Cape Verde defender wins 2026 World Cup Goal of Tournament

Cape Verde defender Sidny Lopes Cabral has won the FIFA World Cup 2026 Goal of the Tournament award, with fans voting his spectacular strike against Argentina as the finest of the competition. The 23-year-old's curling effort, which came during his nation's dramatic Round of 32 match in Miami Gardens, was announced as the winner on Monday, July 27, 2026.

The goal, which drew Cape Verde level with the defending champions at 2-2 in extra time, was selected from a shortlist of 12 and topped a public vote that included 308 goals scored during the tournament. It finished ahead of Eldor Shomurodov's lob for Uzbekistan against Congo and Wilson Isidor's powerful rising shot for Haiti against Morocco. Lopes Cabral's moment of brilliance saw him glide past Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner, a highlight in a match Argentina eventually won 3-2.

In receiving the honor, Lopes Cabral joins an exclusive list of previous winners that includes Maxi Rodríguez, Diego Forlán, James Rodríguez, Benjamin Pavard, and Richarlison. Reflecting on the goal, the defender said he acted on instinct after creating space. He recalled thinking to...