Cape Verde’s Cabral wins World Cup Goal of the Tournament award for Argentina stunner

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Cape Verde full-back Sidny Lopes Cabral has won the World Cup Goal of the Tournament award for his spectacular strike against Argentina in the round of 32.

The tournament debutants threatened to cause arguably the biggest upset in World Cup history when they took on the 2022 champions and eventual 2026 runners-up in the first knockout round.

They twice came from behind to draw level, once in regulation time and once in extra time, only to lose 3-2 following Diney Borges’ unfortunate own goal.

Cape Verde’s second equaliser was a stunning effort from Cabral, who recently joined Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor from Benfica in a €10m deal.

Cabral skipped past Alexis Mac Allister near the left corner of the Argentina area, then curled a wonderful right-footed effort beyond Emiliano Martinez and inside the far post.

The goal that stole your hearts all the way to the top. 
Sidny Lopes Cabral is your Hyundai Goal of the Tournament winner at the FIFA World Cup 2026! #FIFAWorldCup #Hyundai #HGOTT #HyundaiGOTT2026 @Hyundai_Global pic.twitter.com/jeZ7kqI1CG

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 27, 2026

Cape Verde went unbeaten in regulation time at the World Cup, having drawn all three of their Group H matches – against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia – to advance in second place behind Luis de la Fuente’s eventual champions.

In that defeat to Argentina, Cape Verde became the first African nation to ever score multiple goals in a single World Cup match against the defending champions.

They also became only the second African side to score twice against Argentina at the World Cup, after Nigeria did so in another 3-2 win for the Albiceleste in 2014.

FIFA World Cup News

Scaloni hits back at Argentina critics who ‘don’t know us’

FIFA World Cup News

Mbappe: France’s World Cup heartbreak will continue to hurt for a while

FIFA World Cup News

Messi ‘can continue for many more years’, insists Di Maria

FIFA World Cup News

Kane’s Ballon d’Or chances over after ‘disappearing’ in big matches, claims Petit

FIFA World Cup News

Paredes expects Messi to retire from Argentina duty after World Cup heartbreak

Editorials

FIFA’s Credibility Is on the Line as Norway Speaks Up on Balogun Farce

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.