The FIFA World Cup, the pinnacle of international football, was first held in 1930 in Uruguay. The idea was conceived by Jules Rimet, then FIFA president, as a global competition for national teams. Uruguay, celebrating its centenary of independence and a dominant force in football, was chosen to host the inaugural tournament. Thirteen teams participated, with Uruguay emerging as the first champions after defeating Argentina 4-2 in the final.
The World Cup has grown significantly since then. World War II caused the cancellation of the 1942 and 1946 tournaments, but the competition resumed in 1950 in Brazil, where Uruguay stunned the hosts in the famous "Maracanazo" final. The tournament expanded over the decades, from 16 teams to 32 by 1998, reflecting the growing global interest in football.
The World Cup has produced some great matches, and of course some great goals. Sometimes these come quickly! Here’s a list of the top 10 fastest goals in World Cup history, with brief details on each:
Hakan Şükür scored the fastest goal in World Cup history just 11 seconds into the match during the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The goal came in Turkey's third-place playoff match against South Korea. Şükür capitalized on a defensive error by the South Korean team, scoring almost immediately after the kickoff. Despite the early lead, the game was a competitive affair, ending 3-2 in favor of Turkey. This goal remains the quickest ever recorded in World Cup history and is a proud moment in Turkish football history.
Vaclav Mašek scored in just 16 seconds during the 1962 World Cup in Chile, making it the second-fastest goal in the tournament's history. This goal occurred during Czechoslovakia's group-stage match against Mexico. Mašek's lightning-quick strike gave his team an early advantage, but Czechoslovakia eventually lost 3-1. Despite the defeat, Mašek's goal remains one of the standout moments in World Cup lore, especially considering it came at a time when high-speed play was less common.
Ernst Lehner's goal, scored 25 seconds into the match, stands as the third-fastest in World Cup history. It occurred during the 1934 World Cup in Italy, in Germany's quarterfinal clash against Austria. Lehner's early strike set the tone for the match, which Germany won 3-2. His goal was significant not only for its speed but also because it came in the first knockout stage of a World Cup, showcasing the rising competitive nature of the tournament in its early years.
Bryan Robson scored just 27 seconds into England’s opening match against France in the 1982 World Cup in Spain. The goal was a result of a long throw-in that was flicked on, allowing Robson to smash the ball into the net. This early strike set the tone for a thrilling game, which England eventually won 3-1. Robson's goal remains iconic in English football history and demonstrated his knack for being in the right place at the right time.
Clint Dempsey scored within 29 seconds during the USA's group-stage match against Ghana in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Dempsey's solo effort saw him dribble past a defender before slotting the ball into the net, giving the USA a perfect start. The match was tense, with Ghana equalizing in the second half, but the USA won 2-1 thanks to a late goal. Dempsey’s strike is celebrated as the fastest goal by an American in World Cup history.
Emmanuel Olisadebe scored just 30 seconds into Poland’s group-stage match against the United States in the 2002 World Cup. Olisadebe’s goal gave Poland a dream start as they went on to win the match 3-1, although they did not progress beyond the group stage. Despite Poland's early exit from the tournament, Olisadebe's goal was one of the fastest in World Cup history and a memorable moment for Polish football.
Arne Nyberg scored within 35 seconds during Sweden’s semifinal match against Hungary in the 1938 World Cup. Despite Nyberg’s quick goal, Hungary dominated the match and won 5-1, advancing to the final. Nyberg's goal remains one of the fastest in World Cup history and is remembered as a flash of brilliance in an otherwise difficult match for Sweden.
Bernard Lacombe scored 37 seconds into France’s opening match against Italy in the 1978 World Cup in Argentina. Lacombe's header gave France an early lead, but Italy eventually came back to win 2-1. Despite the loss, Lacombe’s goal is celebrated as the fastest in France's World Cup history, showcasing his sharp instincts and France’s attacking potential during the tournament.
Mathias Jørgensen scored in the first minute of Denmark's Round of 16 match against Croatia in the 2018 World Cup, finding the net within 58 seconds. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes and extra time, leading to a penalty shootout, which Croatia won. Jørgensen’s goal was Denmark's fastest in World Cup history and remains a high point in an otherwise heartbreaking loss.
Adrian Ilie scored just one minute into Romania’s group-stage match against Colombia during the 1994 World Cup in the United States. Ilie's goal set the tone for Romania's 3-1 victory, helping them advance to the knockout stages. The quick goal is remembered as a key moment in Romania's successful run to the quarterfinals that year, one of their best performances in World Cup history.
