Historic Hat Tricks at the FIFA World Cup
A hat trick, defined as a player scoring three goals (excluding penalties) in a single match, is a remarkable achievement in soccer. This milestone is even more highly regarded when accomplished on the global stage of the FIFA World Cup, the pinnacle of international sports.
The First World Cup Hat Trick
American forward Bert Patenaude made history by scoring the first hat trick in World Cup play, netting three goals during the United States’ 3-0 victory over Paraguay in the group stage of the inaugural tournament held in Uruguay in 1930. At just 20 years old, Patenaude was the youngest member of the 16-player U.S. national team, which ultimately finished third, behind Argentina and the host nation, Uruguay.
Mbappé’s Historic Achievement
Ninety-two years later, during the 2022 World Cup, Kylian Mbappé of France became the second player to achieve a hat trick in a World Cup final. He matched the feat of England’s Geoff Hurst, who scored three goals in the 1966 tournament. However, while Hurst’s effort led to victory, Mbappé’s impressive performance ended in a heartbreaking loss as France fell to Lionel Messi and Argentina in a penalty shootout after a dramatic 3-3 draw.
Messi Joins the Hat Trick Ranks
In a thrilling display at the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi added his name to the list of hat trick scorers by netting three goals against Algeria during the group stage. This achievement further solidified Messi’s legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Memorable Hat Tricks Throughout World Cup History
The FIFA World Cup has seen numerous memorable hat tricks that have captivated audiences worldwide. Some of the standout performances include:
June 16, 2026: Lionel Messi (Argentina) vs. Algeria, 3-0 in the group stage
December 18, 2022: Kylian Mbappé (France) vs. Argentina, 3-3 draw (lost on penalties)
December 6, 2022: Gonzalo Ramos (Portugal) vs. Switzerland, 6-1 in the Round of 16
June 24, 2018: Harry Kane (England) vs. Panama, 6-1 in the group stage
June 15, 2018: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) vs. Spain, 3-3 draw in group stage
This list is just a glimpse of the extraordinary moments in FIFA World Cup history, showcasing not only individual brilliance but also the sheer excitement that the tournament brings to fans and players alike.
