The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already witnessed eight own goals within the first 10 days of competition, putting the tournament on track to challenge the all-time record of 12 own goals set during the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The latest incident came when Saudi Arabia defender Hassan Altambakti inadvertently scored against his own team during a heavy defeat to Spain. With the tournament expanded to 48 teams and 104 matches, the likelihood of additional own goals remains high.
Football analysts attribute the rise in own goals to the increased intensity of modern football, with defenders often placed under immense pressure by fast-paced attacking play. With several high-stakes matches still ahead, fans and statisticians will be watching closely to see whether the tournament breaks the existing record before the final.
Coaches have also highlighted the challenges defenders face when attempting to prevent scoring opportunities in crowded penalty areas, where split-second decisions can sometimes lead to costly mistakes.
