With 40 days until the 2026 World Cup, we highlight another spectacular goal from tournament history, this time from Japan’s Genki Haraguchi against Belgium at Russia 2018.
Belgium had taken a 2-0 lead and seemed in complete control of the Round of 16 encounter. However, Japan launched an incredible comeback, and Haraguchi started the fightback by pouncing on a defensive error to slot home from close range. The goal sparked a remarkable revival as Japan drew level before Belgium eventually won 3-2 with a dramatic late goal.
Haraguchi’s strike demonstrated the never-say-die spirit that has made Japan one of Asia’s most consistent World Cup performers, and the match itself is widely regarded as one of the most entertaining in recent tournament history.
