FIFA Announces Winner of 2026 World Cup Goal of the Tournament

FIFA has announced the winner of the 2026 World Cup Goal of the Tournament through its official website.

The Hyundai Goal of the Tournament award was given to Cabo Verde defender Sidni Lopesh Kabral, 23, for his stunning strike against Argentina in the round of 16.

Kabral made his mark in extra time, beating Alexis MacAllister on the left flank before unleashing a precise shot with his right foot into the top corner of Emiliano Martinez's goal, leveling the score at 2-2.

However, Argentina regained the initiative and scored the winning goal, taking the match 3-2.

In the final voting, Lopesh Kabral edged out Uzbekistan team captain Eldor Shomurodov, whose superb goal against the Democratic Republic of Congo took second place.

Notably, Shomurodov's goal was also recognized as the best goal of the group stage.

Haiti forward Wilson Izidora's strike against Morocco finished third, while other contenders for the award included Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Jude Bellingham, and Ferran Torres.

"I saw the space and thought, 'I have to try.' I can shoot well with both feet. I saw the gap, aimed for the top corner, and hit the ball perfectly," Kabral recalled.

According to the player, even when he saw the ball flying towards the 'nine' area, he couldn't immediately believe what was happening. After the goal, his teammates were stunned, while Kabral himself rushed to celebrate with the fans.

Lopesh Kabral became only the second defender in World Cup history to win the Goal of the Tournament award, following in the footsteps of Frenchman Benjamin Pavard, who achieved this feat in 2018.

Previous winners of the award include Maxi Rodríguez, Diego Forlán, James Rodríguez, and Richarlison.

The 2026 World Cup was Cabo Verde's first-ever appearance in the tournament. The debutant team successfully navigated the group stage but was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs after losing to Argentina.