FIFA has officially shortlisted the 12 most spectacular goals from the 2026 World Cup group stage, launching a global fan vote to crown the best strike of the tournament's opening round. Highlighting the prestigious list is a breathtaking goal by Uzbekistan’s national team captain, Eldor Shomurodov, scored during the "White Wolves" high-stakes group-stage finale against the DR Congo.
The goal has instantly modernised football folklore, drawing immediate, widespread comparisons to Marco van Basten’s iconic, physics-defying volley against the Soviet Union in the Euro 1988 final. Striking the ball from an impossibly tight, acute angle, Shomurodov showcased sublime technical genius. He executed an exquisite, looping chip that sailed clean over the stranded Congolese goalkeeper and dipped perfectly into the far corner of the net, leaving fans and commentators worldwide in absolute disbelief.
On its official media platforms, football's global governing body lauded the jaw-dropping effort as the absolute pinnacle of Uzbekistan’s historic maiden World Cup appearance.
"The standout moment of the 'White Wolves' debut World Cup campaign was this precise chip over the goalkeeper by their inspirational captain," FIFA stated in its official showcase overview.
The nomination cements Shomurodov's legacy on the world stage, transforming Uzbekistan's debut run from a mere footballing milestone into a source of pure artistic brilliance. Voting is now open to the public on FIFA's official website.
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