From Gary Lineker's revenge to the bizarre tale of a missing cat, the 2026 World Cup delivered a treasure trove of viral TV moments beyond the pitch. A stodgy final saw Spain beat Argentina, England finished third, and Norway fans took over with their Viking row. Here are 26 moments you might have missed.
LOLing Stones
After England defeated Mexico, defender John Stones clutched his shoulder in the dressing room, fooling teammate Declan Rice and manager Thomas Tuchel. Stones then broke into a dance, reprising the prank after Norway's victory. Tuchel hugged him, seeing the funny side.
Is Vicky bovvered?
Victoria Beckham became a meme after failing to react to England's equaliser against Norway. While David and Romeo jumped up, she chatted to her hairdresser. David later said she was celebrating inside.
Shaggy cat story
BBC commentator Danny Murphy went viral after mentioning his lost cat Bob during Côte d'Ivoire vs. Norway. He later revealed Bob returned feral and now lives with a friend's parents in Preston.
Vikings make waves
Norway fans spread the Viking row celebration worldwide, from stadiums to Times Square. Politicians, golfers, care home residents, and fighter pilots joined in. England fans chanted, "There'll be no f*cking rowing in New York," after knocking Norway out.
Rowing refusenik
Norway fan Emil Anners Lappen refused to row, insisting Vikings sailed. He went on news programmes worldwide, but viewers spotted oars mounted on his wall.
Belgians troll Trump
President Trump lobbied FIFA to defer a red card for USA striker Folarin Balogun, but Belgium thrashed the co-hosts 4-1, mimicking Trump's YMCA dance in celebration.
Harry the teenager's voice breaks
England captain Harry Kane conducted a croaky on-pitch interview after singing Wonderwall. Liam Gallagher tweeted sympathy: "It's hard work that singing, Harry Kane."
Jude and Erling's cute bromance
Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland's friendship went viral, with photos of embraces and a kiss on the cheek. After defeat, Haaland called Bellingham "one of the best in the world."
Rooney sticks his oar in
Wayne Rooney wagered on air that if Norway reached the quarter-finals, he would row down the River Mersey. Haaland called him out, and Rooney rowed down the Hudson with colleagues Joe Hart and Micah Richards.
Javier's X-rated heckle
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre told England's Anthony Gordon, "Hey Gordon, fuck you!" as banter. Gordon called it "a compliment."
Haaland hits the catwalk
Russian model Anastasia Kostromitina went viral as an Erling Haaland lookalike, gaining modelling offers and millions of followers.
A different kind of rowing
A South African couple squabbled in the stands, sparking worldwide speculation. The man checked his phone, she saw, and he told her to "calm down." Social media urged her to file for divorce.
Roon or Poch: who wore it best?
USA manager Mauricio Pochettino became a style icon. Wayne Rooney bought the same outfit for BBC coverage but refused to roll up his sleeves.
Your coach is now departing
England assistant coach Anthony Barry gave pithy half-time interviews, once tearfully praising "11 lads with broken hearts." He abruptly exited, having a dugout to return to.
Leads united
A missing dog named Gorda was reunited with her owner after appearing in a viral video of celebrating Mexico fans. Owner Ale Garcia posted: "Mexico won and I found my dog."
Wonderwallet
Argentina fans reunited a dropped wallet with its owner by singing his name until he appeared.
Gary Lingerer, more like
Gary Lineker gatecrashed Micah Richards' BBC interview after England beat Norway, having earlier criticised BBC's coverage. Richards said awkwardly, "Look who's turned up."
Have you missed me?
England fan Michael Hewitt, 65, went missing for 10 days after losing his phone and tickets. He watched games in Barcelona bars, unaware of the international manhunt.
Get outta my cup!
Ross Kemp filmed himself watching England, posting vein-popping videos with reading glasses perched on his head.
No subtitles required
Japanese fan Hirochika Nakakuki went viral after a Fox Sports vox pop, saying, "I cannot speak English but I am EXCITED!"
'Not my finest hour'
Jordan Henderson broke his wrist celebrating England's win over Mexico by falling over advertising hoardings. He became the first footballer booked and stretchered off without playing.
Danny the champion of the World Cup
BBC commentator Danny Murphy banged the desk in frustration after England missed a chance against France. He muttered, "It was that or shout really loud."
Kenny Dog-leash
Brodie the golden doodle, wearing ear defenders, sat in the VIP section during Argentina vs. Cape Verde. The dog has 2.3 million Instagram followers and was made an honorary Tartan Army member.
Big brother's little brother
Spain's Lamine Yamal and his three-year-old brother Keyne shared a wholesome moment on the big screen after Spain beat Belgium.
Tequila shots on us
South Korean fans, denied entry to Estadio Guadalajara with a tequila bottle, invited home fans to finish it. Mexico fans had earlier danced to Gangnam Style.
Everyone's a critic
The final's half-time show featured Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, and more. Wayne Rooney said, "My favourite bit was when it finished. I thought it was crap."
