Cabral’s brilliant strike against Argentina wins FIFA World Cup 2026 goal award

FIFA has officially named Sidney Lopes Cabral’s spectacular strike for Cape Verde against Argentina in the last 32 as the best goal of the 2026 World Cup.

The forward’s effort, scored in Cape Verde’s maiden appearance in the World Cup knockout phase, has been awarded the “Hyundai” goal of the tournament prize after topping a global fans’ vote on FIFA’s official website.

Cabral produced the moment of brilliance during the round-of-32 tie when he skilfully dribbled past Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister before unleashing a superb shot into the top corner of Emiliano Martinez’s net. The goal levelled the match at 2-2 and ultimately forced extra time, although Lionel Messi’s side went on to edge the contest 3-2 after the additional period.

Fans’ vote puts Cabral ahead of global field

FIFA confirmed that Cabral’s strike finished first in the public poll, beating two other highly rated contenders into second and third place.

Uzbekistan forward Eldor Shomurodov’s goal against DR Congo was voted runner-up, while Haiti’s Wilson Isidor took third place for his effort against Morocco.

The Cape Verde player’s goal also finished above several other notable strikes that had been shortlisted for the final round of voting.

Among those were Kylian Mbappe’s goal for France against Senegal, Lionel Messi’s effort for Argentina versus Algeria, Julian Alvarez’s strike against Switzerland and Ferran Torres’s decisive goal for Spain in the final against Argentina.

Historic World Cup for Cape Verde

Cape Verde were making their first-ever appearance at a World Cup in 2026 and advanced beyond the group stage at the first attempt.

Their debut campaign came to an end with the narrow defeat by Argentina in the last 32, despite Cabral’s equaliser forcing extra time.

Spain crowned world champions

The tournament itself concluded with Spain lifting the World Cup trophy for the second time in their history.

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in a final that also went to extra time, with Ferran Torres’s winner securing the title for Luis de la Fuente’s side and ending Argentina’s hopes of another world crown.