Fastest goals by substitutes in FIFA World Cup history

Substitutions have been a part of the FIFA World Cup since Mexico 1970, and over the years, several substitutes have made an immediate impact by scoring shortly after entering the pitch. Below is a ranked list of the fastest goals by substitutes in World Cup history, based on the time elapsed between their introduction and finding the net.

The Top 10 Fastest Substitute Goals

1. Richard Morales (Uruguay) – 16 seconds

Uruguay forward Richard Morales holds the record for the fastest goal by a substitute in World Cup history. During the group stage of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan, Morales replaced Sebastian Abreu at half-time in a match against Senegal. He scored just 16 seconds after the restart, though Uruguay eventually drew 3-3 after trailing 3-1 at the time of his goal.

2. Mattias Svanberg (Sweden) – 18 seconds

Swedish midfielder Mattias Svanberg scored 18 seconds after coming on for Jesper Karlström in the 84th minute of a group stage match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His goal helped Sweden secure a 5-1 victory over Tunisia in Monterrey.

3. Ebbe Sand (Denmark) – 21 seconds

Danish forward Ebbe Sand made an instant impact in the Round of 16 at France 1998. Substituted on for Peter Møller in the 59th minute, Sand scored after 21 seconds to put Denmark 3-0 up against Nigeria. Denmark won the match 4-1.

4. Marcin Żewłakow (Poland) – 59 seconds

Polish forward Marcin Żewłakow scored 59 seconds after replacing Cezary Kucharski in the 65th minute of a group stage match against the United States at the 2002 World Cup. Poland won 3-1.

5. Randal Kolo Muani (France) – 65 seconds

French winger Randal Kolo Muani scored 65 seconds after coming on for Ousmane Dembélé in the 78th minute of the semi-final against Morocco at Qatar 2022. His goal sealed a 2-0 victory for France, sending them to the final.

6. Roger Milla (Cameroon) – 83 seconds

Cameroonian legend Roger Milla scored 83 seconds after entering the pitch at half-time in a group stage match against Russia at USA 1994. Despite his quick goal, Cameroon lost 6-1.

7. Artem Dzyuba (Russia) – 88 seconds

Russian forward Artem Dzyuba scored 88 seconds after coming on as a substitute in a group stage match at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. His goal contributed to a 5-0 victory over Saudi Arabia.

8. Marcus Rashford (England) – 91 seconds

English forward Marcus Rashford scored 91 seconds after being substituted on in a group stage match against Wales at Qatar 2022. England won 3-0.

9. Leroy Fer (Netherlands) – 95 seconds

Dutch midfielder Leroy Fer scored 95 seconds after entering the pitch in a group stage match against Australia at Brazil 2014. The Netherlands won 3-2.

10. Julian Green (United States) – 99 seconds

American forward Julian Green scored 99 seconds after coming on as a substitute in a Round of 16 match against Belgium at Brazil 2014. The United States lost 2-1 after extra time.

Historical Context

Substitutions were first introduced at the FIFA World Cup in 1970, allowing teams to make tactical changes and introduce fresh legs. Over the decades, several substitutes have made memorable contributions, but none faster than Richard Morales' 16-second strike in 2002. The list highlights the impact of quick-thinking and clinical finishing from players who often have limited time to make a difference.