Uruguayan Football Association, after Uruguay beat Argentina 4-2 in the first World Cup final in Montevideo. Getty Images

World Cup

From Maradona to Mbappe: the best photo from every World Cup

Since Jules Rimet first handed over the World Cup trophy in 1930, the world's most popular sports tournament has delivered a rich visual spectacle

The National

September 30, 2022

The World Cup has been delivering spectacular moments for almost 100 years, ever since the nations of the world first competed for football’s most prestigious prize in 1930.

From Diego Maradona’s ‘hand of God’ goal against England to the bloody ‘Battle of Santiago’, in which three players were sent off and a player’s nose was broken, the tournament has never been short on thrills.

Fortunately, photographers have been at hand to capture some of the most iconic and controversial moments over the years.

Scroll through the gallery above to see our choice of the best photo from each of the 21 World Cups.

More from The National:

From Diego Maradona to Fabio Cannavaro - the UAE's World Cup connections

World Cup 2022: Complete match schedule, kick-off times and venues

Lionel Messi and Argentina closing in on record-breaking run with World Cup on horizon

World Cup 2022 Group B: England need to find form to follow Lionesses success

World Cup 2022 Group C: Messi-inspired Argentina have eyes on the prize

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Updated: September 30, 2022, 12:44 PM