Alvarez’s Stunning Strike Named Best Goal of World Cup Knockout Stages
Julian Alvarez, Argentina’s star forward, has won the latest fan vote for the Hyundai Goal of the Tournament. His incredible goal against Switzerland was chosen as the best from the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals and semi-finals. This decisive strike helped Argentina secure their spot in the semi-finals.
The memorable moment happened in extra time during Argentina’s quarter-final match against Switzerland, who were playing with ten men. The game seemed headed for a penalty shootout. However, Alvarez took a shot from outside the penalty box, curling it beautifully into the net. This put Argentina ahead, leading to a 3-1 victory for the world champions.
Fans widely agreed on Alvarez’s goal, giving it 37.2 percent of the votes. This put it far ahead of the other nominated goals. Norway’s Andreas Schjelderup came in second place with 22.3 percent. His powerful shot from a difficult angle against England impressed many.
Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez secured third place with 18.2 percent of the votes. His long-range equalizer against England in the semi-finals was a crucial moment. France captain Kylian Mbappe’s opening goal against Morocco was fourth with 9.7 percent. England’s Jude Bellingham was fifth with 8.6 percent for his first goal against Norway. Spain defender Pedro Porro’s goal against France finished sixth with 3.9 percent.
Earlier in the tournament, other spectacular goals also received awards. Eldor Shomurodov’s impressive strike for Uzbekistan was voted the best goal of the group stage. Sidny Lopes Cabral of Cape Verde won the Round of 32 award for his late goal against Argentina. Erling Haaland’s powerful 90th-minute shot against Brazil was named the best goal of the Round of 16.
Alvarez’s stunning winner against Switzerland now completes the list of Hyundai Goal of the Tournament winners for these knockout rounds. The best goal from the final match of the tournament is still to be chosen.
