We take a look at the top five fastest goals in World Cup history.
Fastest goals in World Cup history
5. Clint Dempsey (USA) - 30 seconds (2014)
Match: USA vs. Ghana (Group Stage)
In the opening match of the 2014 Brazil World Cup, US captain Clint Dempsey made an aggressive diagonal run into the box.
Receiving a pass from Jermaine Jones, Dempsey slotted the ball in off the post in just 30 seconds, making it the fastest goal by an American in World Cup history.
Outcome: The USA won 2-1.
4. Bryan Robson (England) - 28 seconds (1982)
Match: England vs. France (Group Stage)
"Captain Marvel" set a blistering pace in Spain 1982 by scoring inside 30 seconds.
Following a long throw-in, the ball was flicked on, and Robson volleyed it into the net to give England an immediate lead against a strong French side.
Outcome: England won the match 3-1.
3. Ernst Lehner (Germany) - 25 seconds (1934)
Match: Germany vs. Austria (Third-place play-off)
In just the second-ever World Cup tournament in Italy, Germany’s Ernst Lehner opened the scoring incredibly early, taking only 25 seconds to find the back of the net against Austria.
Outcome: Germany won the match 3-2 to finish in third place.
2. Václav Mašek (Czechoslovakia) - 15 seconds (1962)
Match: Czechoslovakia vs. Mexico (Group Stage)
Masek held the record for the fastest goal for four decades.
Following a careless pass from Mexico on the halfway line, Czechoslovakia’s Josef Masopust stole the ball, passed to Masek, who scored just 15 seconds in.
Outcome: Despite this perfect start, Czechoslovakia went on to lose the match 3-1, though they still advanced to the final.
1. Hakan Şükür (Turkey) - 11 seconds (2002)
Match: Turkey vs. South Korea (Third-place play-off)
The fastest goal in World Cup history occurred in the 2002 tournament co-hosted by Japan and South Korea.
Immediately after South Korea kicked off, Turkey regained possession of the ball.
Şükür capitalized on this early turnover, scoring just 11 seconds into the match, breaking a 40-year-old record.
Outcome: Turkey won 3-2 to secure third place.
