Cape Verde defender Sidny Lopes Cabral has been voted the winner of the Goal of the Round of 32 award at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, Completesports.com reports.
Cabral earned the honour for his stunning strike in Cape Verde’s thrilling 3-2 extra-time defeat to defending champions Argentina.
The 23-year-old full-back produced a moment of brilliance early in the second half, cutting in from the left flank before curling an unstoppable effort beyond Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Cabral dominated the fan vote, receiving an impressive 88.7 per cent of the total votes.
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Argentina captain Lionel Messi finished second with 4.1 per cent for his goal in the same encounter, while Japan midfielder Kaishu Sano came third with 1.9 per cent for his strike against Brazil.
France star Kylian Mbappe (1.6 per cent) and Mexico forward Julian Quiñones (1.1 per cent) completed the top five.
Earlier in the tournament, Uzbekistan captain Eldor Shomurodov claimed the Goal of the Group Stage award for his spectacular effort against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
There will be three subsequent votes, following the same process after the Round of 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals (combined), and then a final vote at the end of the tournament.
By Adeboye Amosu
