Cabral's curler against Argentina voted 2026 World Cup Goal of the Tournament

Sidny Lopes Cabral's stunning strike for Cape Verde against Argentina in the Round of 32 has been voted the Goal of the Tournament at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, FIFA announced on Monday.

The full-back, who plays for Turkish club Trabzonspor, produced one of the tournament's most sublime moments in Miami on July 4 when, after gliding past Alexis Mac Allister, he curled a magnificent effort beyond Emiliano Martínez and into the top corner to level the match at 2-2 in extra time.

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The goal has now been crowned the tournament's finest, finishing ahead of spectacular strikes from Uzbekistan's Eldor Shomurodov and Haiti's Wilson Isidor. Cabral joins an illustrious list of winners that includes Maxi Rodríguez, Diego Forlán, James Rodríguez, Benjamin Pavard and Richarlison.

"The moment I dribbled past my opponent, I saw an opening and thought, 'Let's have a go'," Cabral recalled.

"I shoot well with both feet. I saw the space and was aiming for the top corner. I struck it really well.

"When I looked up and saw it heading there, I thought, 'What the hell did I just do?' I couldn't believe it. Everyone was screaming with their hands on their heads.

"I started running without thinking. Then it hit me that I'd scored a spectacular goal in the World Cup. Everybody dreams of scoring in the World Cup, but to do it like that, on such a big stage against such a big team, was incredible."

Although Cabo Verde eventually suffered a 3-2 defeat, the goal sparked unforgettable scenes inside Miami Stadium. As Cabral sprinted towards the stands to celebrate, his mother Teresa fainted with emotion.

"Before the game, I'd told my mom and my girlfriend that if I scored, I'd run over to them," he said.

"When I got there, I saw my mom crying. She hadn't even realised I was standing there because she'd fainted when I scored. Everyone was looking after her."

The goal also earned praise from one of Cabral's childhood idols.

"After the game, I got a message from Marcelo," the 23-year-old said.

"He's one of my biggest idols. I always admired him. He told me he had voted for my goal as the best of the tournament.

"I thanked him and told him I didn't know how to express how honoured I was that he'd watched me play. He replied, 'It was a pleasure watching you play. You're really good.' I couldn't believe it."