Month: April 2026

What comes to mind when you think of the top men’s FIFA World Cup moments? It could be Diego Maradona carving through England’s defense for the Goal of the Century. Or, a legend like Pele or Lionel Messi raising the trophy up high into the sky. Or something more controversial, like Cristiano Ronaldo’s wink after getting Wayne Rooney sent off. When the World Cup comes to North America this summer, we’ll be in store for many more moments. It remains to be seen if they’ll make the pantheon of the best. [WHEN AND WHERE: Full Schedule for 2026 FIFA World Cup] Leading up to the 2026 World Cup, we’re counting down the most iconic, most controversial, most defining moments in tournament history: JUMP TO: 100-95 | 94-90 | 89-85 | 84-80 | 79-75 | 74-70 No. 100: Pure Control, Pure Class, Pure Messi In 2018, the pressure on Lionel Messi was building. Argentina’s star captain had gone scoreless through two games, including a 3-0 loss to Croatia. He needed to do something against Nigeria. That’s when the Messi magic appeared. Argentina went on to win the game and advance. An unbelievable first touch from Lionel Messi that saved Argentina. And while La Albiceleste were eliminated by eventual champions France in the round of 16, Messi’s sublime goal was perhaps the best of the tournament. No. 99: Red Card for … Celebrating?! Vincent Aboubakar made history for Cameroon when he scored a game-winning goal against Brazil in 2022, the first time an African country had defeated the five-time champions in a World Cup setting. The problem was that he was then sent off for excessive celebration. The Indomitable Lions were still eliminated despite the win, with the Brazilians advancing to the knockout rounds. Nonetheless, it was punishment worth the moment of shirtless joy. It even seemed like the referee felt a bit bad for having to hand out that red card. No. 98: Cuauhtémoc Blanco Leaps Into History Trying to shake off around two defenders? You should think about trying this trademark move created by one of the greatest Mexican players to ever live. It was so nice, it’s known throughout the world as the “Cuauhtemiña.” At the 1998 World Cup, Cuauhtémoc Blanco clamped the ball between his feet did his best impression of a kangaroo by hopping between two South Korean defenders. It may not have produced a goal, but the player from el barrio bravo de Tepito produced a move that has immediately leaped into the hearts and minds of soccer fans since. No. 97: Klinsmann’s Roundhouse Flick Long before he coached the United States men’s national team at the 2014 World Cup, Jürgen Klinsmann scored a ton of goals for Germany, including this stunner against South Korea. Klinsmann, who four years earlier had helped his country win the World Cup for the third time, would turn what looked like a routine pass reception with his back to the goal into one of the most memorable goals of USA ‘94 with one swivel of his hips. No. 96: This Free Kick Changed USA Soccer History The U.S. men’s national team hadn’t made a splash at the World Cup in decades – but that all changed it the USA hosted the 1994 edition. It was thanks to a wonder-goal against Switzerland by the USA star Eric Wynalda. Wynalda’s unstoppable, curling free kick just before the teams headed to the dressing rooms nearly blew the roof off the Silverdome in suburban Detroit. The match ended 1-1. That point, plus an upset win over Colombia a few days later, was enough to send the USA to the second round, where they took eventual champ Brazil to extra time before losing 1-0. No. 95: One Of the Best Opening Goals Ever In 2006, Germany legend Philipp Lahm scored one of the best opening goals to a World Cup ever. From a distance, Lahm (wearing a cast on his right arm following a recent injury) curled the ball perfectly into the top corner past Costa Rica keeper José Francisco Porras. Of course, it was even sweeter as the Germans were hosting the tournament with high hopes of winning it all on home soil. The hosts fell in the semifinals but Lahm’s amazing technique and control on this goal in Munich will be one of the tournament’s highlights. No. 94: A Volley For The Ages Tim Cahill is arguably Australia’s best men’s soccer player ever and that’s due to his ability to score in big moments at the World Cup. That included this spectacular volley at the 2014 tournament in Brazil, where he showed his technique and ability against the Netherlands. A looping long pass from one side to the Porto Alegre pitch to the other, Cahill one-timed the shot into the net at the perfect angle as the ball kissed the underside of the bar. A stellar goal followed by his trademark fighting-the-corner-flag celebration. No. 93: This Rule Proved Too Cruel A new rule was introduced in the 1998 World Cup round of 16: Golden Goal. Score in extra time, and it’s over. Hosts France were deadlocked with Paraguay at 0-0 going into extra time in their round of 16 matchup at Lens. The ball found Laurent Blanc at the edge of the six-yard box, and he buried it to end the match at 1-0. France advanced; Paraguay was eliminated on the spot. France went on to win it all, but it would be one of the final few countries to benefit from the cruel rule, as it was scrapped altogether six years later. No. 92: First Back-to-Back Champs It didn’t take long for the World Cup to have its first dynasty. After lifting the trophy on home soil at the second-ever World Cup in 1934, Italy did it again at France 1938, stamping its legacy forever. Italy might not be the most famous repeat World Cup champions of all time, but it will go down in history as the first. No. 91: A Goal That Deserved A Happier Ending Archie Gemmill’s wonder goal for Scotland in the 1978 FIFA World Cup would have sent them to the knockout stage if they hadn’t fallen short on goal difference against the Netherlands. Gemmill had Scottish fans dreaming of an upset against one of the world’s best sides. In the 68th minute, the diminutive midfielder danced away from three Dutch defenders before lobbing a left-footed finish over the keeper Jan Jongbloed. With a two-goal lead, it seemed Scotland would advance. But it was to no avail as the Dutch scored minutes later, leaving the heartbroken Scots wondering what could have been. Instead, the Netherlands advanced on goal-difference and would go on to make a second consecutive World Cup final appearance. No. 90: The Ultimate Team Goal 25 passes. Nine players. One iconic goal for Argentina. At the 2006 World Cup (the first one in which Lionel Messi appeared), Argentina faced a stern test against Serbia in the group stage. It was one of those games where the underdogs knew they would have to be sharp on defense to keep a far more talented Argentina side at bay. Except it didn’t work that way, and Argentina pounced from the get-go with an early goal in the sixth minute by Maxi Rodriguez. And that’s when the Albiceleste magic took over. In the 31st minute, a patient ballet of teamwork that involved a combination of on-target passes led to Hernán Crespo looping a ball to early-match substitute Esteban Cambiasso. Goal, Argentina. Four more followed – including Messi’s first ever at a World Cup.  But Cambiasso’s strike stood above all that day. No. 89: A Controversial Goal Affects Three Teams One of the toughest groups at the 2022 World Cup featured Germany (four-time champions), Spain (2010 champions), always talented Japan, and feisty Costa Rica. So you knew that this group was going to have some fireworks. That happened on the final matchday. Germany facing Costa Rica and Japan taking on Spain with all four teams having hope of advancing. At halftime of both matches, it seemed like Spain and Germany would advance, while Japan and Costa Rica would go home. But the script was then ripped apart. In the 51st minute of the Japan-Spain game, Kaoru Mitoma chases the ball down —
it looks out.
But he crosses it to
Ao Tanaka, who scores off an improbable angle.
VAR says the ball remained in play by the slimmest of margins.
The goal stands. Japan topped the group. Spain also advanced. Germany was eliminated despite beating Costa Rica. Joy and heartbreak all around. No. 88: Three Yellow Cards And One Red-Faced Referee Soccer is known for its simplicity of rules when compared to other major sports. And one of the most well-known rules is that when you get two yellow cards, that equates to a red card and therefore an automatic dismissal from the game. Which is why an error by England official Graham Poll at the 2006 World Cup was so memorable. Poll had shown Croatia’s Josip Šimunić two yellow cards in the group-stage finale against Australia, but the player inexplicably stayed on. Only until a third card was shown to Šimunić that the defender actually left the pitch. It was the last World Cup game Poll ever worked as he asked not to be considered for future tournaments on account of his unforgettable mistake. No. 87: Matador Magic! A Star Rises For Mexico at France ’98 When your nickname is “El Matador,” you better have a killer instinct in front of the net. Luis Hernandez had that and then some as a star striker for Mexico at the 1998 World Cup. By beating South Korea and tying Belgium in their first two group stage games at France ‘98, Mexico appeared well-positioned to progress to the knockout rounds. Still, advancing was not guaranteed. And with the Netherlands looming in their final first-round match, the nerves of El Tri fans were, understandably, frayed. They stayed that way until almost the last kick of the ball. Mexico was losing 2-1 to the Dutch as the contest entered stoppage time. In the other Group E finale being played simultaneously, the Koreans and Belgians were tied. If El Tri lost and Belgium managed to score a late winner, they’d advance at Mexico’s expense. Hernandez, with his trademark flowing blonde hairstyle, wasn’t about to leave anything to chance. Instead of relying on another result, the striker known as “El Matador” pounced on a botched clearance in the box by Dutch center back Jaap Stam and stabbed the ball into the net. The goal pulled Mexico level in the 94th minute. When the final whistle blew moments later, Mexico was en route to the round of 16. No. 86: Hungary’s Record Scoreline El Salvador was desperate to produce a respectable showing in just its second tournament appearance, having lost all three of their games and failing to score a goal at the 1970 event. But a lack of funding meant they took just 20 players, two short of the roster limit, and were the last team to arrive for competition. Add in an overly aggressive gameplan from young coach Mauricio “Pipo” Rodríguez, and the result was a 10-1 loss to Hungary in their opener. It remains the most lopsided scoreline in World Cup history. The performance was so humiliating that when ES forward Luis Ramírez Zapata scored to make it 5-1, some of his teammates implored him to tone down his celebration, lest he make the Hungarians angry. Maybe he did; László Kiss came off the bench to score a seven-minute hat trick (also a record) and Hungary added two more goals before the final whistle to complete the rout. No. 85: Bulgaria’s Superstar Takes Over Summer of ’94 Bulgaria were considered an afterthought. But one man made sure the world remembered them. At the 1994 World Cup, Hristo Stoichkov couldn’t be stopped. After converting two penalties against Greece, the Barcelona legend scored against Argentina to secure a place in the knockout round. Then, the magic really started. In the Round of 16, Stoichkov bagged a 6th minute goal, as Bulgaria took down Mexico on penalties. Next came defending champions Germany. Trailing 1-0 in the 75th minute, he and Yordan Letchkov scored three minutes apart for the win. Stoichkov and Bulgaria would ultimately lose in the semifinals, but it was truly an unforgettable run. No. 84: No Era Penal Mexico benefited from some good fortune just to make it to Brazil 2014 — if not for a late goal by their archrival United States versus Panama, El Tri would’ve failed to qualify out of CONCACAF — but there they were, just moments away from finally reaching the elusive quinto partido, or fifth game, at a World Cup. Then their luck ran out. With just two minutes of the 90 to play, the Dutch made it 1-1 through Wesley Sneijder. Mexico captain Rafa Márquez was then whistled for tripping Arjen Robben inside the penalty box deep into second-half stoppage time. Replays showed that Robben had theatrically embellished the contact, if there was any at all. It wasn’t a penalty. That didn’t matter. VAR was still four years away from its World Cup debut. Without video review, the call on the field stood, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored from the spot, and Mexico were eliminated in the round of 16 for the sixth straight tournament. No. 83: Sneijder Stands Tall in Dutch Rally At 5-foot-7, Wesley Sneijder was never an imposing figure for the Netherlands. But he knew how to rise in big moments, such as his standout two-goal performance against Brazil in the 2010 World Cup quarterfinals. The Brazilians were up early on Robinho’s goal in the quarterfinal match, playing about as sound as anyone else in the tournament. But then the Dutch took over. Sneijder first had a deep wide cross that seemingly floated forever and slipped past Brazil keeper Julio Cesar’s punchout before skimming off Felipe Melo’s head and into the net. Then it was the diminutive dynamo who scored again to complete the comeback, sneaking through the penalty area and finding space for an improbable header. Even he couldn’t believe it, grasping his forehead in delight. But it’s the win that kept the Netherlands marching on and eventually reaching the final. No. 82: No Option For Zaire In Loss To Brazil Zaire’s qualification for the 1974 World Cup was a watershed moment for the country. They were the first team from sub-Saharan Africa to make it, and just the third from that continent overall. But what should have been a joyous tournament for Zaire’s players turned sinister. After losing their opener 2-0 to Scotland, the players were informed that they wouldn’t be paid their World Cup bonuses. They intended to boycott their next match, against Yugoslavia, but relented after threats from the country’s president, dictator Mobutu Sese Seko. Following a 9-0 loss — tied for the most one-sided scoreline in World Cup history — Mobutu told the team not to bother coming home if they lost to Brazil by more than four goals. So, down three late in the game, Zaire’s Mwepu Ilunga raced from the defensive wall and booted the ball down the field. He was yellow-carded for time-wasting, but it was worth it: Brazil didn’t score again, and the match finished 3-0. A lackluster but perhaps life-saving performance for a country who are now trying to qualify in 2026 – this time with hopes of a better outcome. No. 81: South Korea Saves Mexico; Germany Hopes Dashed “¡Coreano! Hermano! Ya eres mexicano!” At the 2018 World Cup, this is how Son Heung-min and South Korea ousted the defending champions and helped out a very grateful Mexico squad. Despite losing to Mexico in their opening match, 2014 tournament winners Germany liked their odds of reaching the knockout stage at the 2018 edition in Russia. All the Germans had to do was beat South Korea by two goals to guarantee a spot in the business end of the competition. As expected, Die Mannschaft dominated the Taeguk Warriors through nearly 90 minutes, but the match was still scoreless. Germany was desperate and pushed as many players as possible forward. Then South Korea pounced on the opportunity as Kim Young-gwon first scored. It was then Son who sealed the whole group’s fate with a second goal as time wound down. That meant Germany was out. Mexico, despite getting pummeled by group winners Sweden, were also advancing. A sigh of relief for El Tri fans, who gratefully serenaded Korean players and fans in Russia – and even held celebrations outside of South Korea’s diplomatic offices across Mexico. No. 80: Did He Really Mean To Score That Goal? The old saying is that you can make your own luck. And this memorable goal by Maicon, which defied odds and angles, is an example of that. In the summer of 2010, the Brazilian right-back was at his absolute peak. A Treble-winning elite defender for Inter Milan and a stalwart for his country at the summer’s World Cup. And it was against North Korea that Maicon produced his signature moment continues to be debated. As Maicon barreled down the flank and into the 18-yard box and caught up to a pinpoint pass by Elano, he powered a shot that whizzed behind keeper Ri Myong-guk and into the net on the tightest of angles. It seemed that Maicon was trying to actually cross to Luis Fabiano, but instead did the job himself. A celebration followed that seemed more relief than joy, and one of the best “Did he mean to do that?” moments in soccer lore was born. No. 79: USA’s Pulisic Delivers a Winner The United States men’s national team faced immense pressure to make it out of a tough Group B at the 2022 FIFA World Cup after failing to qualify for Russia 2018. The problem? It only managed two points after its matchups with Wales and England. With the U.S. in desperate need of three points in its final group stage match against Iran, Christian Pulisic put his body on the line to get his team on the board, diving in front of a cross to beat the two defenders marking him and colliding with Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand in the process. This goal sent the U.S. through — and gave Christian Pulisic his World Cup moment. In the 2022 World Cup Group Stage, the United States needed a win to advance. In the 38th minute, Weston McKennie sent in a cross Pulisic was forced off as a result of the collision, but his goal ended up being the difference for the U.S. as it advanced to the round of 16 with a 1-0 win and three much-needed points. No. 78: Richarlison’s Wonder Goal Brazil entered the 2022 FIFA World Cup as one of the favorites to go the distance, and that hype only got louder after Richarlison’s master class in the Seleção’s group stage opener against Serbia. After failing to score in the first half, Richarlison scored a second-half brace, and his second goal will go down as one of the most skillful goals in World Cup history. Richarlison volleyed a cross from Vinícius Júnior in the air to himself and scored with an acrobatic scissor kick. Brazil would ultimately bow out of the tournament in the quarterfinals, but it made its mark on the tournament thanks to Richarlison. No. 77: Don’t Count Out Dempsey and the USA At the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the soccer gods did the United States no favors. A group stage that included tournament heavyweights Germany, a Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal squad, and Ghana (the team that had ousted the USA in two straight World Cups). Pundits had written off the USA even before the team reached the tournament, thinking there would be no way coach Jurgen Klinnsman’s squad would survive a tough group. Against Ghana, Clint Dempsey scored the fastest World Cup goal in USA history. Ghana equalized before John Brooks rose to the occasion and netted a header for the dramatic game-winner. Against Portugal, Jermaine Jones smashed a stunner that was mooted after Ronaldo’s last-second equalizer. A loss to Germany still saw the USA advance into the knockout stage thanks to a goal differential over Portugal. With tough-as-nails playmakers such as Dempsey, Jones and keeper Tim Howard, this USA squad proved a lot of folk wrong. No. 76: Sunday Oliseh’s screamer vs. Spain There’s something to be said for sheer power. Pretty passing sequences and deftly placed shots are nice and all, but sometimes you don’t want to watch the lock get picked — you want to see a ball hit with enough force to blow the entire house down. That’s what Sunday Oliseh gave us in Nigeria’s first match of the 1998 World Cup. The defensive midfielder wasn’t known for scoring — he managed only one other goal in 53 international appearances — but he knew what to do when a Spain clearance fell to him 30 yards from goal with about 12 minutes remaining in the game. Fernando Hierro and Raul scored for Spain on either side of halftime, but Nigeria equalized twice. With time running short, Hierro cleared a Super Eagles throw-in deep in his own end. Oliseh caught it on the half-volley and thundered a low strike just inside the post past stunned La Roja backstop Andoni Zubizarreta. The kick couldn’t have been more ferocious. Not only was it enough to give Nigeria the win, but it also helped propel them to the top of Group D. Spain, meanwhile, failed to survive the group stage. Talk about a powerful shot. No. 75: Van Bronckhorst’s Blast Giovanni van Bronckhorst wasn’t known as a scorer throughout his long and decorated international career for the Netherlands, for good reason. In 106 appearances with the Oranje, the outside back managed just six goals. And at age 35 in 2010, many wondered if the veteran would even crack Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk’s final 23-man roster for the tournament in South Africa. Van Bronckhorst didn’t just make it, he was named captain. And in the semifinal against Uruguay, he opened the scoring with an audacious, 40-yard, left-footed strike that grazed diving La Celeste keeper Fernando Muslera’s fingertips and kissed the inside of the far post before settling into the net. The only World Cup goal Van Bronckhorst ever scored helped send his country to the title match for the third time, and it remains among the most spectacular in tournament history. No. 74: Five Goals in One Game! Salenko Makes History You’ve heard of a hat trick. But what about a Salenko?When you score five goals in a single game, you’re worthy of having the feat named after you. At the 1994 World Cup, Russian striker Oleg Salenko found the net five times in a 6-1, group stage victory over Cameroon.The win wasn’t enough to help the Russians reach the knockout stage, but Salenko’s record-setting day did go a long way toward him becoming the only player in World Cup history to win the Golden Boot as top scorer despite only participating in the first round.Salenko also scored from the penalty spot against Sweden to finish USA ‘94 with six goals, the same number as Bulgarian striker Hristo Stoichkov, with whom he shared the award. Not bad for a guy who played in four fewer matches. No. 73: Rivaldo’s Oscar-Worthy Diving Performance We all know soccer stars have a penchant for the dramatic. But Brazilian legend Rivaldo may take the Oscar for an all-time acting performance for his inexplicable dive at the 2002 World Cup.During a group stage match, Turkiye’s Hakan Ünsal, annoyed that Rivaldo was taking his sweet time preparing to take a corner kick, booted the ball off the Brazilian’s legs. Rivaldo collapsed and began rolling on the turf holding not his thigh — but his face.Ünsal was shown a red card and the ridicule against Rivaldo began. In an era before social media, the video went viral and shown over sports and news and late-night shows alike across the globe. Rivaldo was fined (but not suspended) by FIFA but he also got the last laugh — Brazil won its fifth (and its most recent) World Cup title. No 72: Rooney’s Red and Ronaldo’s Wink A heat moment at the world’s biggest stage between two World Cup heavyweights involved a pair of Manchester United superstar teammates.Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney were among the faces of global soccer at the 2006 World Cup. So, when England and Portugal were pitted in the quarterfinals, the world knew sparks would fly.In the second half, Rooney stamped on Portugal’s Ricardo Carvalho and the referee reached for red. Ronaldo had been pleading to the ref that his Man United teammate should be sent off, and that’s when the cameras caught it: a sly, almost celebratory wink toward the Portugal bench right after Rooney’s dismissal.Portugal would survive on penalties as Ronaldo scores the decider. England’s dream of a World Cup title ends. And that wink — love it or hate it — becomes a defining, unforgettable and controversial moments in World Cup history. No 71: Kuwait’s Princely Protest On a list of most bizarre World Cup moments, this would have to be near the top. At the 1982 event in Spain, first time qualifier Kuwait had just gone 4-1 down to France with 10 minutes left in their group stage match. Inside the stadium, Kuwaiti Prince Fahad Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah took exception, contending that a whistle from the crowd sounded before Les Bleus scored their fourth goal, causing Kuwait’s players to stop defending thinking Soviet referee Myroslav Stupar had halted the game. The Prince strode onto the field and threatened to pull his country’s players off of it if the ref didn’t reverse his decision — which he did! But France scored again anyway to restore the lopsided victory. The Prince was later fined by FIFA, and Stupar never worked a World Cup match again. Kuwait were eliminated in their final first round match, a 1-0 loss to England. They haven’t been back to a World Cup since. Until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 11, FOX Sports is counting down the top 100 moments in tournament history. Check back every day for a new moment. 2026 FIFA World Cup: How To Watch The World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every match streaming live and on-demand within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports apps.

Marcus Rashford’s long-term future has been plunged into fresh doubt following reports that Barcelona have allowed a crucial transfer deadline to pass. The England forward, who has spent the campaign on loan at Camp Nou, now faces the prospect of an unexpected return to Manchester United this summer. Barcelona miss crucial transfer deadline Barcelona have failed to activate the purchase option in Rashford’s loan agreement, meaning they no longer have the unilateral right to sign the forward for a fixed fee. The Catalan giants had until March 31 to inform Manchester United of their intent to trigger the €30 million (£26m/$35m) clause, but that date has passed without any official move from the La Liga leaders, according to Cadena SER. The situation leaves the 28-year-old in a state of limbo after what appeared to be a successful rehabilitation of his career in Spain. While sporting director Deco had previously confirmed the existence of the buy option, his failure to act before the deadline suggests that economic pressures at the club are once again dictating their transfer strategy. The report suggests Barcelona are interested in a second loan deal, but United have little interest in such an arrangement, preferring a clean break and a permanent sale this summer. Financial fair play hurdles Despite Rashford establishing himself as a regular under Flick, the deal has been complicated by La Liga’s strict financial regulations. While the €30m transfer fee was considered manageable, the player’s substantial wage demands proved to be the sticking point for a club still navigating significant debt. Deco recently addressed the uncertainty surrounding the move, admitting that the decision involves several complex factors. Speaking on the forward’s continuity, he said: “[Rashford staying?] The matter is tied to financial fair play, priorities, performance, and the coach’s decision, and it’s something we haven’t done yet because it’s not the right time.” Premier League rivals on high alert Manchester United are reportedly relaxed about the situation and have no intention of lowering their valuation. If Barca cannot or will not pay the agreed fee, the Red Devils are prepared to entertain offers from Premier League rivals for the academy graduate. There is a growing belief at Old Trafford that the English market could yield a higher price than the €30m figure that was previously on the table in Spain. Uncertainty as the season concludes The final weeks of the season will now be pivotal for Rashford as he looks to prove his worth either to a hesitant Barcelona board or potential new employers. His form has dipped recently, failing to record a goal or assist since January. As it stands, a permanent stay at Camp Nou looks very complicated. Whether that leads to a second chance at United under Michael Carrick or a blockbuster move to a Premier League rival remains to be seen, but the buy option safety net that both the player and club relied on has officially vanished.

It’s not always sunny in Philadelphia. On Wednesday morning, a damning report was published by ESPN, detailing how Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been a source of frustration for the franchise. “Poor body language, not always bought in, not the most coachable and the players notice,” one person told ESPN about Hurts, who the story noted tends to be closed off, “continually fights” being under center and has “pushed back on changes” to the team’s offensive scheme. The report notes that Hurt is viewed as a primary catalyst for Philadelphia’s offense becoming “calcified” and that he “has shown a reluctance to let it rip at times, particularly against zone coverage.” Moreover, just months after the Eagles won Super Bowl LIX in 2025, Hurts’ character and the way he rubs off on those around him was labeled a “disaster.” What’s really going on here? “This is exactly what I was told [about Hurts by a source]. And when does the truth come out? When people think their jobs are in trouble; when people get replaced; when people are somewhere, get blamed for something, and they’re out of town; they move to another job, then they’ll talk. This is a reporter I trust, I was told this is starting to feel very like Russell Wilson with the Seattle Seahawks,” Colin Cowherd said on Wednesday’s edition of “The Herd,” “where the quarterback, who has critics, is getting all the credit and the roster’s stacked, and when they do infrequently lose, the roster gets the blame, and the quarterback doesn’t.” Last season, Philadelphia won the NFC East at 11-6 but proceeded to lose to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC wild-card round. In the regular season, Hurts totaled 3,224 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, six interceptions and a 98.5 passer rating, while completing 64.8% of his passes. He also rushed for 421 yards and eight touchdowns. In all, Philadelphia’s offense was just 24th in the NFL in total yards (311.2 per game), 23rd in passing yards (194.3 per game), 19th in points (22.3 per game) and 18th in rushing yards (116.9 per game). Hurts’ relationship with star wide receiver A.J. Brown has continually come into question, especially after the latter told fans to “get rid” of him in fantasy football during the regular season; Brown, a three-time Pro Bowler, totaled 1,003 receiving yards in the 2025 regular season, his lowest mark since 2021. Hurts, a Pro Bowler in three of the last four seasons, was the Super Bowl LIX MVP for the Eagles and has helped them reach two Super Bowls across his five seasons as their full-time starting quarterback (2022 and 2024 seasons). He signed a five-year, $255 million extension after the 2022 season. Change has been a constant for the Eagles at offensive coordinator, as Philadelphia has a new offensive coordinator in former Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach Sean Mannion, who replaces the outgoing Kevin Patullo — who was promoted to offensive coordinator for the 2025 season after Kellen Moore left his position following Super Bowl LIX to become the new head coach of the New Orleans Saints. The year prior (2023), Brian Johnson was the Eagles’ offensive coordinator, replacing Shane Steichen, who was in the role from 2021-22 before leaving to become the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. [2026 NFL Draft Confidential: Unfiltered Scouting Takes On Top 5 QBs] “Saquon Barkley didn’t get enough love, the D-Line and O-Line were dominating, but who got $255 million? Who’s getting the commercials? Who’s getting the magazine covers? It feels very Russell Wilson in Seattle,” Cowherd said of the Eagles. “And GM Howie Roseman [has been] very reluctant to trade [star wide receiver] A.J. Brown. I’ve been saying this for two years: ‘I don’t get it.’ Now, I do. [With] A.J. Brown, the general manager’s like, ‘Yeah, that’s not the issue,’ so the truth comes out.” As for the comparison, Wilson was Seattle’s starting quarterback from 2012-21, highlighted by the Seahawks winning Super Bowl XLVIII. While Wilson was a Pro Bowler in nine of his 10 seasons in Seattle, the franchise also had one of the more iconic defenses in recent memory in the early portion of the quarterback’s career, highlighted by the “Legion of Boom” — a secondary that included star defensive backs Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor and Byron Maxwell, among others. Dating back to the four starts he made in his 2020 rookie season, the Eagles are a combined 57-25 in the regular season and 6-4 in the postseason with Hurts under center.