Belgium's forward Christian Benteke (L) celebrates his goal with teammate Dries Mertens during the WC 2018 football qualification match Gibraltar vs Belgium at the Faro Municipal Stadium in Faro on October 10, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / JOSE MANUEL RIBEIRO

Christian Benteke scored the fastest ever goal in a World Cup qualifier when he put Belgium ahead after seven seconds of their Group H game against Gibraltar on Monday.

Benteke slotted home as Belgium broke away from the kick off to beat the previous record of eight seconds held by San Marino's Davide Gualtieri who scored against England in 1993.

It was also the quickest goal ever scored by Belgium.

Football Soccer - Gibraltar v Belgium - World Cup 2018 Qualifier - Algarve stadium, Faro, Portugal - 10/10/16. Belgium's Christian Benteke (C) celebrates his second goal against Gibraltar. REUTERS/Rafael Marchante

Belgium doubled their lead after 19 minutes through Axel Witsel before striker Benteke scored his second goal in the 42nd at the Estadio Algarve in Faro, Portugal.

READ MORE

 Football world braces for 2026 World Cup draw with Trump presiding

 DR Congo beat Nigeria to keep 2026 World Cup hopes alive

 Cristiano Ronaldo says 2026 World Cup 'definitely' his last

 McCarthy says Kenya has a long way to go after World Cup miss