FIFA World Cup 2026: Own goals hit record-equalling 12 after Ellyes' self-hit
Kansas City, June 26
Ellyes Skhiri's unfortunate own goal in Tunisia's 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands took the tally of own goals at the FIFA World Cup 2026 to 12, equalling the record for the most in a single men's World Cup tournament, previously set in Russia in 2018.
Tunisia captain Skhiri inadvertently turned Denzel Dumfries' low cross into his own net in the third minute of Thursday's Group F clash in Kansas City, handing the Netherlands an early lead on their way to sealing top spot with an unbeaten group-stage campaign.
The 12th own goal of the tournament continues an extraordinary trend, with more than 18 per cent of all own goals in men's World Cup history coming in the ongoing edition, according to Opta Analyst. A total of 66 own goals have now been recorded across all FIFA World Cup tournaments.
The run of own goals began when Paraguay's Damian Bobadilla turned the ball into his own net against the United States. Switzerland defender Miro Muheim then gifted Qatar a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser before Qatar's Mohamed Manai scored into his own goal in a 6-0 defeat to Canada.
Other players to score own goals at the tournament are Egypt's Mohamed Hany, Iraq's Aymen Hussein, Jordan's Yazan Al-Arab, Australia's Cameron Burgess, Saudi Arabia's Hassan Al-Tambakti, Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov, Qatar's Mahmud Abunada, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and Tunisia's Skhiri.
Hussein's own goal carried an unusual statistical footnote as he also scored for Iraq in the same match against Norway, making him only the third player in men's World Cup history to score at both ends in a single game.
Qatar have become only the third team to score two own goals at a single men's World Cup, matching Bulgaria's unwanted feat in 1966 and hosts Russia in 2018.
Historically, Mexico hold the record for the most own goals by a nation with four, while France have benefited the most, with opponents scoring six own goals in their favour.
The first own goal in World Cup history was scored by 18-year-old Mexico defender Manuel Rosas during a 3-0 defeat to Chile at the inaugural tournament in 1930. Five World Cup editions have finished without an own goal, with Italy 1990 the most recent.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who follows football since the 90s, this is baffling. Remember when own goals were rare? Now every match has one. But credit to FIFA for making the World Cup more inclusive with 48 teams - that's leading to more competitive matches and thus more mistakes.
The statistic about Iraq's Hussein scoring at both ends is wild! Only third player in World Cup history to do that. In India, we struggle to qualify for the World Cup, let alone score goals. But at least our defense is solid in comparison 😂
Honestly, the own goal record being tied with 2018 is a sad reflection on modern defending. Players panic under pressure. As a goalkeeper coach, I see this at grassroots level too. Needs better training on technique and composure.
Qatar with two own goals in one tournament - oof! Reminds me of India's cricket fielding sometimes. But seriously, own goals are part of the game. What's important is how you bounce back. Tunisia showed great spirit despite the setback.
Interesting that 18% of all World Cup own goals have happened in this one tournament. Either the ball technology is different, or defending has become sloppy. I noticed the ball in this World Cup swerves more on crosses.
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