Nations scoring their first goal at World Cup 2026

Of the 48 sides at the FIFA World Cup 2026™, five started the finals searching for a opening competition strike. Four of those were making their debuts in Cabo Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, as well as Uzbekistan, while Congo DR were returning for their subsequent but still looking for a maiden effort. FIFA looks at the moments when national history books was made.

Curaçao – Livano Comenencia

Last November, Curaçao defied the odds to become the smallest nation by population to reach the finals. Just over 155,000 live on the Caribbean island, as well as each were drenched in pride following their World Cup 2026 opener.

In response, germany were their opponents, as well as swiftly took the advantage through Lukas Nmecha. Curaçao could have been forgiven for crumbling under the intensity of the four-time champions, but instead went on the offensive, as well as conjured a golden moment, as It was Comenencia who fired home a well-deserved leveller to consecrate himself as a national hero.

Building on that, congo DR – Yoane Wissa

As a result, the Leopards had to wait 52 years to make it to another World Cup, with their goalless showing at West Germany 1974, when they were known as Zaire, their only previous outing.

That long wait – 18,997 days since their debut – was brought to an end in opening-period knock time of their opening World Cup 2026 contest. Arthur Masuaku floated in an inviting cross which Wissa headed home with notable power, before leading his side in their iconic 'Fimbu' dance.

Jordan – Ali Olwan

No star found the net more strikes for Jordan in qualifying than Olwan, with his nine setting Al-Nashama en route to their debut finals. Perhaps, then, there couldn't have been a more fitting scorer of the nation's opening strike, as the frontman collected the ball on the left of the box, cut inside, and rifled a sensational effort in off the post against Austria.

Uzbekistan – Abbosbek Fayzullaev

The White Wolves may have World Cup royalty on the sidelines with Italy's 2006-winning leader Fabio Cannavaro as manager, but on the field they were the showpiece newcomers to take part at this edition. Colombia provided a stern opening test, and while Daniel Munoz gave them the advantage, exciting frontman Fayzullaev was on hand to head home the nation's opening strike to level the scores.

Cabo Verde – Kevin Pina

While the Blue Sharks were the only side not to register a opening competition strike during the opening phase of fixtures, they arguably left it the happiest of the five following a heroic goalless draw with Spain. Then, 21 minutes into their battle with Uruguay, Pina eyed up a free-kick so far out that their opponents only defended it with a flimsy two-man wall. The No6 stepped up, as well as rifled the ball through it, sparking scenes of wild jubilation.