The 2026 World Cup has come to a thrilling conclusion, and as the dust settles, FIFA has unveiled its shortlist for the best goal of the tournament. This list is a testament to the beauty and drama that football can offer, but it also raises some intriguing questions and highlights a few surprises.
First, let's address the elephant in the room. The absence of any goals from the eight Arab nations is a real head-scratcher. Morocco, Algeria, and Qatar all had impressive runs, and their exclusion from the shortlist is a disappointment. What makes this particularly fascinating is that three of the nominated goals were scored against Arab teams. It's a double-edged sword, showcasing the resilience of these nations while also highlighting their missed opportunities. One can't help but wonder if there's a bias at play here, with the global football community underestimating the quality of Arab football.
Now, let's dive into the nominees. Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine, leads the pack with a goal against Algeria. This is a testament to his enduring brilliance, even in what could have been his final World Cup. Kylian Mbappé, the record-breaking French striker, also makes the list, solidifying his status as a modern-day great. His goal against Senegal is a reminder of his clinical finishing.
The list also features Ferran Torres, whose golden goal in the final sealed Spain's victory. This is a significant moment in football history, and it's no surprise that it's in the running for the best goal. Joining him is Julián Álvarez, whose goal against Switzerland helped Argentina's journey to the final. These two Spanish and Argentine players symbolize the dominance of these footballing powerhouses.
England's Jude Bellingham and Norway's Erling Haaland represent the Premier League's finest, with goals that showcase their immense talent. Bellingham's strike against France is a reminder of his potential as a future superstar, while Haaland's goal against Brazil was a moment of pure genius.
The list also includes goals from less-heralded nations, like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cape Verde, and Haiti. These goals are a celebration of the World Cup's ability to provide a platform for smaller footballing nations. Sydney Cabral's goal against Argentina and Kerim Alajbegovic's strike against Qatar are moments that will live long in the memory of their respective countries.
The inclusion of goals from New Zealand, Japan, and Uzbekistan is a nod to the growing strength of football in these regions. It's a sign that the sport is truly becoming a global phenomenon, with talent emerging from every corner of the world.
In my opinion, this shortlist is not just about the goals themselves but also the stories they tell. It's about the rise and fall of nations, the individual brilliance of players, and the unpredictable nature of the beautiful game. The 2026 World Cup has given us moments that will be talked about for years, and these goals are a significant part of that legacy.
