The World Cup, game by game: remarkable photos from Qatar 2022

We’ve received more than half a million photographs during the tournament – with 30,000 from the World Cup final alone. Our picture editor has selected his favourite image from each fixture

Main image: A composite of the best photos of the 2022 World Cup. Composite: Guardian Picture Desk

  • Group stage: Qatar 0-2 Ecuador

    Not exactly the start the Qataris had hoped for. They were behind early and looked hopeless throughout this clash – so hopeless that many of their own fans starting leaving at half-time. Look closely and you’ll even spot a few supporters yawning.
    Empty seats and yawning fans at Qatar's first game

  • England 6-2 Iran

    Bukayo Saka led the way with two goals as England recorded a bumper win in their first match at the air-conditioned Khalifa International Stadium.
    Bukayo Saka scores against Iran

  • Senegal 0-2 Netherlands

    There was only one place the ball was heading as Senegal’s goalkeeper Édouard Mendy was beaten in the air by the Netherlands’ Cody Gakpo in the 84th minute. The Chelsea shot-stopper then parried Memphis Depay’s effort straight to Davy Klaassen, for the second goal. Not his finest match.
    Édouard Mendy is beaten in the air by the Netherlands’ Cody Gakpo for a goal in the 84th minute

  • USA 1-1 Wales

    Gareth Bale kindly performed his equalising celebration right in front of our own photographer, Tom Jenkins, making for this wonderfully expressive shot. Shame it was the only moment of joy for Wales in an otherwise dour World Cup.
    Gareth Bale celebrates scoring a penalty against the USA

  • Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

    The scenes of joy in the dressing after Saudi Arabia beat Argentina were wild. The sports minister got involved (pictured) and the country even declared a public holiday to mark the occasion.
    Scenes of joy in the dressing after Saudi Arabia beat Argentina

  • Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

    This boy was in complete shock after receiving a pair of match-worn gloves from Denmark’s goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel following their stalemate with Tunisia.
    A boy reacts after receiving match-worn gloves from Denmark’s goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel

  • Mexico 0-0 Poland

    In a game where Robert Lewandowski missed a penalty, it was a tattoo on the neck of Mexico’s Jorge Sánchez which caught the eye. It reads: ‘I am who I am.’
    Jorge Sánchez neck tattoo which reads: 'I am who I am'

  • France 4-1 Australia

    One of the perks of World Cups is that photographers get to shoot from – and place their cameras in – novel positions. This remote-controlled shot captures the moment Craig Goodwin gave Australia a ninth-minute lead against France, who came back to win handsomely.
    A remote camera captures the moment Craig Goodwin gave Australia a ninth-minute lead against France

  • Morocco 0-0 Croatia

    Who’d have thought that both of these sides would go on to reach the semi-finals. It all started for them with a goalless draw underneath raking sunlight – a photographer’s dream – at Al Bayt Stadium.
    Players from Morocco and Croatia underneath raking sunlight at Al Bayt Stadium

  • Germany 1-2 Japan

    So many good photographs from this match, it’s hard to choose a favourite. Before kick-off, Germany’s players made a powerful collective statement by placing their hands over their mouths to signify that they had been gagged by Fifa, after being denied the right to wear the OneLove armband. But by the final whistle, all eyes were on the scenes of bedlam as Japan celebrated their first huge upset of the tournament.
    Japan celebrate their 2-1 victory against Germany

  • Spain 7-0 Costa Rica

    This photo was taken back when Spain looked like world beaters; as it happens, they were just Costa Rica beaters. It captures Gavi’s outrageous 74th-minute goal, struck with the outside of his boot.
    Gavi’s 74th-minute goal, struck with the outside of his boot, against Costa Rica

  • Belgium 1-0 Canada

    Canada somehow got beaten by Belgium, whom they largely outclassed. Alphonso Davies’s penalty miss didn’t exactly help. He could have become his country’s first men’s World Cup goalscorer in Canada’s opening match. He would eventually fulfil that ambition.
    Alphonso Davies misses a penalty against Belgium

  • Switzerland 1-0 Cameroon

    Cameroon’s Martin Hongla is pictured controlling a rather wet ball against Switzerland, who won courtesy of Breel Embolo’s goal early in the second half.
    Cameroon’s Martin Hongla is pictured controlling a rather wet ball against Switzerland

  • Uruguay 0-0 South Korea

    South Korea’s Hwang Ui-jo takes a shin in the chops during a challenge by Uruguay’s Diego Godín. Neither side scored though Uruguay twice hit the post.
    South Korea’s Hwang Ui-jo takes a shin in the chops during a challenge by Uruguay’s Diego Godín

  • Portugal 3-2 Ghana

    A second-half bonanza featuring five goals. Cristiano Ronaldo scored in a fifth consecutive World Cup and got the headlines, but goalkeeper Diogo Costa almost achieved infamy when he was robbed of the ball by Iñaki Williams in the dying seconds. Luckily for Costa, Williams slipped and scuffed his lines. Costa didn’t feel like smiling about it afterwards, apparently.
    Diogo Costa looks glum after he was robbed of the ball by Iñaki Williams in the dying seconds against Ghana

  • Brazil 2-0 Serbia

    Brazil’s Richarlison scored a brace, including this acrobatic effort, one of the goals of the tournament, while Neymar went off with a worrying injury.
    Brazil’s Richarlison scores an acrobatic effort against Serbia

  • Wales 0-2 Iran

    Shades of Harald Schumacher as Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey took out Iran’s Mehdi Taremi with this wild swipe. Hennessey was sent off, unlike Schumacher, and Wales were beaten by two late goals.
    Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey clatters into Iran’s Mehdi Taremi

  • Qatar 1-3 Senegal

    Qatar’s ‘ultras’ had a goal to cheer, but little else, as their side got dumped out of their own World Cup in record time not long after this, their second defeat.
    Qatar’s 'ultras' cheer their side

  • Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

    He copped a fair amount of flak during the tournament for his side’s underwhelming style of play, but the Netherlands’ head coach, Louis van Gaal, had at least one young fan in the tunnel before their match with Ecuador.
    Netherlands’ head coach Louis van Gaal high-fives a mascot

  • England 0-0 USA

    It’s hard to pick a frame which sums up just how turgid this game was – and then I remembered this offbeat shot of the crowd. Somehow ET’s blank expression captures it.
    A fan wearing an England shirt and an ET mask

  • Tunisia 0-1 Australia

    The scenes in Federation Square, Melbourne, when this goal went in were something else. Mitchell Duke’s delicately flicked header sailed into the far corner and put Australia in with a good shout of reaching the knockout stage.
    Mitchell Duke’s delicately flicked header sails into the far corner to give Australia the lead against Tunisia

  • Poland 2-0 Saudi Arabia

    Poland’s Robert Lewandowski was just a little bit emotional after netting the first World Cup goal of his career. His teammates were pretty happy for him too.
    Poland’s Robert Lewandowski celebrates after netting the first World Cup goal of his career

  • France 2-1 Denmark

    This looks like a regulation goal picture until you start to notice the facial expressions. France’s Kylian Mbappé was the scorer of this goal, by dint of a thigh. It was his second of the game as he terrorised the Danes.
    France’s Kylian Mbappé scores with a thigh

  • Argentina 2-0 Mexico

    There was a lot of weight on Lionel Messi’s shoulders going into this fixture. There always is. The Argentinian delivered by scoring the first goal with a snapshot from range, followed by a curler from Enzo Fernandez.
    Lionel Messi rolls his head around his shoulders as he warms up before a match

  • Japan 0-1 Costa Rica

    Costa Rica’s Joel Campbell almost relinquished his shorts to Kou Itakara in this rather blatant foul. One assumes the referee spotted it. The result of the match threw Group E wide open.
    Costa Rica’s Joel Campbell almost loses his shorts to Kou Itakara against Japan

  • Belgium 0-2 Morocco

    This was the game when Morocco announced themselves as more than just decent. Zakaria Aboukhlal’s late breakaway goal sealed a famous win and sparked a cracking pile-on in front of the travelling fans.
    Zakaria Aboukhlal’s late breakaway goal is celebrated wildly

  • Croatia 4-1 Canada

    It’s the face mask that makes this doubly odd. Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol was one of a number of players to sport the protective gear at this World Cup. His side went behind after just two minutes as Canada heeded the pre-match music and got down to business. But Croatia soon showcased their enduring class as they ran out easy winners.
    Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol, wearing a protective face mask, swings on the crossbar

  • Spain 1-1 Germany

    Angered by Germany’s pre-match protest in their first game, a group of fans held up pictures of their Muslim former player Mesut Özil in an effort to highlight what they viewed as hypocrisy. Özil had accused the German FA of racism and discrimination before his retirement.
    A group of Arab fans holds up pictures of Germany's Muslim former player Mesut Özil

  • Cameroon 3-3 Serbia

    One of the most brilliant and bizarre goals of the tournament. Vincent Aboubakar’s scoop will go down in legend. And so too will this six-goal thriller, which Serbia had led 3-1.
    Vincent Aboubakar’s scooped goal against Cameroon

  • South Korea 2-3 Ghana

    Ghana’s goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi looked pretty desperate during this goalmouth scramble as his side fought off a brave comeback from South Korea in another pulsating game.
    Ghana’s goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi during a goalmouth scramble

  • Brazil 1-0 Switzerland

    Exultant fans, a throng of photographers and a victorious Brazilian squad. Brazil’s 1-0 win courtesy of Casemiro’s glorious half-volley booked their place in the knockout stage with a game to spare.
    Exultant fans, a throng of photographers and a victorious Brazil squad

  • Portugal 2-0 Uruguay

    Of course Cristiano Ronaldo claimed it was his goal. But it wasn’t. Replays and microchip technology inside the ball proved that the searching cross from Bruno Fernandes had flown straight into the net, despite CR7’s desperate attempts to get his noggin to it.
    Cristiano Ronaldo tries to get on the end of Bruno Fernandes's cross

  • Netherlands 2-0 Qatar

    Just a week after the tournament started, Qatar’s miserable campaign was complete. The worst-performing hosts ever? Probably. Here, Ahmed Alaaeldin challenges for the ball with goalkeeper Andries Noppert.
    Ahmed Alaaeldin challenges for the ball with goalkeeper Andries Noppert

  • Ecuador 1-2 Senegal

    Ángelo Preciado’s face told the story as Kalidou Koulibaly’s 70th-minute volley sent Senegal into the knockout stage at Ecuador’s expense.
    Ángelo Preciado’s face after Senegal put them out of the tournament

  • Wales 0-3 England

    Wales experienced a similar sense of disappointment to Ecuador as they were put to the sword by two goals from Marcus Rashford and one from Phil Foden. They waited 64 years for this World Cup experience. It was hardly worth the wait.
    Unhappy Wales fans hugging

  • Iran 0-1 USA

    Iranian football fans continued their vociferous protests at the treatment of Mahsa Amini, who died while in the custody of Iran’s religious police in September. Some Iranians back home chanted ‘women, life, freedom’ as they celebrated Iran’s defeat to USA in this match, which sent them out of the competition.
    Iranian football fans protesting at the treatment of Mahsa Amini, who died while in the custody of Iran’s religious police in September

  • Australia 1-0 Denmark

    Riley McGree could hardly believe his eyes after watching Mathew Leckie’s solo goal against Denmark which booked the Socceroos a place in the last 16 as Group D runners-up.
    Riley McGree and Mathew Leckie celebrate the latter's solo goal against Denmark

  • Tunisia 1-0 France

    With their place in the last 16 already assured, France left Kylian Mbappé on the bench for the start of this clash. The photographers still couldn’t get enough of him.
    Kylian Mbappé pretends to take a photograph of the photographers

  • Poland 0-2 Argentina

    The photographer Matthias Hangst got creative during this fixture to illustrate that, ultimately, everyone is drawn towards Lionel Messi.
    Several Poland players being drawn towards Lionel Messi

  • Saudi Arabia 1-2 Mexico

    Saudi Arabia and Mexico both went out of the World Cup thanks to this result – agonisingly, the latter doing so on goal difference. In this expressive picture, Mexico’s Orbelín Pineda (left) and Saudi Arabia’s Mohamed Kanno are challenging for the ball.
    Mexico’s Orbelín Pineda and Saudi Arabia’s Mohamed Kanno challenging for the ball

  • Croatia 0-0 Belgium

    This was one of a catalogue of gilt-edged chances missed by Romelu Lukaku as Belgium, ranked second in the world, failed to progress from the group stage. It proved that Kevin De Bruyne’s controversial pre-tournament prediction was correct: Belgium really were too old to go all the way.
    Romelu Lukaku misses a chance for Belgium against Croatia

  • Canada 1-2 Morocco

    Alphonso Davies’s quivering bottom lip made for an eye-catching picture as Canada’s valiant World Cup campaign ended. Morocco, meanwhile, went through as surprise Group F winners.
    Alphonso Davies looks close to tears as Canada’s valiant World Cup campaign ends

  • Japan 2-1 Spain

    Was it in? Was it out? This goal sparked wild debate and instructional videos on how perspective can be misleading. Ultimately goalline technology determined that Japan’s Kaoru Mitoma had kept the ball in play as he set up Ao Tanaka for the winning goal. Japan qualified as Group E winners, Spain scraped through as runners-up.
    Japan’s Kaoru Mitoma keeps the ball in play as he sets up Ao Tanaka for the winning goal versus Spain

  • Costa Rica 2-4 Germany

    Arguably the best photograph from the whole World Cup. It shows Germany’s Kai Havertz being presented with the player of the match trophy ... only one slight problem: Germany had just been knocked out.
    Germany’s Kai Havertz being presented with the player of the match trophy after Germany had just been knocked out of the tournament

  • Ghana 0-2 Uruguay

    After what he did to Ghana at the World Cup in 2010 when his skulduggery cost them a place in the semi-final, many Ghanaians will have taken great consolation from seeing Luis Suárez in tears at the end of this match. The result in the other Group H game sent Uruguay out by the narrowest of margins: goals scored.
    Luis Suárez in tears at the end of Uruguay's match with Ghana

  • South Korea 2-1 Portugal

    The South Koreans were delirious when they heard the news that Uruguay had beaten Ghana 2-0, because it meant their late victory against Portugal – courtesy of Hwang Hee-chan’s injury-time strike – had vaulted them into the top two. Players had waited together on the pitch for eight agonising minutes following the final whistle before their fate was confirmed.
    South Korea celebrate reaching the knockout stages

  • Serbia 2-3 Switzerland

    Granit Xhaka (right) got himself in hot water with the Serbian players – not for the first time – after grabbing his crotch while looking in their direction during this predictably testy clash. The moment itself was caught on video, but Nikola Milenkovic certainly saw it.
    Serbia's Nikola Milenkovic pushes Granit Xhaka of Switzerland

  • Cameroon 1-0 Brazil

    Cameroon’s Vincent Aboubakar didn’t care one jot that he got sent off for this shirtless celebration after scoring a 93rd-minute winner against Brazil. He knew Cameroon were going out of the World Cup anyway, and he even got a handshake and a wry smile from the referee as he was shown his second yellow card.
    Cameroon’s Vincent Aboubakar celebrates after scoring a 93rd-minute winner against Brazil

  • Last 16: Netherlands 3-1 USA

    ‘Me, me, me.’ Fifa’s president, Gianni Infantino, tried to make himself the centre of attention at this World Cup and this pre-match picture captures him nicely. Shame you cant see his trainers. In terms of the match itself, the Netherlands looked to be coasting to victory before Haji Wright’s late goal briefly threatened a comeback.
    Gianni Infantino in the VIP box at Khalifa International Stadium before the Netherlands v USA game

  • Argentina 2-1 Australia

    One of the saves of the tournament from Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez, as he denied the young Australian Garang Kuol at the end of this match. Australia had looked dead and buried before a wild deflection gave them hope. Martínez and his teammates all flopped to the floor in the wake of this stop, such was its importance.
    Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez saves from Australia's Garang Kuol

  • France 3-1 Poland

    Kylian Mbappé’s pace is the stuff of defensive nightmares and he gave Poland a torrid time in the knockout stages, scoring twice. Meanwhile, Olivier Giroud became France’s all-time leading goalscorer, but surely he won’t keep that title for too long.
    France's Kylian Mbappé battles for possession with Poland's Matty Cash

  • England 3-0 Senegal

    Despite being under pressure early on, England swept past Senegal with three goals either side of the break. One of them was scored by the much-maligned Jordan Henderson, who struck up an unlikely bromance with Jude Bellingham.
    Jordan Henderson celebrates his goal against Senegal with provider Jude Bellingham

  • Japan 1-1 Croatia (Croatia won 1-3 on penalties)

    The first match of the tournament to end in a penalty shootout – and it was an odd one. Japan’s penalties were shockingly tame. This one by Takumi Minamino was easily saved.
    Croatia's Dominik Livakovic dives to save a penalty by Japan's Takumi Minamino in the shootout

  • Brazil 4-1 South Korea

    ‘Dance Vini, dance’ they said. Brazil were irresistible in the first half as they put four goals past South Korea. Vinícius Júnior had taken plenty of stick for his celebrations, but Neymar and his mates were only too happy to perform with him as the goals flowed.
    Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Lucas Paquetá and Neymar dance to celebrate Brazil's second goal against South Korea

  • Morocco 0-0 Spain (Morocco won 3-0 on penalties)

    Walid Regragui, the head coach of Morocco, was given the bumps after his side saw off Spain on penalties. Spain had enjoyed a predictably large share of possession but did nothing useful with it.
    Morocco's coach Walid Regragui is given the bumps by his players after the team beat Spain on penalties

  • Portugal 6-1 Switzerland

    The big news before this clash was that the Portuguese legend and self-proclaimed greatest player ever, Cristiano Ronaldo, had been dropped to the bench for his petulant behaviour in the previous match. His young understudy, Gonçalo Ramos, duly scored a hat-trick.
    Gonçalo Ramos scores Portugal's third goal on his way to a hat-trick and a 6-1 victory over Switzerland

  • Quarter-finals: Croatia 1-1 Brazil (Croatia won 4-2 on penalties)

    That feeling when you should’ve stepped up for the first penalty, but instead you were slated to go fifth and your teammates faltered. Neymar was crestfallen, Brazil were out and they only had themselves to blame.
    Neymar holds his head in his hands after Brazil lose on penalties to Croatia before he has had the chance to take their fifth spot-kick

  • Netherlands 2-2 Argentina (Argentina won 4-3 on penalties)

    Another contender for best picture of the tournament. The contrast of emotions, the muck-housery of the Argentinians celebrating in the faces of the Dutch – it’s a single frame that speaks volumes of a tumultuous and ill-tempered contest. The Netherlands looked beaten until a remarkable comeback as they threw the big men up top, but Wout Weghoust’s late brace proved to be in vain.
    Argentina players mock the devastated Netherlands team after winning the penalty shootout

  • Morocco 1-0 Portugal

    What better way to celebrate a quarter-final victory than with your mum? Morocco’s Sofiane Boufal is pictured here, revelling in history: Morocco had become the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final.
    Sofiane Boufal celebrates victory over Portugal with his mother

  • England 1-2 France

    The maligned ITV commentator Sam Matterface got panned for cruelly describing Harry Kane’s second penalty as Chris Waddle-esque. But in truth he wasn’t wrong. Kane’s late penalty, which could have tied the match at 2-2, sailed hopelessly over the bar and with it went England’s World Cup dream.
    Harry Kane sends his late penalty well over the bar against France

  • Semi-finals: Argentina 3-0 Croatia

    Argentina’s fans have poured into Qatar in their thousands for this World Cup and it seems as though almost everyone in this picture is wearing the sky blue colours of the Albiceleste. They got the win they were hoping for via two goals from Julián Álvarez and one from Lionel Messi from the spot.
    Blue and white shirts dominate Lusail Stadium stands during Argentina's 3-0 victory over Croatia

  • France 2-0 Morocco

    Theo Hernandez’s improvised fifth-minute strike sent France on their way to the finals as Morocco’s dream finally ended. It was France’s first clean sheet of the tournament and Antoine Griezmann was inspired in midfield.
    Theo Hernandez improvises to get his left foot to a high-bouncing ball and score France's first goal against Morocco

  • Third place playoff: Croatia 2-1 Morocco

    Third-placed playoffs are a bizarre idea but this game was played with real verve. Stranger yet is having a podium to crown the ‘winners’. Still, Croatia enjoyed their moment.
    Croatia on a podium celebrating after beating Morocco in the third-place playoff

  • World Cup final: Argentina 3-3 France (Argentina won 4-2 on penalties)

    Campeones del Mundo! Lionel Messi’s dream – and his trophy cabinet – was complete at last after a World Cup final for the ages. The game swung back and forth, with Messi and Mbappé driving their sides relentlessly. The Argentinian got a brace; the Frenchman got a hat-trick. But only one could emerge victorious. It just had to be Messi.
    Lionel Messi holds up the World Cup trophy as Argentina celebrate amid a scrum of cameras
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