The 2026 FIFA World Cup now holds the joint-top record for most own goals in a single edition of the tournament, equalling the 12 own goals which were scored during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Moscow. Remarkably, the current edition has reached that figure even before all group-stage matches have been completed, raising the possibility of a new all-time record being established in the knockout rounds.
Own Goals Through World Cup History
Own goals have historically been a relatively rare occurrence at the FIFA World Cup. The inaugural tournament in 1930 saw just one, while several editions, including 1934, 1950, 1958, 1962 and 1990, finished without a single player finding his own net.
The numbers gradually increased over the decades, with four own goals recorded in 1954, 2006 and 2014. The biggest jump came in 2018, when defensive mistakes, unfortunate deflections and increased attacking pressure resulted in a record-breaking 12 own goals.
That mark appeared untouchable after the 2022 World Cup produced only two own goals, but the expanded 48-team tournament in 2026 has already matched the 2018 tally.
World Cup Editions with the Most Own Goals
2018 – 12 own goals
2026 – 12 own goals (ongoing)
1998 – 5 own goals
1954, 2006 and 2014 – 4 own goals each
