The 18-year-old Gavi struck on 74 minutes after a cross from Alvaro Morata and wrote his name into the history books at the same time. Gavi is now the goal-scorers in FIFA World Cup behind Pelé and Manuel Rosas after display in the first match in Qatar for Spain.

The FIFA World Cup is one of the biggest platforms for football players to showcase their talent and leave behind a lasting legacy.

While most young players often wilt under pressure or devote years on the training grounds before making their mark on the world stage, the likes of Pele and Lionel Messi stand out among the elite few who achieved success early.

Undaunted by pressure, some of them even emerged as the youngest goal-scorers in FIFA World Cup and went on to carve a niche for themselves.

5. Nicolae Kovács, Romania - 18 years, 197 days

Romanian forward Nicolae Kovács scored his only goal at a FIFA World Cup in Romania's 3-1 win over Peru at the 1930 tournament. Kovács would go on to play one more game at the 1930 finals, before a further appearance at both the 1934 tournament and in 1938 without scoring.

With team-mate Constantin Stanciu also scoring for Romania earlier in this match, aged just 19 years and 92 days old, this is the only occasion in World Cup history where two teenagers have scored in the same game.

4. Michael Owen, England - 18 years and 190 days

England were trailing 1-0 against Romania in the 1998 World Cup before forward Michael Owen scored in the 83rd minute to equalise for the 1966 world champions.

Though England lost the match with Romania scoring a last-minute winner, Michael Owen, at the age of 18 years and 190 days, became England's youngest player to score in the FIFA World Cup and third in the all-time list.

With goals in the UEFA Euro 2000, the 2002 World Cup and also Euro 2004, Michael Owen is the only player to have scored in four consecutive major tournaments for England.

Gavi, Spain - 18 years and 110 days

Not only did Gavi become Spain's youngest ever player when he started their opening group game against Costa Rica in the 2022 World Cup, but he marked that special occasion with a goal. In doing so, he became the third-youngest goalscorer in World Cup history, and the youngest European to net at the tournament.

Gavi's sweet volley from the edge of the box was Spain's fifth goal in a 7-0 rout of Costa Rica, incidentally a game where they broke the World Cup record for the highest possession and most successful passes in 90 minutes.

2.Manuel Rosas, Mexico - 18 years, 90 days

Mexican defender Manuel Rosas is the second youngest goalscorer in the men's World Cup at the age of 18 years and 90 days. However, it was an unfortunate self goal in Mexico's group game against Chile in the inaugural Football World Cup in 1930. This was the first own-goal scored in FIFA World Cup history.

Three days later, Rosas made it up by scoring two goals albeit in the losing cause in Mexico's 6-3 defeat against Argentina. His first goal was scored from the penalty kick and is the first penalty ever scored in the men's FIFA World Cup.

No matter how you look at it, Rosas remains second on the list of youngest goal-scorers in the history of the competition.

1. Pele, Brazil - 17 years and 239 days

Pele is the youngest footballer to score a goal at the men's FIFA World Cup. The Brazilian striker was 17 years and 239 days old when he scored his first World Cup goal during the quarter-final match against Wales in the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.

After his volley helped Brazil beat Wales by a solitary goal, Pele went on to become the youngest footballer to score a World Cup hat-trick in Brazil's 5-2 win against France in the semi-finals.

To top it off, Pele scored a brace in Brazil's other 5-2 win over hosts Sweden to become the youngest player to play and score in a football World Cup final. To this day, Pele remains the only football player to score in a FIFA World Cup before turning 18.

Pele was also part of the Brazilian teams that won the 1962 and 1970 FIFA World Cups. He is regarded as one of the greatest players to have graced the game.

This completes our article on the youngest goal-scorers in FIFA World Cup. Follow Sportz Point.

Following the sacking of Dorival Junior as the head coach of the Brazil national team, a move that was prompted by the Selecao's significant 1-4 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, the media commenced speculations discussing potential replacements.

Besides Carlo Ancelotti, Jorge Jesus has also been named as a potential candidate. However, The 70-year-old Portuguese coach has responded to these rumours, denying any negotiation with CBF to be appointed as the next head coach of Brazil, discarding the possibility as of now.

Jorge Jesus denies negotiations with Brazil

In an interview with UOL, Jesus, who is currently at the helm of Saudi club Al-Hilal, assured that he has not been contacted by anyone from the Brazilian Football Federation. "No one has spoken to me, at least until today," he stated.

The 'Globo' network has indicated that Al-Hilal head coach Jorge Jesus is the front-runner to become the head coach of the Brazilian national team.

The network also pointed out that Jorge Jesus is not keen to leave his position at Al-Hilal since he expects to stay with the Saudi Pro League side until the end of the AFC Champions League Elite, which concludes on May 3, 2025.

🚨🇧🇷 Jorge Jesus has given his initial availability to become new Brazil head coach, after the end of the season with Al Hilal.

Decision now up to the Brazilian Federation as dream target Carlo Ancelotti surely won’t be available before end of July. pic.twitter.com/122t3HfTbw

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 29, 2025

Further, the network added that Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was the initial choice; however, he is not ready to leave his present job before the end of the 2025 Club World Cup.

The Portuguese coach aims to lead Al-Hilal to triumph in the AFC Champions League Elite and might consider stepping down before the Club World Cup to assume the coaching duty at the Brazilian national team.

Jesus addressed his relationship with Neymar

Recent developments have witnessed prominent figures such as Carlo Ancelotti and Filipe Luis pulling out of contention as of now to take over the Brazil job, solidifying Jesus's position as the front-runner.

Read Also | Brazil wants to sign current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti 

This development might be a hurdle for Neymar Jr, who reportedly had a strained relationship with the Portuguese coach. 

Their stint together at Al-Hilal was filled with challenges, ending with Neymar leaving Al-Hilal to join Santos under controversial circumstances after being informed that he was not part of Jesus's long-term vision for the team.

When asked on the 'Charla Podcast' about the possibility of reuniting with Jesus in the national setup, Neymar seemed visibly uncomfortable and opted to answer otherwise. "I have nothing to do with this. I'm just a player; don't involve me in this. I'm out," he stated.

However, Jorge Jesus opened up about his relationship with Neymar. In the interview with UOL. "I have no issues with Neymar, but no club or national team can depend on individual players," the coach said, dismissing any conflicting triggers.

Read Also | Brazil fail without Neymar: these stats prove that

The situation raises questions about Neymar's future with the national team and the possible impact of this appointment on the team's dynamics. However, Brazil seeks to bounce back from their recent stint of setbacks and appoint a coach who can lead the team to the coveted success with the 2026 FIFA World Cup at stake.

Brazil's disappointing 4-1 defeat against Argentina at Mas Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires has insecure the head coach's place of Dorival Junior, especially with the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico just over a year away. 

Following Tite's departure after Brazil's quarterfinal exit against Croatia in the 2022 World Cup, he has been the third coach to lead the team, and the Brazilian is now being tipped to depart as well if he fails to turn around Brazil's national football team's fortune.

🚨🇧🇷 Brazilian Federation are seriously considering a managerial change as now Dorival Junior position is under review.

The dream target for July would be Carlo Ancelotti again, as @geglobo reported — but no negotiations are taking place now as it also depends on Real Madrid. pic.twitter.com/RFzPJaDgRR

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 26, 2025

Why Carlo Ancelotti?

CBF president Ednaldo Rodriguez, recently re-elected, had previously identified Carlo Ancelotti as his managerial target in 2023, with Pep Guardiola also considered before the contract extension with Manchester City. However, the Italian has indicated that any discussions would only advance after the FIFA Club World Cup, which Real Madrid will participate in between June and July in the United States of America.

Ancelotti's contract details with Madrid:

Carlo Ancelotti remains under contract with Real Madrid until 2026, and if he secures major silverware, such as Laliga, UEFA Champions League, or the FIFA Club World Cup, club president Florentino Perez is expected to keep him in charge. 

The Italian has previously stated that he would never willingly leave Real Madrid, but should the club end the season trophyless. Brazil may see an opportunity to attract him away. With Carlo Ancelotti's availability uncertain, the CBF is also considering other potential options. 

Among the names being considered is Filipe Luiz, the former Atletico Madrid defender and current Flamengo coach.

Next for Brazil:

Brazil has its next set of FIFA World Cup qualifiers in early June, playing Ecuador away and Paraguay at home. The CBF must now determine whether to keep Dorival Junior until then or appoint an interim manager while negotiations with current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti continue behind the scenes. 

The participating teams' line-up for the FIFA World Cup 2026 has started taking shape, as Iran and Argentina have booked their place from the qualification round into the finals of the tournament.

In 2022, the FIFA World Cup provided an unforgettable experience for over 1 billion viewers who tuned in. Lionel Messi-led Argentina to victory, giving the nation moments of joy and a fitting tribute to the late Diego Maradona while solidifying his place among players who have won every major trophy. 

Read Also: Europe's Top International Goalscorers: Cristiano Ronaldo extends his lead

Key Details on the FIFA World Cup 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his team in their bid to improve the quality of the World Cup and promote inclusivity increased the number of teams that will participate in the World Cup from an initial 32 teams to 48 teams.

The teams will be split into 12 groups of 4 teams, with the top 2 of each group and the 8 best third-placed teams progressing to a new Round of 32, 

The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The tournament will be the first hosted by three nations and the first North American World Cup since 1994 and will be the first World Cup since 2002 to be hosted by more than one nation.

Read Also: FIFA World Cup 2026: The groups are set for the European qualifiers

How Do Teams Qualify for the World Cup?

Qualification for the World Cup is done based on the regions of the World. Each  regional Confederation is responsible for its qualification tournament, which will consist of at least one round of competition using the following formats  

• Confederations can use a League format in which each team in a group plays all other teams in their group twice – once at home and once away.
• A single round-robin format in which each team in a group plays all other teams in their group once, with the venues either drawn at random or assigned by the confederation with the agreement of the playing association
• A Knockout format in which each team in a round plays one other team over two legs once at home and once away.
• With FIFA's permission, a tournament is held in one of the participating nations or neutral territory.
• With FIFA's permission, a single-leg knockout format.

Europe has 16 slots, Asia has 8 slots with one extra from playoffs making it 9, Africa has 9 slots with one extra coming from playoffs, South America has 6 with one extra coming from playoffs making a total of 7, North America has 6 slots with 3 already taken due to the host nations.

Teams That Have Qualified

With qualifications still ongoing the only nations that have qualified are the host nations namely the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada qualification process for the World Cup will be ongoing till the end of November 2025, and till then teams will be struggling to qualify.

1. The USA

Despite not predominantly being a football nation, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) has managed to establish a formidable team with the likes of Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun.

The appointment of Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino as their head coach shows some sign of intent that the country intends to go as far as possible in the World Cup.

Read Also: 10 Footballers Who Retired And Came Back

2. Mexico

Mexico has qualified for every World Cup in the past decade, but playing on home soil will give them the advantage of fan support. While they may be without their veteran goalkeeper Ochoa, who has been crucial in past tournaments, they remain a team not to be underestimated.

Read Also | 5 Craziest Football Transfers of All-time

3. Canada

Canada had a memorable 2022 World Cup in Qatar, highlighted by their surprising win against Belgium. However, they lost their remaining group games to Morocco and Croatia, leading to their early exit from the tournament.

Known for their attacking football, Canada relies on pace in midfield and attack, with Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies being key to their World Cup ambitions.

Teams from the Qualifier Rounds

4. Japan

Japan has become the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup from the qualification round. On March 20, Thursday, Hajime Moriyasu's side beat Bahrain 2-0 in Group C of the AFC World Cup qualifiers.

Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo scored in the second half to inspire the Samurai Blue to ensure their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, guaranteeing a top-two finish in the qualifiers standings.

🇯🇵 Japan have qualified for #FIFAWorldCup 26!#WeAre26 | @jfa_samuraiblue

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) March 20, 2025

Japan surprised the world with their impressive run in the 2022 World Cup, before bowing out from the Round of 16 in a narrow penalty shoot-out defeat against eventual third-place finishers Croatia. However, Japan defeated both Germany and Spain in the group stage to march onto the next round.

5. New Zealand

New Zealand has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the third time with a 3-0 home win over New Caledonia in the OFC Qualifiers Final on Monday, March 24.

Three second-half goals from Michael Boxall, Kosta Barbarouses, and Elijah led New Zealand to a comfortable 3-0 win at Eden Park in Auckland. This win marks the All Whites' return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 when they registered three draws against Slovakia, Italy, and Paraguay in South Africa.

SEE YOU IN ‘26 🇳🇿🏆 pic.twitter.com/PiCofS1bVn

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) March 24, 2025

For the first time, the All Whites qualified directly for a World Cup, as Oceania received an automatic spot in next year’s 48-team tournament, rather than having to go through an intercontinental play-off as they did in the past.

6. Iran

Iran have become the second Asian side to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals following a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan on March 25 in the third round of the AFC World Cup Qualifiers Group A.

Mehdi Taremi's brace secured a point for Iran to stay atop the group A table with 20 points in 8 matches, securing the guaranteed top two finish in the group stage. On the other hand, Uzbekistan is just one victory away from their inaugural World Cup appearance.

Tino pai to our fantastic national football team🙌
Mean as! Iran has secured its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the third team to qualify after Japan and @NZ_Football
Ka mau te wehi 🇮🇷
This marks our fourth consecutive appearance after 2014,2018,and2022!#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/2RjE9j2gpa

— The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran (@iranembassy_nz) March 25, 2025

Despite the qualification format being made easier for Asia due to the expanded 48-team World Cup, Iran has sealed the passage to their fourth World Cup finals in a row, and seventh in their history.

In the AFC Qualifiers, the top two teams qualify directly for the World Cup, while the teams finishing third and fourth in the three Asian groups will enter an additional qualifying round.

7. Argentina 

The reigning World Champions have stormed into the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a 4-1 crushing over eternal rivals Brazil in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers on March 26. 

Argentina produced a bolstering performance, beating the Selecaos 4-1, powered by goals from Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Giuliano Simeone. Matheus Cunha netted the only goal for Brazil.

🇦🇷 Argentina have qualified for #FIFAWorldCup 26!#WeAre26

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) March 25, 2025

La Albiceleste currently top the table with 31 points in 14 matches, 16 points clear of seventh-placed Venezuela than the required seven points at this point.

Hello and welcome to another football LIVE Blog of Sportz Point. 

This is Koushik Biswas, who will be staying up with you for this coverage. Tonight, we will be covering the Argentina vs Brazil FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers match at the Estadio Mâs Monumental in Argentina.

Argentina are currently leading the South American Qualifiers points table with 28 points from 13 games. In the meantime, Brazil are at number three with 21 points in the same number of games.  

Read Also | Argentina vs Brazil 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers | Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible Lineups and Fantasy XI Prediction

The FIFA World Cup 2022 winners came from a tough 1-0 win over Uruguay. On the other hand, Brazil managed a 2-1 win over Colombia in their last match. 

So, with both teams looking confident, we have a great game in our hands. Stay tuned and enjoy the coverage. 

The Argentine national football team is set to host the Brazil national football team on matchday 14 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL qualifiers. 

Read the full match preview, head-to-head stats, possible starting lineups, and Fantasy XI Prediction of the Argentina vs Brazil match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers at Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires.

Team News:

We have a 𝐂𝐥𝐚́𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐨 on our minds 🧠⏳ pic.twitter.com/MYkg5WWWux

— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 23, 2025

Argentina:

Argentina will be at their home this time around. They defeated Brazil in their last meeting, and even though it was an away fixture, Lionel Scaloni's managed side secured a win in a close contest. The Argentine squad also secured a win in their previous match against Uruguay. Lionel Scaloni's managed side is at the top of the table, having won nine of their thirteen matches.

Brazil:

Brazil is not in the best forms but are slowly gaining the momentum. They faced Colombia in their last world cup qualifier match and came out on top after Vinicius Junior's late winner. Dorival Junior's lads are in a good form and currently undefeated in the last few matches. Dorival Junior's managed side jumped up to the third spot with a win in their previous counter.

Kick-Off:

Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina 

Stadium: Mas Monumental

Date: Wednesday, 26 March

Kick-Off time: 5:30 am IST

Recent Form:

Argentina:

• Uruguay 0-1 Argentina (Away, World Cup qualifiers)
• Argentina 1-0 Peru (Home, World Cup Qualifiers)
• Paraguay 2-1 Argentina (Away, World Cup Qualifiers)
• Argentina 6-0 Bolivia (Home, World Cup Qualifiers)
• Venezuela 1-1 Argentina (Away, World Cup Qualifiers)

Brazil:

• Chile 1-2 Brazil (Away, World Cup qualifiers)
• Brazil 4-0 Peru (Home, World Cup qualifiers)
• Venezuela 1-1 Brazil (Away, World Cup qualifiers)
• Brazil 1-1 Uruguay (Home, World Cup qualifiers)
• Brazil 2-1 Colombia (Home, World Cup qualifiers)

Head-to-head stats:

Total Matches: 16

Brazil won: 7

Argentina won: 6

Draw: 3

Injury Updates:

• Lautaro Martinez will not be a part of Argentina's squad as he is injured.
• Alisson Becker is injured and will not be in action for Brazil.

Predicted Lineup:

Argentina:

Emi Martinez (GK), Nahuel Molina, Christian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Leonardo Pardes, Alexis Mac Allister, Guiliano Simeone, Enzo Fernandez, Angel Correra, Julian Alvarez.

Brazil:

Bento (GK), Vanderson, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhes, Guilherme Arana, Rodrygo, Joelinton, Endrick, Raphinha, Vinicius Junior, Matheus Cunha.

Fantasy XI:

Emi Martinez (GK), Nahuel Molina, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhes, Nicolas Otamendi, Alexis Mac Allister, Guiliano Simeone, Enzo Fernandez, Raphinha, Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior.

Broadcasting Details

India: Fancode

UK: Premier Sports

US: ViX, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo

Nigeria: Startimes World football

Prediction: 

Argentina 1-3 Brazil