Ranking the Quickest Goals in FIFA World Cup History: Top 10 Fastest Strikes on the World Stage

The FIFA World Cup 2022 is currently underway, and players are striving to etch their names onto the scoresheet. Enner Valencia leads the Golden Boot race with three goals, closely followed by Bukayo Saka, Ferran Torres, and Lionel Messi, each with two goals. The tournament has witnessed remarkable goals, ranging from Richarlison's acrobatic kick against Serbia to Messi's powerful long-range shot against Mexico.

Early goals add a unique level of excitement to matches, heightening the tension and pushing the trailing team to intensify their efforts. So far in the FIFA World Cup 2022, Alphonso Davies holds the record for the fastest goal, scoring a header against Croatia within the opening 68 seconds. However, this speed falls short of making it to the top 10 fastest World Cup goals in the record books.

Let's explore the list of the top 10 fastest goals scored in FIFA World Cup history.

10. Adalbert Desu (Romania) - 50 seconds

During the inaugural edition of the World Cup in 1930 in Uruguay, Romania notched a goal against Peru, matching the time of its predecessor. Despite Romania securing a 3-1 victory over Peru in that match, both teams fell short of qualifying from the group stages.

9. Florian Albert (Hungary) - 50 seconds

This goal by the Hungarian player was recorded during the 1962 World Cup in Uruguay against Bulgaria, where Hungary secured a notable 6-0 victory. However, Hungary's journey in the tournament was halted in the quarter-finals, as they were eliminated by Czechoslovakia.

8. Bernard Lacombe (France) - 37 seconds

The French player netted this goal against Italy during the 1978 World Cup in Argentina. Despite the early goal, Italy staged a comeback and ultimately won the match with a 2-1 scoreline.

7. Arne Nyberg (Sweden) - 35 seconds

In the 1938 World Cup, two of the fastest goals of all time were recorded at the same time. The Swedish player scored this goal against Hungary in the semi-finals. Despite the early goal, Hungary dominated the match, defeating Sweden 5-1 and securing a place in the tournament final.

6. Emile Veinante (France) - 35 seconds

The French player scored this goal against Belgium in the 1938 FIFA World Cup edition held in France. The French team emerged victorious on their home soil, defeating Belgium 3-1 in the match.

5. Clint Dempsey (USA) - 30 seconds

The most recent addition to the list, this goal was scored against Ghana in the 2014 FIFA World Cup edition in Brazil. Dempsey skillfully navigated through a defender to score, giving the USA the lead in a Group G match. The USA ultimately won the match 2-1, with Dempsey securing a record for himself.

4. Bryan Robson (England) - 27 seconds

Just three seconds behind the former one, Englishman Bryan Robson scored this goal against France in the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain. England won the match 3-1, with Bryan Robson contributing with a brace.

3. Ernst Lehner (Germany) - 24 seconds

Lehner scored the goal against Austria in the 1934 FIFA World Cup in Italy during the third-place play-off match. Germany eventually won the game and secured third place in the tournament.

2. Vaclav Masek (Czech Republic) - 16 seconds

In the 1962 World Cup in Chile, the Czech international netted this goal against Mexico during a group-stage match. While Mexico emerged victorious in the game, Masek's early goal secured a place for him in the World Cup record books, a record that stood for 40 years before being surpassed by Hakan Sukur.

1. Hakan Sukur (Turkey) - 11 seconds

Hakan Sukur, Turkey's all-time leading goal-scorer, netted this remarkable goal within a mere 11 seconds of the opening whistle. The goal occurred in a playoff match for third place against South Korea during the 2002 World Cup. Currently in exile in the USA, the former Turkish international left an indelible mark with this swift and memorable goal.