The 2026 World Cup will forever remain etched in the memories of Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, DR Congo and Uzbekistan. These five national teams scored the very first World Cup goals in their history in football’s most prestigious competition.
Among the 48 nations taking part in the tournament, they were the last teams never to have found the back of the net in a World Cup final tournament. Four of them are making their World Cup debut, while DR Congo returned to the global stage after more than half a century away.
Curaçao opened this historic chapter thanks to Livano Comenencia. Against Germany, the small Caribbean nation thrilled its fans by equalizing before eventually suffering a heavy defeat. Nevertheless, the goal will remain one of the greatest moments in Curaçaoan football history.
DR Congo ended a 52-year wait thanks to Yoane Wissa. Facing Portugal, the Leopards celebrated their first-ever World Cup goal through a powerful header from their striker, symbolizing the country's return among the major football nations.
Jordan relied on its star man, Ali Olwan. Already decisive during the qualifiers, the forward gave his country its first goal in the tournament with a spectacular strike against Austria.
Uzbekistan also experienced an unforgettable moment thanks to Abbosbek Fayzullaev. Trailing against Colombia, the Uzbeks celebrated their first World Cup goal through a header from their young prodigy.
Finally, Cape Verde had to wait until its second match to make history. After holding Spain to a draw, the Blue Sharks found the breakthrough against Uruguay thanks to a magnificent free kick from Kevin Pina, before adding a second goal in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Beyond the results, these goals symbolize the culmination of years of effort and progress. For these five nations, every goal scored in North America represents a page of history written in golden letters.
