Messi and Mbappe Left Out as Stunning 2026 World Cup Goal of the Tournament Takes the World by Storm

Sidny Lopes Cabral's breathtaking goal for Cabo Verde against Argentina has claimed FIFA's Goal of the Tournament honor at the 2026 World Cup, edging out remarkable efforts from global superstars Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé.

Few could have anticipated that a Cabo Verdean fullback would take home the accolade before the tournament kicked off, but Cabral's effort in extra time of his side's 3–2 loss to Argentina in the round of 32 was an undeniably spectacular strike.

The 23-year-old drifted past Alexis Mac Allister on the left flank and curled the ball beautifully into Emiliano Martínez's top corner from just inside the box, sending the Cabo Verde players into a frenzy of celebration.

Twelve goals were shortlisted by FIFA for Goal of the Tournament, featuring strikes from Messi, Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Jude Bellingham.

The goal that stole your hearts all the way to the top. 💙⚽️
Sidny Lopes Cabral is your Hyundai Goal of the Tournament winner at the FIFA World Cup 2026! 🌟#FIFAWorldCup #Hyundai #HGOTT #HyundaiGOTT2026 @Hyundai_Global pic.twitter.com/jeZ7kqI1CG

Messi's opening goal of the competition, a sublime effort against Algeria in the group stage, failed to make the official top three. Mbappé's thunderous long-range strike against Senegal in his first match was also nominated but fell short of a podium finish.

Haaland's second goal against Brazil, Bellingham's individual effort in England's win over France, and Ferran Torres's decisive final goal all finished behind Cabral in the voting.

Uzbekistan's Eldor Shomurodov took second place with his delicate chip in the match against DR Congo, while Wilson Isidor's remarkable strike for Haiti against Morocco secured third.

World Cup Goal of the Tournament: Past Winners

🇨🇴 A James Rodríguez goal for the history books on this day in 2014 #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/YQArPpyNP5

The Goal of the Tournament award has only been presented by FIFA since 2006, when Argentina's Maxi Rodríguez claimed the honor with a bold long-range volley.

The first of three back-to-back South American winners, Uruguay striker Diego Forlán then took the award at the 2010 tournament after taming the notorious Jabulani ball, with James Rodríguez's iconic strike for Colombia recognized four years on.

Benjamin Pavard became the first European and first defender to claim the prize in 2018, rifling home a stunning effort for France against Argentina, while Richarlison's acrobatic scissor kick for Brazil in 2022 was voted the best goal of that tournament.

Cabral joins a distinguished list and becomes the first African player ever to win Goal of the Tournament.