Five nations score first World Cup goals at 2026 finals

At the FIFA World Cup 2026, five nations achieved a historic milestone by scoring their first-ever goals in the tournament. Among the 48 participating teams, Cabo Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan were making their debuts, while Congo DR returned for a second appearance after 52 years, still seeking their first goal. Each team's moment arrived in dramatic fashion, etching their names into football history.

Historic first goals for debutants and returnees

Curaçao: Smallest nation to reach the finals

In November 2025, Curaçao became the smallest nation by population to qualify for a World Cup, with just over 155,000 inhabitants. In their opening match against four-time champions Germany, they fell behind early to a Lukas Nmecha goal. However, the Caribbean side responded with determination, and midfielder Leandro Comenencia equalized with a well-taken strike, sparking scenes of national pride. The goal made Comenencia a national hero and proved that size does not determine ambition.

Congo DR: Ending a 52-year drought

The Leopards had waited 18,997 days since their only previous World Cup appearance in 1974 (as Zaire), where they failed to score. In first-half stoppage time of their opening match at the 2026 finals, Arthur Masuaku delivered a precise cross that Yoane Wissa headed powerfully into the net. Wissa then led his teammates in the iconic 'Fimbu' dance, a celebration that resonated across the nation.

Jordan: Olwan's stunning strike

Jordan's qualification was powered by Ali Olwan, who scored nine goals in the qualifying campaign. In their debut match against Austria, Olwan collected the ball on the left edge of the box, cut inside, and unleashed a fierce shot that curled off the post and into the net. The goal was a fitting reward for the forward who had carried the team's hopes.

Uzbekistan: Fayzullaev heads home

Coached by 2006 World Cup-winning Italian captain Fabio Cannavaro, Uzbekistan faced Colombia in their opener. After falling behind to a Daniel Muñoz goal, the White Wolves fought back. Exciting forward Abbos Fayzullaev rose to head home the equalizer, marking the nation's first World Cup goal and announcing their arrival on the global stage.

Cabo Verde: Last but not least

The Blue Sharks were the only one of the five nations not to score in the opening round of fixtures, but they produced a heroic goalless draw against Spain. In their second match against Uruguay, with the score still 0-0, midfielder Jamiro Pina stepped up to take a free-kick from long range. Uruguay set up a flimsy two-man wall, and Pina rifled the ball through it, sparking wild celebrations. The goal not only broke their duck but also secured a memorable point.

These five moments of individual brilliance and collective joy highlight the expanding reach of the World Cup and the dreams realized by nations both new and returning to football's greatest stage.