World Cup 2026 Best XI: Sporting News Picks Star-Studded Lineup From Haaland to Messi
Spain may have lifted the trophy at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the tournament was also defined by the remarkable performances of standout players from around the globe. The presence of these stars energized fans everywhere, sparking lively discussions even among casual observers of soccer.
Not all the brightest performers were household names before the event. Sporting News has assembled an all-star starting lineup featuring the best player in each position from this year's competition.
Goalkeeper: Emi Martinez (Argentina)
Despite Unai Simon winning the Golden Glove, Emi Martinez was the superior goalkeeper. Martinez made 11 saves in the final alone, surpassing Simon's total for the entire tournament. His overall 20 saves ranked second highest, accomplished despite playing with a broken finger. A truly monumental effort between the posts.
Honorable mentions: Vozinha (Cape Verde), Eloy Room (Curacao)
Right-back: Pedro Porro (Spain)
Porro stood out as the tournament’s best full-back, combining attacking flair with defensive solidity. Ranked fifth overall by FotMob, he influenced Spain’s possession and won more than five duels per game. Remarkably, he maintained discipline without receiving any bookings.
Honorable mention: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
Center-backs: Pau Cubarsi (Spain), Cristian Romero (Argentina)
Cubarsi, FIFA's Young Player of the Tournament at just 19, impressed with his composure and passing ability, completing the second-most passes of any player in the tournament’s history. Defensively sound, he helped Spain execute a high defensive line.
Romero excelled for Argentina, winning a majority of ground and aerial duels. He also delivered key goals in crucial comeback moments against Egypt and Cape Verde.
Honorable mentions: Aymeric Laporte (Spain), John Stones (England), Dayot Upamecano (France)
Left-back: Marc Cucurella (Spain)
Cucurella was vital in both defense and attack. Though his chance creation numbers were modest, the opportunities he did generate proved decisive. His two assists tied for the most by any defender at the World Cup.
Honorable mentions: Djed Spence (England), Nuno Mendes (Portugal)
Central Midfield: Rodri (Spain), Jude Bellingham (England)
Rodri deservedly took home the Golden Ball, setting records for passing volume while dictating Spain’s tempo. His leadership on the pitch was pivotal to his team’s success.
Bellingham shined for England, scoring seven goals and leading in dribbles completed among central midfielders. His dynamic playmaking and resilience shaped many of England's key moments.
Honorable mentions: Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco), Declan Rice (England), Dani Olmo (Spain), Bruno Guimaraes (Brazil), Youri Tielemans (Belgium)
Right Wing: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Messi dazzled throughout the tournament, scoring eight goals and creating the most chances by a wide margin. At 39, he demonstrated why many consider him the greatest player ever, even though Argentina fell short in the final.
Honorable mentions: Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast), Ousmane Dembele (France)
Attacking Midfield: Michael Olise (France)
Olise orchestrated France’s potent attack, setting a World Cup record with seven assists. His vision and precise passing made him one of the tournament’s brightest attacking talents.
Honorable mentions: Martin Odegaard (Norway), Johan Manzambi (Switzerland)
Left Wing: Kylian Mbappe (France)
Mbappe emerged as the tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals, becoming the first player to win multiple World Cup Golden Boots. Despite not winning the trophy, his individual brilliance was undeniable.
Honorable mentions: Vinicius Jr (Brazil), Leandro Trossard (Belgium), Luis Diaz (Colombia)
Striker: Erling Haaland (Norway)
Haaland’s impact was felt even if Norway didn’t advance far. Scoring seven goals in just five matches, he carried his team further than ever before. His knack for decisive moments makes him the tournament’s top striker.
Honorable mentions: Harry Kane (England), Julian Quinones (Mexico), Ismael Saibari (Morocco)
