Of the 48 teams at the , five started the finals searching for a first tournament goal. Four of those were making their debuts in Cabo Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan, while Congo DR were returning for their second but still looking for a maiden strike. FIFA looks at the moments when national history was made.
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 and each were drenched in pride following their World Cup 2026 opener.
Germany were their opponents and swiftly took the lead through Lukas Nmecha. Curaçao could have been forgiven for crumbling under the pressure of the four-time champions, but instead went on the offensive and conjured a golden moment, as Comenencia fired home a well-deserved leveller to consecrate himself as a national hero.
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 first-half stoppage time of their opening World Cup 2026 match. Arthur Masuaku floated in an inviting cross which Wissa headed home with exceptional power, before leading his side in their iconic 'Fimbu' dance.
No player scored more goals 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 first goal, as the forward collected the ball on the left of the box, cut inside, and rifled a stunning effort in off the post against Austria.
The White Wolves may have World Cup royalty on the bench with Italy's 2006-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro as coach, but on the field they were the final newcomers to take part at this edition. Colombia provided a stern opening test, and while Daniel Munoz gave them the lead, exciting forward Fayzullaev was on hand to head home the nation's opening goal to level the scores.
While the Blue Sharks were the only side not to register a first tournament goal during the opening round 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 and rifled the ball through it, sparking scenes of wild jubilation.
Sources: FIFA Official
