2026 World Cup: stunning goal, Cape Verde rewarded (official)
Although Cape Verde were knocked out in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup after a heroic clash against Argentina (3-2 after extra time), the Blue Sharks have found consolation in a remarkable way.
The goal scored by Sidny Lopes Cabral against Lionel Messi’s Argentina has been voted the most beautiful goal of the 2026 World Cup, following a fan poll on FIFA’s official website. The Cape Verde striker earned this honor weeks after dazzling fans with his spectacular strike against the Albiceleste, a goal that brought the Blue Sharks level in extra time.
Sidny Lopes Cabral’s goal outshone eleven other prestigious finalists. Among the shortlisted goals were Kylian Mbappé’s strike against Senegal, Lionel Messi’s effort versus Algeria, Julián Álvarez’s goal against Switzerland, and Ferran Torres’s match-winning goal in the final against Argentina.