Sidny Lopes Cabral (Cape Verde) wins the best goal of the World Cup

According to Soccernews.

Why it matters

Sidny Lopes Cabral's goal is not only a personal achievement, but it also represents a significant step forward for Cape Verdean football on the world stage. By winning the award for the best goal of the 2026 World Cup, Cabral highlighted the potential of Cape Verde, a nation that has been able to compete with renowned teams like Argentina. This landmark moment could inspire a new generation of footballers in the country and reinforce the importance of football in Cape Verdean culture.

Key points

• Sidny Lopes Cabral (Cape Verde) wins the best goal of the World Cup.
• Sidny Lopes Cabral, Cape Verde full-back, won the prize for the best goal of the 2026 World Cup thanks to his masterpiece scored against Argentina in the round of 16.
• Cape Verde’s Cabral wins World Cup Goal of the Tournament award for Argentina stunner.

The 2026 World Cup, organized in the United States, Mexico and Canada, will have been the scene of many emotions and surprises, but one of the most striking moments undoubtedly remains the exceptional goal scored by Sidny Lopes Cabral for Cape Verde against Argentina. The defender, recently transferred to Trabzonspor from Benfica for 10 million euros, was awarded the “Goal of the Tournament” title.

This goal, already legendary, was scored in the round of 16, during a match where Cape Verde, a novice at this level, almost achieved one of the greatest feats in the history of the competition against the 2022 world champions and future finalists. Trailing twice, the Cape Verdean team never gave up. If the outcome, a defeat with a score of 3-2 after an unfortunate own goal from Diney Borges, leaves a bitter taste, the mastery of Cabral's gesture during this confrontation amazed the football world.

Image

In this brilliant action, Sidny Lopes Cabral, positioned near the left corner of the Argentine area, eliminated Alexis Mac Allister with a careful dribble before sending a curling shot from the right out of the reach of Emiliano Martinez, coming to lodge in the small opposite net. This goal, the second equalizer for the Blue Sharks during the match, won over supporters and observers, establishing itself as the best of the World Cup.

Cape Verde's journey has already made an impression, with the islanders emerging undefeated from the group stage (with draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia) to reach the round of 16. Against Argentina, they became the first African nation to score more than one goal in a World Cup match against the defending champion and only the second to score twice against the Albiceleste, after Nigeria in 2014. This goal from Sidny Lopes Cabral, beyond its beauty, takes on its full meaning in this historical context and symbolizes the progression of African football on the world stage.

This individual trophy rewards not only the technical virtuosity of the player, but also the combativeness of a Cape Verdean team which was able to defy the odds and write one of the most beautiful pages of its young history in the competition. A lasting memory for fans, one that we won't soon forget.

The rest

After this memorable performance, Cape Verde could consider building on this experience for future competitions, in particular by preparing for the qualifications of the next World Cup. The journey of Cabral and his team could also attract the attention of European clubs, increasing opportunities for Cape Verdean players in the transfer market. In addition, this visibility could strengthen the commitment of sponsors and investors in Cape Verdean football.

Frequently asked questions

What was the score of the Cape Verde versus Argentina match in the round of 16?

The match score was 3-2 in favor of Argentina.

What impact did this match have on the 2026 World Cup standings?

Cape Verde were eliminated in the round of 16 after finishing undefeated in the group stage.

Who scored the best goal of the 2026 World Cup?

Sidny Lopes Cabral scored the best goal of the 2026 World Cup.

When is Cape Verde's next match after their meeting against Argentina?

Cape Verde was eliminated and

therefore has no next match in the 2026 World Cup.

Who was the Cape Verde defender involved in the goal against Argentina?

The defender involved in the goal is Sidny Lopes Cabral.

Related Articles

• 2026 World Cup
• 2026 World Cup
• JP Morgan banker linked to controversial FIFA sale by
• CSKA sings the 2026 World Cup song to announce its match
• Lamine Yamal has never lost to teams with Mbappé in

• Zlatko Dalic bounces back in the United Arab Emirates a month later

• Rodri advises Lamine Yamal to manage his anxiety before

• Why hydration breaks at the World Cup

• 2026 World Cup: Spain knocks out France in