World Cup 2026 already has second-most own goals in history

Own goals are piling up at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with seven already recorded after just 10 days of action; putting the tournament on course to challenge an unwanted record.

Only the 2018 World Cup in Russia saw more own goals, with 12 scored across the tournament. With this year’s edition expanded to 48 teams and 104 matches, that tally is well within reach.

The United States have been the biggest beneficiaries so far, with Paraguay’s Damián Bobadilla and Australia’s Cameron Burgess both turning the ball into their own net in matches against the co-hosts.

Switzerland’s Miro Muheim, Qatar’s Mohamed Manai, Egypt’s Mohamed Hany, Iraq’s Aymen Hussein and Jordan’s Yazan Al-Arab complete the list of players who have scored own goals in North America.

Hussein’s misfortune came with a twist, however, as he also scored for Iraq against Norway, becoming only the third player in World Cup history to find both nets in the same game.

There have now been 61 own goals in World Cup history, with nearly 12 percent of them coming in the opening phase of the 2026 tournament.

The first own goal at a World Cup was scored by Mexico’s Manuel Rosas in 1930, while five editions of the competition — most recently Italy 1990 — passed without a single player putting the ball past his own goalkeeper. (Vanguard)