Kylian Mbappe and Rodri Lead GOAL's Best XI from the 2026 World Cup

After five weeks, 104 matches, and 308 goals, the 2026 World Cup came to a close. The tournament, hosted across three North American countries, featured 48 teams battling it out. In the end, only Spain and Argentina—the top two ranked nations—remained. Spain triumphed with an extra-time goal by Ferran Torres, handing them their second World Cup title and leaving Lionel Messi and his team disappointed.

This World Cup offered an intense Golden Boot competition involving Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Jude Bellingham. Ultimately, Mbappe claimed the award and became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history at just 27 years old.

Goalkeeper: Vozinha (Cape Verde)

At 40, Vozinha was Cape Verde's standout player during their surprising run to the knockout stage despite not winning a group match. His seven saves against Spain and eight against Argentina showed his incredible skill. Vozinha’s performances earned him cult status and even inspired the naming of a new sea creature species.

Right Back: Pedro Porro (Spain)

Pedro Porro seized his chance when called up mid-tournament, replacing Marcos Llorente. He helped silence Austria’s attack and scored a goal to give Spain a lead. Porro continued to shine in subsequent rounds, scoring again in the semifinals and assisting in the final, proving crucial to Spain’s success.

Center Back: Pau Cubarsi (Spain)

The 19-year-old Pau Cubarsi emerged as Spain’s defensive rock. His composure and passing helped Spain concede just one goal throughout the tournament. He effectively contained top forwards like Ronaldo, Mbappe, and Messi, especially neutralizing Mbappe in the semifinal.

Center Back: Lisandro Martinez (Argentina)

Lisandro Martinez exemplified Argentina’s gritty spirit. Despite their defensive struggles, the Manchester United defender’s skill shone through, including an assist for Messi and a key extra-time goal against Cape Verde. His influence waned in the final due to injury.

Left Back: Marc Cucurella (Spain)

Marc Cucurella, recently signed by Real Madrid, stood firm on Spain’s left side. He wasn’t dribbled past once in five matches and kept dangerous attackers like Dembele and Michael Olise quiet. Offensively, he contributed assists and key crosses that led to goals.

Defensive Midfielder: Rodri (Spain)

The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, Rodri, controlled Spain’s midfield with precision. His passing records and defensive stats were unmatched, setting the tempo and disrupting opponents. His dominant performances earned him the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.

Central Midfielder: Jude Bellingham (England)

Jude Bellingham was England’s driving force. He scored seven goals, the most by any English player in a single World Cup, including critical goals in knockout stages. Bellingham’s energy and clutch performances silenced doubters about his role under manager Thomas Tuchel.

Attacking Midfielder: Michael Olise (France)

Michael Olise impressed after a tactical switch put him in a No.10 role. His creativity and flair dazzled, especially in the round of 32 against Sweden, where he assisted twice. Olise finished with a record seven assists in a single World Cup.

Right Winger: Lionel Messi (Argentina)

At 39, Lionel Messi defied expectations with a stellar tournament. He scored six goals in the group stage, including a hat-trick versus Algeria, and delivered crucial assists during knockouts. Though Argentina fell short in the final, Messi reinforced his legacy as one of football’s greatest.

Striker: Erling Haaland (Norway)

Erling Haaland dominated Norway’s campaign with multiple goals early on and pivotal strikes against Ivory Coast and Brazil. His performance established him as a world-class talent on the biggest stage.

Left Winger: Kylian Mbappe (France)

Kylian Mbappe had a spectacular tournament, becoming the highest scorer in World Cup history. He scored braces against Senegal, Iraq, and Sweden, and contributed assists in key matches. Despite France’s semifinal exit to Spain, Mbappe’s individual brilliance stood out.