Cabral wins W’Cup Goal of The Tournament

Sidny Lopes Cabral's spectacular goal for Cape Verde against Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been voted the Hyundai Goal of the Tournament. The 23-year-old defender scored a memorable goal during Cape Verde's thrilling 3-2 extra-time defeat to the defending champions in the Round of 32.

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The moment I dribbled past my opponent, I saw an opening and thought, ‘Let’s have a go.’ I shoot well with both feet, so I aimed for the top corner and struck the ball really well.

After skillfully dribbling past Alexis Mac Allister, Lopes Cabral unleashed a sublime curling shot that found the top corner, beating goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. This stunning strike ultimately won the fan vote, surpassing goals from Uzbekistan's Eldor Shomurodov and Haiti's Wilson Isidor. His achievement places him among previous winners like Maxi Rodriguez, Diego Forlan, and Richarlison.

Reflecting on the moment, Lopes Cabral described it as instinctive. "The moment I dribbled past my opponent, I saw an opening and thought, ‘Let’s have a go.’ I shoot well with both feet, so I aimed for the top corner and struck the ball really well," he said. He expressed disbelief and joy, stating, "When I looked up and saw it heading there, I thought, ‘What the hell did I just do?’ Everybody dreams of scoring at the World Cup, but to score in that way against a team like Argentina was incredible."

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When I looked up and saw it heading there, I thought, ‘What the hell did I just do?’ Everybody dreams of scoring at the World Cup, but to score in that way against a team like Argentina was incredible.

The goal created unforgettable scenes, with Lopes Cabral revealing that his mother fainted during his celebration. He shared a touching moment, recounting how he ran to his mother and girlfriend after scoring, only to find everyone attending to his mother. The defender also received a congratulatory message from his childhood idol, former Brazil and Real Madrid defender Marcelo. This award marks an extraordinary ascent for Lopes Cabral, who was playing in Germany's fifth division and living modestly just three years prior. His goal has now secured his place in World Cup history.

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Before the game, I’d told my mom and my girlfriend that if I scored, I’d run over to them. When I got there, everyone was helping my mom because she had fainted when I scored.