Sidny Lopes Cabral's extra-time curler for Cape Verde against Argentina voted FIFA World Cup 2026 best goal

FIFA concluded its search for the most spectacular finish of the 2026 World Cup on Monday, handing the Hyundai Goal of the Tournament award to a 23-year-old Cape Verde defender who stunned Argentina in extra time. Sidny Lopes Cabral's right-footed shot from the left corner of the penalty area, placed into the far top corner beyond Emiliano Martínez, earned the honour after a public vote on FIFA's website. The goal came in the 103rd minute, ten minutes after Lisandro Martínez had restored Argentina's lead, and kept alive the hope of a side appearing in its first World Cup. Argentina eventually advanced 3-2 after extra time, but Cabral's finish was already being called one of the goals of the tournament.

The strike that lit up Miami

In the round-of-16 match in Miami, Cabral collected the ball wide, cut inside Alexis Mac Allister and, from near the left edge of the area, unleashed a drive that curled into the opposite top corner. The goalkeeper had no chance. Television replays and social media instantly compared it to the great long-range World Cup goals of past editions.

“When I dribbled past the opponent, I saw a gap and thought: "Let's try it." I shoot well with both feet. I saw the free space and targeted the top corner. I aimed and struck the ball really well. When I looked up and saw it heading for the corner, I thought: "What the hell did I just do?"”

The vote and the contenders

FIFA shortlisted 12 goals from the tournament, which ran from 11 June to 19 July across the United States, Mexico and Canada. The final three put before fans included strikes by Uzbekistan's Eldor Shomurodov and Haiti's Wilson Isidor. Cabral's effort, which had already won a round-of-32 fan poll on 6 July, ultimately took the title. The award continues a tradition that since 2006 has gone to Maxi Rodríguez, Diego Forlán, James Rodríguez, Benjamin Pavard and Richarlison.

Cabral's reaction

Speaking to FIFA after the announcement, the Trabzonspor player, who moved from Benfica in June 2026, described the feeling as "simply surreal." He emphasised that the recognition mattered beyond his own career.

“The most rewarding thing is to realise that after the World Cup many more people got to know our country. I feel that there is a huge affection for Cape Verde, for our people and our players. That respect and recognition cannot be bought.”

In a social-media post he said the award was "an enormous honour" and that he hoped the moment would inspire young Cape Verdeans to pursue their dreams.

Cape Verde's historic tournament

The award capped a campaign in which the island nation, coached by Bubista, went undefeated in normal time across four matches. They held eventual champions Spain to a 0-0 draw, shared a 2-2 result with Uruguay, and drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia in the group stage before pushing Argentina to extra time. Goalkeeper Vozinha was later selected for the tournament's best XI. Cabral said the experience was just the start, promising that a new generation would return stronger.

The goal itself was not a fluke, he insisted. "It was the second time I have scored a goal like that," he told FIFA. "Doing it on a stage like the World Cup is special. It is a moment that stays with you for your whole career."