Lionel Messi & Kylian Mbappe beaten to World Cup Goal of the Tournament award as iconic strike vs Argentina takes the prize
Cabo Verde defender Sidny Lopes Cabral won the 2026 World Cup Goal of the Tournament award for his strike against Argentina. The goal beat out high-profile competition from stars like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
Why it matters
Recognizes a significant individual achievement in international football and highlights the global nature of the sport's biggest tournament.
Sidny Lopes Cabral has officially secured the 2026 World Cup Goal of the Tournament award following his spectacular effort against Argentina. The Cabo Verde star produced a moment of magic that saw off stiff competition from some of the biggest names in world football.
FIFA has confirmed that Cabral's stunning strike against Argentina in the round of 32 has been voted the Hyundai Goal of the Tournament for the 2026 World Cup. The 23-year-old Rotterdam-born defender produced a moment of individual brilliance that resonated with fans globally, ultimately seeing him top a shortlist that included Messi, Mbappe, and Julian Alvarez.
The strike featured a daring run where Lopes Cabral tricked his way inside Alexis Mac Allister before unleashing a curling effort that bypassed Emiliano Martinez and found the top corner.
This landmark award places him in an elite bracket of previous winners, including James Rodriguez, Benjamin Pavard, and Richarlison.
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