Eldor Shomurodov, the Uzbekistan captain, has claimed the Best Group Stage Goal award at the FIFA World Cup 2026, taking home the accolade with a sublime effort that captured the imagination of fans worldwide.

The 31-year-old Istanbul Başakşehir forward delivered an inch-perfect lob from a tight angle against Democratic Republic of Congo in Uzbekistan's final group stage match, played in Atlanta on 27 June. The strike earned him 36 percent of the public vote.

Tight contest in the voting

Haiti's Wilson Isidor finished second in the standings with 26.5 percent of the vote, while Bosnia and Herzegovina's Kerim Alajbegovic came third on 24.9 percent — making it a genuinely competitive ballot across three continents.

Shomurodov's individual recognition arrives despite Uzbekistan's difficult tournament run, which included a heavy defeat to Portugal earlier in the group phase.

More awards to come

FIFA has confirmed that the Best Goal award process will continue beyond the group stage. Four further rounds of voting are scheduled — covering the Round of 32, Round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals combined — before a final vote crowns an overall winner at the conclusion of FIFA World Cup 2026.