What is the fastest goal ever scored in the World Cup?
Hakan Şükür scored the fastest goal in FIFA World Cup history, finding the net just 11 seconds after kickoff.
During the 2002 World Cup third-place match, Turkey's Hakan Şükür scored against South Korea in a record-breaking 10.89 seconds. He capitalized on a defensive error immediately after the opening whistle, setting a milestone that remains unbeaten. This lightning-fast strike helped Turkey secure a 3-2 victory and the bronze medal.
Nerd Mode
The record-breaking goal occurred on June 29, 2002, at the Daegu World Cup Stadium in South Korea. Hakan Şükür, Turkey's all-time leading scorer, pressured South Korean captain Hong Myung-bo immediately after the hosts kicked off. Within seconds, Şükür intercepted the ball and slotted it past goalkeeper Lee Woon-jae to silence the home crowd of over 63,000 fans.Official FIFA timing confirmed the goal at exactly 10.89 seconds, shattering the previous record held by Czechoslovakia's Václav Mašek. Mašek had scored in 16 seconds against Mexico during the 1962 World Cup in Chile. Şükür's feat is particularly remarkable because Turkey did not even start with the ball, they had to win possession first.This goal remains a benchmark in sports psychology and tactical pressing. It demonstrates the 'cold start' phenomenon where defenders may not be mentally or physically synchronized in the opening seconds of a high-stakes match. The 2002 tournament was Turkey's most successful World Cup appearance, and this goal cemented Şükür's legacy as a national icon. Despite numerous tournaments since 2002, no player has come within five seconds of breaking this specific record.
Verified Fact
FP-0009322 · Feb 21, 2026