FIFA World Cup 2026: Paraguay's Matias Galarza scores tournament's fastest goal in 64 seconds

Paraguay midfielder Matias Galarza has made FIFA World Cup history by scoring the tournament's fastest-ever goal. He found the net just 64 seconds into Paraguay's vital Group D match against Turkiye, giving his team an early 1-0 lead.

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It's funny because I never consider myself a center forward, but wearing the No. 9 jersey and occupying that position, one ends up competing for the position at times.

The 24-year-old capitalized on a turnover by the Turkish defense near their own half. Galarza then unleashed a powerful low shot from outside the penalty area that beat goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir. This record-breaking goal surpassed the previous fastest strike of the tournament, which had been scored just 70 seconds into Morocco midfielder Ismael Saibari's team's victory over Scotland earlier the same day.

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I think, being the Brazilian national team, the expectation will be very high, but we have to be clear about our strengths and weaknesses, and do our best to progress.

Galarza's historic goal came at a critical juncture for Paraguay, known as La Albirroja. They entered the match under pressure following a significant 4-1 defeat to the United States in their opening group game. The early breakthrough offered a substantial boost to Paraguay's hopes of reviving their World Cup campaign and significantly altered the game's tactical dynamics, forcing Turkiye to play catch-up from the start.

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There are always things to improve, as always, but we have to be happy with what we did. We have to have calm and patience because things can always move forward.

Turkiye, conversely, was already facing considerable pressure after a disappointing 2-0 loss to Australia in their tournament opener. Conceding another early goal left them staring at the possibility of another damaging result and potentially finishing at the bottom of Group D. Galarza, born in Asuncion in 2002, has become an important player for Paraguay since his international debut in 2022, now scoring two goals in 14 appearances. He previously played for Olimpia and Vasco da Gama, and currently plays for Atlanta United on loan from River Plate.

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He has very clear quality. Being younger, we are always joking. He is a very humble guy.