Cape Verde’s memorable debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has received another historic landmark after Sydney Lopes Cabral was voted winner of the Hyundai Goal of the Tournament award for his stunning strike against Argentina.
FIFA confirmed that the Cape Verde international’s spectacular effort in the Round of 32 topped a global fan vote, providing further recognition for a tournament that transformed the island nation into one of African football’s biggest success stories.
Cabral’s award-winning goal came during Cape Verde’s dramatic knockout clash against eventual runners-up Argentina, a match in which the tournament debutants twice fought back before narrowly losing 3-2 after extra time.
Although Cape Verde’s historic World Cup journey ended in defeat, Cabral’s brilliance ensured the African nation left North America with one of the competition’s most prestigious individual honours.
According to FIFA, the Cape Verdean forward produced the Goal of the Tournament when he collected possession near the left edge of Argentina’s penalty area, skipped beyond midfielder Alexis Mac Allister with a sharp change of direction and curled an unstoppable right-footed effort beyond goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez into the far top corner.
The remarkable strike levelled the contest at 2-2 and briefly raised hopes of one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history before Argentina eventually secured qualification following Diney Borges’ unfortunate own goal in extra time.
The award reflects the impact Cape Verde made during its first appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Making their World Cup debut in 2026, the Blue Sharks exceeded expectations by progressing beyond the group stage before pushing one of the tournament favourites to the limit in the knockout rounds.
Their courageous display against the 2022 world champions and eventual 2026 runners-up became one of the defining stories of the competition, with Cabral’s spectacular equaliser standing out as its unforgettable moment.
FIFA’s confirmation of the Hyundai Goal of the Tournament award followed a worldwide public vote, with football supporters choosing Cabral’s strike ahead of several goals scored by some of the game’s biggest stars.
The Cape Verde international finished above Uzbekistan’s Eldor Shomurodov, whose goal against DR Congo claimed second place, while Haiti’s Wilson Isidor finished third after his strike against Morocco.
Cabral’s winning effort also received more support than goals scored by Kylian Mbappé against Senegal, Lionel Messi against Algeria, Julián Álvarez against Switzerland and Ferran Torres’ extra-time winner for Spain in the World Cup final.
That achievement further underlines the significance of Cape Verde’s campaign, with the country’s players earning global recognition despite entering the tournament as outsiders.
Cabral has also enjoyed a notable rise at club level.
The full-back recently completed a €10 million move from Benfica to Turkish Süper Lig side Trabzonspor, with his World Cup performances helping to enhance his growing reputation on the international stage.
His decisive contribution against Argentina showcased the attacking qualities that have attracted attention beyond Africa, while the Goal of the Tournament award provides another major accolade early in his career.
