Cabral’s Curling Strike Against Argentina Named ‘Goal of the World Cup’

Sports Desk

Cape Verde’s Sidney Lopes Cabral’s brilliant goal in the last 32 match against Argentina has been voted the ‘Goal of the Tournament’ for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, FIFA officially announced on Monday.

The fullback from Turkish club Trabzonspor produced one of the tournament’s most spectacular moments in Miami on July 4. He beat Alexis McAllister in extra time to curl a superb shot past Emiliano Martinez from outside the D-box, levelling the score at 2-2.

Cabral’s strike beat off impressive goals from Uzbekistan’s Eldor Shomurodov and Haiti’s Wilson Isidore to claim the top goal award, joining the likes of Maxi Rodriguez, Diego Forlan, James Rodriguez, Benjamin Pavard and Richarlison.

Recalling that memorable moment, Cabral said, “After I got past the opposing player, I saw a little space and thought, ‘Let’s try it.'”

He added, “I can take good shots with both feet. I aimed for the top corner and took a powerful shot. When I saw the ball go into the net, I couldn’t believe my eyes! Everyone was screaming with their hands over their heads.”

“I started running without thinking. Then I realized I had scored such a great goal in the World Cup. Everyone dreams of scoring in the World Cup, but to score like that on such a big stage against such a big team is truly incredible,” Cabral said.

Although Cape Verde eventually lost the match 3-2, the goal created an unforgettable moment at the Miami Stadium. As Cabral ran towards the gallery in celebration, his mother Teresa fainted from emotion.

Cabral said, “Before the match, I told my mother and girlfriend that if I scored, I would run towards them. When I got there, I saw my mother crying. She passed out after I scored, so she didn’t even realize I was standing there. Everyone was taking care of her.”

After the goal, Cabral also received praise from one of his childhood idols.

The 23-year-old defender said: “After the match I got a message from Marcelo. He’s one of my biggest idols. Marcelo told me he voted my goal as the best of the tournament.”

Cabral added, “I thanked him and said, ‘I can’t tell you how honored I am that he watched me play.’ He wrote back, ‘I enjoyed watching you play. You are truly amazing.’ I couldn’t believe it.”