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Cape Verde's Sidny Lopes Cabral scores 2026 World Cup's best goal

From El Comercio · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • FIFA named Sidny Lopes Cabral's spectacular goal against Argentina the best of the 2026 World Cup.
  • The goal, scored in extra time, tied the match 2-2 for Cape Verde before their eventual elimination.
  • Lopes Cabral expressed disbelief and joy at scoring such a goal, which also received praise from Brazilian footballer Marcelo.

Cape Verdean footballer Sidny Lopes Cabral has been recognized by FIFA for scoring the best goal of the 2026 World Cup. His stunning strike against Argentina in the Round of 16 was chosen as the tournament's top goal.

As soon as I got past my opponent, I saw an opening and thought, 'Let's try it.' I have a good strike with both legs. I saw the space and aimed for the top corner. When I looked up and saw the ball heading for the angle, I thought, 'What have I just done?' I couldn't believe it.

— Sidny Lopes CabralDescribing his reaction immediately after scoring the goal.

The spectacular goal came in the 103rd minute of extra time, leveling the match at 2-2 for the African nation. Lopes Cabral initiated the play on the left flank, skillfully dribbled past Alexis Mac Allister, and unleashed a powerful shot from a tight angle into the far corner, leaving the Argentinian goalkeeper with no chance.

"I couldn't believe what I had done," Lopes Cabral recalled. "As soon as I got past my opponent, I saw an opening and thought, 'Let's try it.' I have a good strike with both legs. I saw the space and aimed for the top corner. When I looked up and saw the ball heading for the angle, I thought, 'What have I just done?' I couldn't believe it."

I looked at my teammates and they were all shouting, with their hands on their heads, full of joy. I started running without thinking. Then I realized I had just scored a spectacular goal in a World Cup. Everyone dreams of scoring in a World Cup, but to do it this way and against a rival like Argentina was incredible.

— Sidny Lopes CabralRecounting the immediate aftermath and significance of his goal.

Despite the historic goal, Cape Verde was ultimately eliminated from the tournament after conceding an own goal in the 111th minute. However, their performance was a revelation, and Lopes Cabral's goal secured its place in World Cup history. The player also shared that former Brazilian defender Marcelo, one of his idols, messaged him to say he had voted for the goal as the best of the tournament.

After the match, I received a message from Marcelo. He is one of my biggest idols. He told me he had voted for my goal as the best of the tournament. I could only think: 'I can't believe it!'

— Sidny Lopes CabralSharing his excitement about receiving praise from Brazilian footballer Marcelo.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Comercio in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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