FIFA revealed the voting results for the Best Goal award at the 2026 World Cup in the match where Cape Verde lost to Argentina.
On 28 July 2026, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) announced the tournament's Best Goal award winner: Sydney Lopes Cabral, defender for Cape Verde, who scored against Argentina. His goal surpassed the beautiful strikes by Eldor Shomurodov of Uzbekistan and Wilson Isidor of Haiti, who took second and third place respectively.
The goal occurred in the Round of 32, when Sydney Lopes Cabral curled a right-footed shot beautifully into the net, helping Cape Verde equalize 2-2 against Argentina in extra time, although they ultimately lost 2-3.
After winning the award, Sydney Lopes Cabral said, “When I dribbled past my opponents, I saw an opening and thought, 'Let's give it a try.' I am comfortable shooting with both feet. I aimed for the top corner and executed the shot very well.”
“When I looked up and saw the ball flying into the top corner, I thought, 'What have I done?' I couldn’t believe it. I looked at my teammates, and everyone was shouting with joy, holding their heads.”
“I started running without thinking, then realized I had scored a beautiful World Cup goal. Everyone dreams of scoring at the World Cup, but to do it like this, on such a big stage, against such a strong team, is incredible. I’m truly happy.”