Own Goals Surge at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
After nine matchdays at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, seven own goals have been scored—the second-highest tally in tournament history, trailing only the 12 recorded in 2018. This marks a sharp increase from the 2022 edition, which saw just two own goals, highlighting a growing trend in the competition.
Players from multiple nations have inadvertently found their own net during the 2026 World Cup:
- Damian Bobadilla (Paraguay)
- Miro Muheim (Switzerland)
- Mohamed Hany (Egypt)
- Ayman Hussein (Iraq)
- Yazan Abu Al-Arab (Jordan)
- Mohamed Manai (Qatar)
- Cameron Burgess (Australia)
Notably, no team whose player scored an own goal went on to win their match. Switzerland drew 1–1 with Qatar, while Egypt also finished 1–1 against Belgium.
Tournament Incidents
Beyond the own goals, the tournament saw a controversial red card issued to Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón under a new rule regarding covering the mouth. The decisive moment occurred in first-half stoppage time during a Group D second-round match between Paraguay and Turkey, when Almirón placed his hand over his mouth during a verbal exchange with Turkish defender Mert Müldür. Referee Iván Barton of El Salvador received a VAR alert, leading to the player’s dismissal. At the time of the incident, Miguel Almirón was a 32-year-old footballer.
The rise in own goals and the implementation of new rules resulting in ejections are adding extra layers of complexity to the championship, underscoring the importance of players’ psychological resilience during high-stakes matches. This increase in own goals may reflect the immense pressure on athletes, potentially influencing team tactics in upcoming games. These developments are also sparking debate about the effectiveness of the new regulations and their impact on gameplay, a topic likely to be scrutinized by tournament organizers and teams in the future.
As the tournament progresses, the 2026 World Cup continues to break records, not only with own goals but also with remarkable feats like the recent achievement of the fastest goal. This highlights the unpredictable nature of the competition, where every match can bring surprising twists. To explore how these extraordinary moments are shaping the championship, read more about the fastest goal records shattered at this year's event.