On July 27th, FIFA announced that the goal scored by Cape Verde defender Sidney Lapéz Carvalho in a match against Argentina was selected as the best goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
In the 1/16 final held in Beijing on the 3rd, Cape Verde faced Argentina. In the 103th minute, Cabral broke free from defenders at the edge of the penalty area and fired a curved shot that hit the goal post, helping Cape Verde tie the score. Although Cape Verde eventually lost 2-3, this World Cup goal still left a deep impression on the fans.
Cabral said in an interview with FIFA: "When I carried the ball past my opponent, I saw a gap ahead and thought 'Let’s try something'. I could shoot with both my left and right feet, and my goal was the target. I aimed there, and ended up scoring a very beautiful goal."
The World Cup best goal was determined by fan voting. The second-place best goal came from Uzbekistan striker Shomurodov's narrow shot against the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Third-place winner was Russian player Isidore's stunning goal against Morocco.
