Lopes Cabral scores standout World Cup goal for Cape Verde

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 match, Cape Verde defender Lopes Cabral equalised in the 104th minute, delivering what journalists described as the tournament’s most beautiful goal. After Argentina had taken the lead in extra time, Cabral received the ball on the left, out‑paced the defence and struck a right‑footed shot that left goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez with no chance, bringing the game to 2‑2.

Cabral, a 24‑year‑old Dutch‑born player naturalised for Cape Verde, currently plays for Turkish club Trabzonspor. His career has included stints in Dutch youth academies, German lower‑division sides, a brief spell in Portugal’s Primeira Liga, and a €8.5 million transfer to Benfica before moving to Turkey. The goal secured Cape Verde’s progression to a penalty shoot‑out, where Argentina eventually prevailed.