The FIFA World Cup has been the stage for some of the most memorable moments in football history. From spectacular goals and unforgettable comebacks to legendary performances, one record has remained intact for more than 20 years: the fastest goal in World Cup history.

The protagonist of this feat was Hakan Şükür, who stunned the world during the Korea-Japan 2002 World Cup with a goal that came practically from the very first moment of the match.

Hakan Şükür scored after 11 seconds

The record was set on June 29, 2002, during the third-place match between Turkey and South Korea.

After a defensive mistake by the hosts just as the match began, Şükür seized the opportunity and sent the ball into the back of the net when only 11 seconds had passed since kickoff.

The goal immediately became the fastest ever recorded in FIFA World Cup history, a mark that remains intact to this day.

Could the record be broken at the 2026 World Cup?

Every new edition of the World Cup reopens the possibility of historic records falling. However, Hakan Şükür’s 11-second mark has proven to be one of the most difficult to beat.

With the 2026 World Cup underway, the chances of seeing an even faster goal always exist, but for now, the Turkish striker still stands alone at the top of the history books of international football’s biggest tournament.