Sidny Cabral’s strike wins FIFA’s 2026 World Cup Goal award

FIFA announced on Monday that full‑back Sidny Lopes Cabral’s strike for Cabo against Argentina in the round‑of‑32 was voted the best goal of the 2026 World Cup, edging out contenders from Uzbekistan and Haiti. The award highlights the dramatic extra‑time equaliser that sent the match into further tension.

The round‑of‑32 encounter pitted the under‑dogs of Cabo against a powerhouse Argentina, setting the stage for a tightly contested knockout tie. Both sides entered the second half with the score still level, heightening the stakes.

Midway through extra time Sidny Cabral unleashed a powerful shot that restored parity, making the score 2‑2. The strike, delivered from the full‑back position, stunned the Argentine defence and ignited the stadium.

Argentina responded shortly after, finding a third goal that secured their progression to the round of 16. The late winner left Cabo eliminated despite the earlier heroics.

FIFA’s voting panel selected Cabral’s effort as the tournament’s top goal, placing it ahead of Eldor Shomurodov of Uzbekistan, who finished second, and Wilson Isidor of Haiti, who took third. The decision was announced on Monday as part of the World Cup’s official awards ceremony.

With the accolade, Cabral joins an elite list that includes Maxi Rodriguez (2006), Diego Forlan (2010), James Rodriguez (2014), Benjamin Pavard (2018) and Richarlison (2022). Each of those players was celebrated for a singular moment of brilliance in their respective World Cups.

Fans can relive the decisive strike by watching Sidny Cabral’s stunning goal again, a reminder of the fine line between triumph and defeat. The award not only honours Cabral’s individual talent but also cements his place in World Cup history.