FIFA Unveils Best XI of the 2026 World Cup After Spain’s Historic Triumph
FIFA has officially unveiled its Team of the Tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, rewarding the players who delivered outstanding performances throughout the competition hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Best XI features a blend of experienced superstars and emerging talents who impressed fans with their consistency, leadership and decisive contributions as Spain lifted the World Cup trophy after defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final. The selection is dominated by players from Spain, the tournament winners, while finalists Argentina, semi-finalists France and England, as well as surprise package Cape Verde and Norway, are also represented.
According to FIFA’s announcement, the Team of the Tournament is made up of the following players:
Goalkeeper
- Vozinha (Cape Verde)
Defenders
- Pedro Porro (Spain)
- Lisandro Martínez (Argentina)
- Dayot Upamecano (France)
- Marc Cucurella (Spain)
Midfielders
- Rodri (Spain)
- Michael Olise (France)
- Jude Bellingham (England)
Forwards
- Lionel Messi (Argentina)
- Erling Haaland (Norway)
- Kylian Mbappé (France)
The announcement came shortly after FIFA concluded the tournament by presenting its individual awards. Spain midfielder Rodri was named the winner of the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player after orchestrating his country’s march to the title with commanding displays in midfield. France captain Kylian Mbappé claimed the Golden Boot after finishing as the tournament’s leading scorer with 10 goals, while Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón received the Golden Glove award for his outstanding performances between the posts. Young Spanish defender Pau Cubarsí was honoured with the Best Young Player award after an impressive breakthrough campaign.
One of the biggest talking points surrounding the Best XI was the inclusion of Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha. Despite not winning the Golden Glove, the veteran shot-stopper earned widespread admiration for his heroic displays, making a series of remarkable saves that helped Cape Verde enjoy their best-ever World Cup campaign. His performances earned him the highest number of votes in FIFA’s fan-selected Dream Team.
Lionel Messi also secured a place in the attacking trio after another memorable World Cup campaign with Argentina. The veteran forward inspired his side to a second consecutive World Cup final, producing crucial goals and assists despite Argentina narrowly missing out on retaining the title against Spain. Mbappé and Haaland completed a formidable front three after both enjoyed prolific tournaments, with Haaland guiding Norway to a historic quarter-final appearance.
Spain’s dominance is reflected in the selection of Pedro Porro, Marc Cucurella and Rodri, all of whom played pivotal roles in helping La Roja secure their second FIFA World Cup title. France also had three representatives in the Best XI through Upamecano, Olise and Mbappé, highlighting the strength of Didier Deschamps’ side despite finishing third.
The release of the Team of the Tournament has generated widespread debate among football fans, with many praising the balance of experience and youth in the selection while others questioned the omission of several standout performers. Nevertheless, FIFA’s Best XI serves as recognition of the players who left the biggest mark on one of the most exciting World Cup tournaments in history.
With the curtain now drawn on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Best XI stands as a celebration of excellence, rewarding the footballers whose performances captivated supporters around the world and helped define an unforgettable tournament.
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