Massachusetts Man Scored the First World Cup Hat Trick Ever

With the 2026 World Cup captivating audiences around the globe, soccer fever has certainly made its way to the SouthCoast – but did you know its historic connection to Fall River?

We've already seen some memorable moments tied to this year's tournament, from Scotland's famous Tartan Army filling Boston with kilts, songs and plenty of beer to an unexpected appearance from Vanessa Carlton at Providence's G Pub.

READ MORE: Vanessa Carlton Surprises Scots in Providence

The beautiful game has a way of creating unforgettable stories, and one of the greatest World Cup stories of all time has roots right here in the Spindle City.

When soccer fans talk about hat tricks on the sport's biggest stage, names like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo often dominate the conversation. But long before either superstar was born, a SouthCoast man accomplished something no player had ever done before.

That player was Bert Patenaude, a Fall River native whose name deserves to be mentioned whenever World Cup history is discussed. In fact, Patenaude remains the first player ever credited with scoring a hat trick in a World Cup match, a record that has stood for nearly a century.

A Fall River Kid With a Knack for Soccer

Patenaude was born in Fall River in 1909 to French-Canadian immigrants. According to local lore, his soccer journey began completely by accident. While working as a grocery delivery boy, he stumbled upon a pickup soccer game and decided to join in. The game lasted much longer than he anticipated. In fact, he played for so long that he ended up losing his job. Fortunately for soccer fans, getting fired turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

READ MORE: New Bedford Teen Scores Big With International Soccer Team

By the age of 18, Patenaude had already launched his professional career with the Philadelphia Field Club before eventually returning home to play for the legendary Fall River Marksmen. His talent quickly made him one of the top American players of his era.

Courtesy Spinner Publications

Making World Cup History

When the inaugural FIFA World Cup was held in Uruguay in 1930, Patenaude was selected to represent the United States on soccer's biggest stage. Then, on July 17, 1930, he delivered a performance that would cement his place in sports history.

Patenaude scored three goals in a match against Paraguay, becoming the first player ever to record a World Cup hat trick. Nearly 100 years later, players are still chasing milestones that the Fall River native achieved during the very first World Cup tournament.

So the next time you see Messi, Ronaldo or another global superstar celebrate a hat trick during a World Cup match, remember that the first player to ever do it was a grocery delivery boy from East Main Street in Fall River.

Additional Reporting by Matthew Barth