World Cup 2026: African stars feature as FIFA unveils 12 nominees for goal of the tournament

FIFA has announced the 12 goals shortlisted for the 2026 World Cup Goal of the Tournament award, with African representation coming from Cape Verde while several of the nominated strikes were scored against African and Arab opposition.

The governing body has invited fans to vote for their favourite goal from the 308 scored during the tournament, which ended with Spain lifting the World Cup trophy after defeating Argentina in the final.

Voting will remain open until 27 July, giving supporters around the world the chance to decide which strike will receive one of the tournament’s most prestigious individual honours.

African and Arab teams have mixed representation

Although Africa is represented on the shortlist through Cape Verde striker Sidney Cabral, there were no nominated goals scored by players from the eight Arab nations that competed at the tournament.

Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Jordan all failed to produce a shortlisted strike despite several impressive performances during the competition.

Ironically, three of the 12 nominated goals came against Arab teams, highlighting a disappointing outcome for the region despite its strong presence at the tournament.

Messi, Mbappe and Torres among nominees

Argentina captain Lionel Messi earned a nomination for his goal against Algeria during the group stage, while France forward Kylian Mbappe was recognised for his strike against Senegal.

Spain’s World Cup-winning hero Ferran Torres also made the list after scoring the decisive goal in the final against Argentina at MetLife Stadium to secure his country’s second world title.

Argentina striker Julian Alvarez was shortlisted for his goal against Switzerland in the quarter-finals, while England midfielder Jude Bellingham was recognised for his strike against France in the third-place play-off.

Norway’s Erling Haaland also earned a place among the nominees following his memorable goal against Brazil in the Round of 16.

Cape Verde joins global shortlist

Cape Verde’s Sidney Cabral secured Africa’s place on the shortlist after his goal against defending champions Argentina in the Round of 32, despite the South Americans eventually recovering to win the match and continue their journey to the final.

The remaining nominees include Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Karim Alajbegovic for his goal against Qatar, Haiti’s Wilson Isidore for his strike against Morocco, New Zealand forward Elijah Just for his goal against Iran, Japan’s Daizen Maeda for his effort against Sweden and Uzbekistan captain Eldor Shomurodov for his strike against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

With public voting now underway, football fans have until 27 July to decide which of the 12 goals will be crowned the standout strike of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.