Eldor Shomurodov’s chipped finish against DR Congo during the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage is firmly in the second category. The Uzbekistan captain’s precise lob, scored in the 10th minute of the match, won the public vote for Goal of the Group Stage and now advances to the final tournament-wide ballot for Goal of the Tournament.
This is not a small thing. FIFA nominated 12 goals from the entire group stage for the award. Shomurodov’s chip beat them all in the public vote.
A goal that meant more than the scoreline showed
Uzbekistan lost the match 3-1. The goal was stunning, but it was ultimately a consolation in a defeat to DR Congo.
It was only Uzbekistan’s second goal ever scored in World Cup history. To put that in perspective: an entire nation’s World Cup scoring record fits on one hand, with fingers to spare.
