FIFA has announced its Team of the Tournament for the recently completed 2026 World Cup, which took place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Spain claimed the championship for the second time in their history, defeating Argentina 1-0 in a thrilling final that went to extra time at MetLife Stadium in New York.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament:
The Best XI includes three players from Spain, three from France, two from Argentina, and one each from England, Norway, and World Cup newcomers Cape Verde.
Spain’s representatives are right-back Pedro Porro, left-back Marc Cucurella, and midfielder Rodri, who also received the Golden Ball as the tournament’s top player.
In addition to Rodri, FIFA’s choices have sparked some debate. Despite being key to the strongest defense in the tournament, Spain’s standout center-backs Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte were omitted from the lineup. Goalkeeper Unai Simon, who secured the Golden Glove after achieving seven clean sheets and allowing only one goal, was another surprising exclusion.
Instead, FIFA selected Dayot Upamecano from France and Lisandro Martinez from Argentina to fill the central defense roles. The choice of goalkeeper also raised eyebrows; instead of Simon, FIFA named Vozinha, a veteran from Cape Verde, who gained recognition for his impressive performances during his team’s historic journey to the Round of 32.
Overall, aside from these selections, there were minimal surprises in the final team lineup.
Player Focus
The tournament’s standout players, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, lead the attacking lineup. Mbappe secured the Golden Boot with an impressive tally of 10 goals and four assists, while Messi played a pivotal role in guiding Argentina to their second consecutive World Cup final, contributing eight goals and four assists.
Joining them in the front three is Norway’s Erling Haaland, who netted seven goals and helped his team achieve a historic knockout stage appearance, highlighted by a remarkable Round of 32 victory over Brazil.
Goalkeeper: Vozinha (Cape Verde)
Defenders: Pedro Porro (Spain), Dayot Upamecano (France), Lisandro Martinez (Argentina), Marc Cucurella (Spain)
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Argentina), Kylian Mbappe (France), Erling Haaland (Norway)
Team Analysis
Cubarsi, who received the Best Young Player award, showcased his skills by completing 668 passes in the tournament, placing him just behind Rodri. Meanwhile, Laporte contributed significantly with 618 passes. Together, they established one of the most solid defensive partnerships in the competition, guiding the Spain team that allowed the fewest goals overall.
Joining Rodri in midfield are France’s Michael Olise and England’s Jude Bellingham.
