FIFA World Cup 2026: Best XI of the Tournament

FIFA World Cup 2026: Best XI of the Tournament

The 2026 FIFA World Cup wrapped up on July 20th with Spain edging out Argentina 1-0 after extra time, capturing their second World Cup title. The tournament showcased dazzling displays from established stars and surprising breakthroughs from newcomers.

Goalkeeper

Unai Simón | Spain

Simón stood firm as Spain’s last line of defense, excelling in his sweeper-keeper role. Throughout the tournament, he conceded only one goal. Spain’s high defensive line demanded constant vigilance, and Simón not only made crucial saves but also neutralized counterattacks by stepping off his line effectively. His tally included 10 saves with a 90.9% save rate and a record seven clean sheets in a single World Cup. For this, he earned the Adidas Golden Glove award.

Defenders

• Marc Cucurella | Spain: A relentless presence on the left flank, Cucurella combined speed, attack, and solid defending. He assisted twice, maintained a 92% passing accuracy, and played every minute of Spain's matches, contributing to a defense that allowed just one goal.
• Marc Guéhi | England: Guéhi was England’s defensive rock, starting six of seven games. He completed 97% of his passes, won 23 of 29 duels, and made 28 clearances. His efforts helped England reach the semi-finals and claim bronze.
• Pau Cubarsí | Spain: At just 19, Cubarsí was a key figure in Spain’s backline alongside Aymeric Laporte. Together, they conceded only once all tournament. Cubarsí’s 96% passing accuracy, 640 completed passes, and 33 clearances underscored his importance. He received the Young Player of the Tournament award.
• Pedro Porro | Spain: Despite a tough club season, Porro thrived for Spain as an attacking right-back. He scored two goals, delivered the assist for the final's winning goal, and boasted a 91% passing rate. Porro was named Man of the Match in the semi-final against France.

Midfielders

• Rodri | Spain: After a challenging club season recovering from injury, Rodri dominated Spain’s midfield. He dictated pace and protected the defense, especially shining in knockout rounds against France and Argentina. He won the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player.
• Jude Bellingham | England: Bellingham impressed with seven goals and an assist in eight games, including braces against Mexico and Norway. He became England’s highest scorer in a single World Cup, surpassing Harry Kane’s 2018 mark, helping England secure third place.
• Michael Olise | France: Olise transformed from winger to playmaker under Didier Deschamps, unlocking France’s attack. With seven assists, he broke Pelé’s record for most assists at a single World Cup. Although scoreless, Olise was crucial to France’s semi-final run.

Forwards

• Erling Haaland | Norway: Making his World Cup debut, Haaland scored seven goals in five matches. He led Norway to the quarter-finals, highlighted by a brace against Brazil in the Round of 16 that knocked out the South American giants.
• Kylian Mbappé | France: Mbappé matched his previous World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals, becoming the tournament’s all-time top scorer with 22 career World Cup goals. His efforts took France to the semi-finals, scoring twice in a 6-4 loss to England in the third-place playoff.
• Lionel Messi | Argentina: At 39, Messi defied expectations, netting eight goals and four assists in seven matches. He almost carried Argentina solo into the final with key goals and plays, including a hat-trick and braces in the group stage. This likely marked his last World Cup appearance, leaving fans with memories of his magic.