Did debutants Cabo Verde deliver the moment of the World Cup? 🤯

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Emily Wilson

4 July 2026

FIFA

World Cup

debutants

Cabo Verde

have stolen the hearts of many after an extremely impressive run on football's biggest stage.

With a population of only 530,000, the team did the impossible in their tournament debut, finishing second behind Spain and ahead of Uruguay to reach the knockouts.

After holding the Europeans and the South Americans (plus Saudi Arabia) to draws, their biggest test was next. And, arguably, the biggest it could have gotten.

Cabo Verde found themselves in the Round of 32 up against reigning champions

Argentina

and Lionel Messi. That said, David managed to pull their weight against Goliath.

The African side rallied from behind not once but twice before ultimately falling 3-2 and being eliminated from the tournament. The second goal could rightfully go down as the Goal of the Tournament.

Sidny Lopes Cabral hit a stunning effort beyond Emi Martinez after cutting inside and leaving his defender in the dust, as the ball was struck powerfully and perfectly into the top right corner from the far left edge of the box.

–

Saturday, 4 July 2026

After scoring the screamer, he ran right into the stands to hug someone who appeared to be a family member or friend.

Elimination or not, that could go on to be the best goal of the 2026 World Cup!

📸 PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA - AFP or licensors

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