Haaland's Goal in Brazil Earns Him Best Goal Award

Norwegian international Erling Haaland’s second goal in his country’s 2-1 victory over Brazil in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has advanced to the third stage of voting for the tournament’s Goal of the Tournament award, presented by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA).

Haaland has firmly established himself on the global stage during the World Cup currently being held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, scoring seven goals so far in his first World Cup appearance, including two in the thrilling win over five-time champions Brazil at New York–New Jersey Stadium on July 5.

Football fans around the world ensured that his second goal in that match would be among the official candidates for the tournament’s Best Goal award by selecting it as the best goal of the Round of 16.

Haaland opened the scoring for Norway with a well-taken header after beating Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhães in the 79th minute. Then, as the clock reached the 90th minute, the Manchester City striker received the ball on the edge of Brazil’s penalty area, touched it with his right foot, then controlled it with his left before unleashing a powerful shot that found the bottom corner of the net, beating goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

Haaland’s goal received 34% of votes from users of FIFA’s official website worldwide, surpassing Argentine Lionel Messi’s goal against Egypt (25%), while Moroccan player Zaynab Ounahi’s goal, scored from a precise free-kick against Canada, came in third place with 16%.