Eldor Shomurodov wins Goal of the Group Stage, advances to final vote

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.

Shomurodov is Uzbekistan’s all-time leading scorer and the team’s captain. The chip itself, struck in the 10th minute, was executed cleanly — the ball floated over the keeper and into the net.

What the vote actually means

The goal was selected by FIFA as one of 12 nominees from the group stage, meaning it passed an initial quality filter before the public ever weighed in. Then it won the vote outright, advancing it to the final tournament-wide competition for Goal of the Tournament.

Uzbekistan’s World Cup moment

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being held across North America. Uzbekistan’s presence at the tournament is itself a significant milestone for Central Asian football.

Shomurodov’s goal landing in the final round of voting for the tournament’s best strike adds a layer to that story. Uzbekistan may have exited the group stage without the result they needed against DR Congo, but their captain’s goal is still alive in one of the tournament’s most visible individual awards.

Shomurodov’s record as the country’s all-time leading scorer means his performances carry an outsized narrative weight every time Uzbekistan appears at a major tournament. The goal also marked only Uzbekistan’s second ever strike in World Cup history.

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