Matías Galarza, a 24-year-old midfielder on loan at Atlanta United from River Plate, struck the fastest goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It took him exactly 64 seconds.
The goal came in Paraguay’s group-stage match against Turkey, giving La Albirroja an early lead and a much-needed jolt of confidence after a bruising 4-1 loss to the United States in their opening fixture.
From opening disaster to record-setting start
The Asunción-born central midfielder, who debuted for Paraguay back in 2022, has accumulated 14 international caps and 2 goals for his country. His World Cup goal against Turkey was his second in a Paraguay shirt, and comfortably the most important.
Before the match, Galarza had spoken in a media session about the need for focus and determination.
