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Biggest FIFA World Cup Controversies: Battle of Santiago, Zinedine Zidaneā€™s Headbutt, and More
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French midfielder Zinedine Zidane stands after headbutting Italian defender Marco Materazzi, who is falling backward onto the field during the 2006 World Cup final.
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French midfielder Zinedine Zidane stands after headbutting Italian defender Marco Materazzi, who is falling backward onto the field during the 2006 World Cup final.
Zinedine Zidane and Marco Materazzi French midfielder Zinedine Zidane stands after headbutting Italian defender Marco Materazzi, who is falling backward onto the field, during the 2006 World Cup final.

Biggest FIFA World Cup Controversies: Battle of Santiago, Zinedine Zidaneā€™s Headbutt, and More

Written by
Andrew Pereira
Andrew Pereira is a senior editor at Encyclopaedia Britannica. He covers a variety of topics, with a focus on Indian politics, foreign policy, and global affairs.
Andrew Pereira
Fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
Britannica Editors
History

The FIFA World Cup is defined not just by great goals and inspiring performances but also by drama, both on and off the pitch. Indeed, no edition of the tournament has been free of controversy. From disputed goals to notorious red cards, here are some (in)famous World Cup moments that captured global attention and shaped perceptions of footballā€™s most celebrated spectacle. VAR under fire: The 2026 World Cup saw the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) come...

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