Fastest Goals in FIFA World Cup History: Full List & Records
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is less than 50 days away. The tournament has delivered many unforgettable moments over the years. Some of the most shocking ones came within seconds of kick-off.
A total of 13 goals have been scored in the opening minute of matches in FIFA World Cup history.
Here is a ranked list of the fastest goals ever recorded.
Hakan Sükür’s 11-Second World Cup Goal
Turkey’s Hakan Sükür holds the record for the fastest goal in FIFA World Cup history. He scored after just 11 seconds against South Korea in the 2002 third-place play-off.
South Korea started the match and completed three passes. Defender Hong Myung-bo lost possession under pressure. İlhan Mansız intercepted and set up Sükür, who finished calmly from inside the box.
Sükür had failed to score in his previous 5 matches in that tournament. He had taken 8 shots across 435 minutes before this goal. This strike was his only goal at a FIFA World Cup.
Turkey went on to win the match 3-2 and secured third place.
His goal broke the long-standing record of Vaclav Masek, who had scored in 15 seconds in 1962. In that match, Mexico kicked off but lost the ball early. Josef Masopust created the chance, and Masek scored past Antonio Carbajal.
Mexico still won that game 3-1. However, they failed to qualify from the group stage. Czechoslovakia reached the final but lost to Brazil.
FIFA World Cup: Goals Scored in the Opening Minute
- 11 seconds: Hakan Sükür – Turkey vs Korea Republic – 29 June 2002
- 15 seconds: Vaclav Masek – Czechoslovakia vs Mexico – 7 June 1962
- 25 seconds: Ernest Lehner – Germany vs Austria – 7 June 1934
- 28 seconds: Bryan Robson – England vs France – 16 June 1982
- 30 seconds: Clint Dempsey – United States vs Ghana – 16 June 2014
- 31 seconds: Bernard Lacombe – France vs Italy – 2 June 1978
- 35 seconds: Arne Nyberg – Sweden vs Hungary – 16 June 1938
- 35 seconds: Emile Veinante – France vs Belgium – 5 June 1938
- 50 seconds: Pak Seung-zin – North Korea vs Portugal – 23 July 1966
- 50 seconds: Florian Albert – Hungary vs Belgium – 3 June 1962
- 50 seconds: Adalbert Desu – Romania vs Peru – 14 June 1930
- 52 seconds: Celso Ayala – Paraguay vs Nigeria – 24 June 1998
- 55 seconds: Zanka – Denmark vs Croatia – 1 July 2018
Fastest Own Goal in FIFA World Cup History
The fastest own goal in FIFA World Cup history belongs to Sead Kolasinac. He scored against his own team after 130 seconds (2:10) for Bosnia-Herzegovina against Argentina in 2014.
The goal came from a free-kick taken by Lionel Messi. A deflection off Kolasinac’s legs sent the ball past Asmir Begovic.
This broke the previous record by 36 seconds. The earlier record was held by Carlos Gamarra, who scored an own goal from a David Beckham free-kick in 2006.
Fastest Penalty Goal in FIFA World Cup History
The fastest penalty in FIFA World Cup history came in the 1974 final. Johan Neeskens scored after 1 minute and 26 seconds for the Netherlands against West Germany.
The move started when Johan Cruyff was fouled by Uli Hoeneß after a long run from midfield. Neeskens converted the penalty.
Till date, this remains the fastest goal in a FIFA World Cup final, scored over 50 years ago.
West Germany recovered quickly. Paul Breitner scored a penalty in the 26th minute. Gerd Müller added another in the 43rd minute.
West Germany won the final. The Netherlands, despite their strong squad, did not win the tournament. They are still considered one of the best teams never to win a FIFA World Cup.
Fastest Substitute Goal in World Cup History
Richard Morales scored the fastest goal by a substitute in FIFA World Cup history. He found the net just 16 seconds after coming on for Uruguay against Senegal in 2002.
Uruguay were trailing 3-0 at half-time. Morales came on along with Diego Forlán. Morales scored immediately after a rebound from a saved shot by Tony Sylva.
Uruguay fought back strongly. Forlán scored in the 69th minute. Álvaro Recoba added a penalty in the 88th minute to make it 3-3.
Despite the comeback, Uruguay were eliminated from the tournament.