World Cup goal droughts ended at 2026 finals

Of the 48 nations competing in the FIFA World Cup 2026, 16 returned to the finals aiming to end a goal drought that had lasted at least one full tournament. Several have already succeeded, with notable strikes ending long waits for goals on the world stage.

Sweden

Sweden's failure to qualify for Qatar 2022 surprised many, given their run to the quarter-finals in Russia 2018, where Emil Forsberg scored the winner against Switzerland in the round of 16. Just shy of eight years later, Yasin Ayari smashed home the opener in a 5-1 win over Tunisia in Monterrey, ending Sweden's drought.

Egypt

Egypt returned to the finals in 2018 after a 28-year absence, but lost their first two matches. Mohamed Salah gave them the lead against Saudi Arabia in their final group game, but they fell 2-1. At the 2026 finals, Egypt stunned Belgium with a goal from Emam Ashour, then secured a 1-1 draw to earn their first World Cup point in 36 years.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia made their tournament debut at Brazil 2014 and claimed their first win, 3-1 over Iran, with Avdija Vrsajevic scoring the last goal. That remained their most recent World Cup strike until Jovo Lukic nodded home to give them the lead against Canada in a 1-1 draw at these finals.

Côte d'Ivoire

A day after Bosnia's win over Iran, Côte d'Ivoire's Wilfried Bony scored in a 2-1 loss to Greece at Brazil 2014. The Elephants then missed three tournaments, but Amad Diallo ended the drought by steering home a dramatic winner against Ecuador in 2026.

Paraguay

Paraguay reached the quarter-finals for the first time at South Africa 2010, losing to Spain. Their last goal of that tournament came from Cristian Riveros in a group-stage win over Slovakia. A 16-year wait ended when Mauricio scored a consolation in a 4-1 defeat to the United States.

New Zealand

Shane Smeltz scored New Zealand's most iconic goal in a 1-1 draw with reigning champions Italy at South Africa 2010, helping the All Whites to an unbeaten group stage. After missing three tournaments, they returned in 2026, and Elijah Just slammed home against Iran in a 2-2 draw.

Czechia

Tomas Rosicky scored twice in Czechia's tournament debut at Germany 2006, a 3-0 win over the United States, but they failed to reach the knockout stage. Nearly 20 years later, Ladislav Krejci headed in to give them the lead over Korea Republic, though they lost 2-1.

Scotland

Scotland opened their campaign against Haiti in Boston with enthusiasm befitting a nation playing its first World Cup since 1998. Craig Burley's lob against Norway at France 1998 had been their most recent tournament goal until John McGinn's deflected effort sealed a 1-0 win, sending the Tartan Army wild.