World Cup 2026 Best XI: Messi, Rodri, Mbappe Lead Star-Studded Lineup

World Cup 2026 Best XI

The 2026 World Cup wrapped up with Spain edging Argentina 1-0 in New Jersey to claim their second global title. Spain deserved the win, given their control over the match and how they neutralized Argentina's approach. Despite some off-field issues like referees being sent home over US immigration rules and Iran’s travel troubles, plus controversial calls such as Folarin Balogun's suspended red card, the tournament was largely entertaining on the pitch.

Here’s a look at the standout performers who made the biggest impact during the six-week event.

Goalkeeper

• Unai Simon: The Golden Glove winner kept seven clean sheets in eight games, benefiting from Spain's solid defense but also showing sharp focus, especially when denying Lionel Messi in the final. His calm presence was key to Spain’s success.

Defenders

• Right-back: Achraf Hakimi - Morocco’s relentless right flank force, leading all defenders in dribbles completed and creating 17 chances. He combined defensive duties with creativity and pace.
• Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi - Spain’s teenage star and Young Player of the Tournament, he played every minute and led the defense to seven clean sheets. Cubarsi topped passing stats among defenders and contributed eight chances created.
• Centre-back: Lisandro Martinez - Argentina’s aggressive and skillful defender, known for his crucial assist and goal against Cape Verde. Ranked highly for clearances and forward passes, an injury cut his final short but didn’t overshadow his strong performance overall.
• Left-back: Marc Cucurella - After impressing at Euro 2024, Cucurella kept up his form, especially containing France’s Ousmane Dembele in the semi-final. He also provided two assists and several big chances, balancing defense with attack.

Midfielders

• Rodri - Returning from injury, he commanded Spain’s midfield with unmatched passing volume (811 passes) and led in line-breaking and final-third passes. His work rate defensively was equally impressive, making him Player of the Tournament.
• Granit Xhaka - A surprising inclusion, the Swiss captain was steady throughout Switzerland’s six matches. He completed 430 of 470 passes and ranked eighth in final-third passes. His ability to win possession matched the best in the tournament.
• Jude Bellingham - England’s energetic midfielder bounced back from a tough club season, scoring seven goals including key braces in knockout rounds. His finishing efficiency and defensive contributions helped England reach deep into the tournament.

Forwards

• Lionel Messi - At 39, he delivered another memorable World Cup, scoring a hat-trick in the opener and becoming the tournament’s all-time top scorer briefly. Messi led with 25 chances created and was central to Argentina’s attacking play.
• Kylian Mbappe - The tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals, Mbappe also contributed four assists and created 18 chances. Though France fell short, his numbers confirmed his role as the era’s most dangerous attacker.
• Erling Haaland - Making his World Cup debut, Haaland scored seven goals in five games, boasting the highest goals-per-90 minutes ratio among players with significant time. He thrived inside the box and made history with a late brace against Brazil.

Honourable Mentions

• Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele impressed with seven and eight goal involvements respectively, though inconsistencies in later rounds affected their selection.
• Harry Kane’s six goals weren’t enough due to underwhelming performances in critical matches.
• Defensive exclusions like Pedro Porro and Aymeric Laporte might surprise fans.
• Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made 20 saves but narrowly missed out to Simon.