On July 19, according to FIFA's official announcement, Argentine striker Álvarez's brilliant long-range shot in the World Cup knockout stage against Switzerland was voted the best goal of the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals and semi-finals by fans, and has qualified for the final selection of the "World Cup Best Goal Award".
Alvarez played a crucial role in Argentina's consecutive runs into the finals of this World Cup, and his stunning performance in the quarter-final against Switzerland also won the fans' approval.
In that match, Argentina faced a Swiss team with one less player in extra time and struggled to extend their lead. As the game drew closer to a penalty shootout, Alvarez stepped up.
He received the ball outside the penalty area and unleashed a spectacular, curling shot that sent the ball beautifully through the air into the net, giving Argentina the lead. Ultimately, Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1, advancing to the World Cup semi-finals.
This goal ultimately received 37.2% of the vote, significantly leading the other candidate goals.
Second place went to Norwegian player Andreas Scheldrup's brilliant goal against England, which garnered 22.3% of the vote; third place went to Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez's long-range equalizer from the edge of the box against England in the semi-final, which received 18.2% of the vote.
In addition, French star Kylian Mbappé's goal against Morocco ranked fourth with 9.7% of the vote; Jules Bellingham's first goal against Norway received 8.6% of the vote, while Pedro Polo's goal against France ranked sixth with 3.9%.
The selection process for the "World Cup Best Goal Award" is now in its final stages. After the best goals were determined in the group stage, the round of 32, and the round of 16, the voting for the quarterfinals and semifinals is the penultimate step in the final selection process.
After the World Cup concludes, the final "Best Goal" will be officially announced through a final vote.
