The 2026 World Cup, with its expanded format of 48 teams, is recording an unusual number of own goals. There are already seven, the second-highest mark in the tournament's history, only surpassed by the twelve in Russia 2018. These errors have defined key results, such as the two victories for the United States thanks to deflections by opponents. For fans, chance and individual mistakes become unexpected protagonists of the tournament. ⚽
VAR and tactical pressure increase defensive errors 🛡️
Video assistant referee (VAR) technology has helped to count own goals that previously went unnoticed, by reviewing minimal deflections in goal-scoring plays. Furthermore, the expansion of the tournament to 48 teams introduces teams with less defensive experience, which increases the likelihood of errors under pressure. Physical fatigue from the denser schedule also plays a role: exhausted defenses lose coordination on crosses and shots, generating fatal deflections towards their own goal.
The art of scoring unintentionally: own goal specialists 😅
While some forwards struggle to find the net, there are defenders enjoying an enviable scoring streak... in their own net. With seven own goals, the 2026 World Cup could soon surpass the 2018 record. If the trend continues, we will see some center-back celebrate a goal with the face of someone stepping on gum. At least, these goals do not raise doubts about the top scorer: the one who scores the most is the one who tries the least.