Which player scored the first World Cup hat-trick?

Bert Patenaude scored the first World Cup hat-trick.

Patenaude achieved the feat for the United States against Paraguay on 17 July 1930 at the first World Cup in Uruguay. The United States won the match 3–0, with Patenaude scoring all three goals.

For many years, FIFA records credited the third goal to teammate Tom Florie or listed it as an own goal. Later examination of match reports and historical evidence led FIFA to recognize Patenaude as the scorer, confirming his hat-trick.

The achievement came in the tournament’s early era, when only 13 teams competed and international records were less standardized. Patenaude’s three goals remain an important part of World Cup history, even though later stars such as Pelé and Just Fontaine became more famous for tournament scoring records.