Kylian Mbappe and Rodri Headline GOAL's 2026 World Cup Best XI

The 2026 World Cup wrapped up after 104 games and a whopping 308 goals across three host nations in North America. From a football perspective, it delivered excitement and drama as 48 teams competed fiercely. When only two remained, the final showdown was between Spain and Argentina.

Spain clinched their second World Cup title thanks to Ferran Torres’ decisive extra-time goal, overcoming Argentina’s physical style of play and leaving Lionel Messi and his team crushed. The tournament also featured an intense Golden Boot race involving stars like Messi, France’s Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, Norway’s Erling Haaland, and England’s Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. Ultimately, Mbappe triumphed, becoming the all-time top scorer in World Cup history at just 27.

Mbappe’s place in GOAL’s team of the tournament was expected, but several other players made the cut as well.

Goalkeeper: Vozinha (Cape Verde)

At 40 years old, Vozinha was Cape Verde’s standout player. Although his team didn’t win a match, he kept them alive with crucial saves, including seven against eventual champions Argentina in the group stage and eight more in the knockout round. His heroics helped his side reach the round of 32, a remarkable achievement for the minnows. Vozinha’s legacy is now cemented in World Cup lore, even inspiring a sea creature named in his honor.

Right Back: Pedro Porro (Spain)

Porro was not Spain’s starting right back before the tournament but quickly seized his chance after replacing Marcos Llorente. He impressed defensively and offensively, scoring important goals against Austria and in the semi-final versus France. Porro’s crosses assisted key goals, including one in the final, proving invaluable in Spain’s title run.

Center Back: Pau Cubarsi (Spain)

Just 19 years old, Cubarsi was a rock in defense, helping Spain concede only once all tournament. He earned the Young Player Award for his mature performances, shutting down world-class forwards like Ronaldo, Mbappe, and Messi. His composure and passing from the back were essential to Spain’s success.

Center Back: Lisandro Martinez (Argentina)

Martinez stood out for Argentina with his ball-playing skills and gritty defending. Despite some shaky moments for the team overall, his assist and extra-time goal against Cape Verde showed his impact. Injury cut his final short, which was unfortunate for the Manchester United defender.

Left Back: Marc Cucurella (Spain)

Cucurella proved his quality on the left flank, combining defensive solidity with attacking support. He wasn’t beaten one-on-one in five matches leading to the final and kept stars like Dembele quiet. He also created chances with assists and precise crosses, playing a huge part in Spain’s championship.

Defensive Midfield: Rodri (Spain)

Rodri found peak form at just the right time, controlling Spain’s midfield with hundreds of accurate passes and breaking up attacks. His passing records at the World Cup are staggering, and he earned the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. His calm influence underpinned Spain’s rhythm and dominance.

Central Midfield: Jude Bellingham (England)

Bellingham carried England forward, scoring 35% of their goals and becoming the nation’s top scorer in a single World Cup with seven goals. His decisive performances, including two goals against Mexico and crucial strikes versus Croatia and Norway, proved he thrives on big stages. He answered critics by cementing his role as an indispensable starter.

Attacking Midfield: Michael Olise (France)

Olise blossomed after a tactical switch placed him as France’s No. 10. His flair and creativity dazzled, highlighted by two assists against Sweden in the last 32. Finishing with seven assists, he set a new record for most assists in a single World Cup, showcasing his unique ability to unlock defenses.

Right Wing: Lionel Messi (Argentina)

At 39, Messi defied doubts about his participation, delivering masterful performances that reminded many why he’s considered the greatest. He scored six goals in the group stage and provided vital assists in the knockouts, driving Argentina to the final. Though the title slipped away, Messi’s influence was immense throughout.

Striker: Erling Haaland (Norway)

Haaland made a huge impact in his first major international tournament, scoring multiple goals and leading Norway to historic victories, including a stunning upset over Brazil. His poise and clinical finishing marked him as one of the tournament’s top forwards. Hopefully, Norway won’t wait decades to showcase him again on this stage.

Left Wing: Kylian Mbappe (France)

Mbappe was the star of the show despite France falling short in the semi-finals. He set a new World Cup scoring record with multiple braces and key assists. While some might view his Golden Boot win in the third-place match as less glamorous, his record-breaking achievement at just 27 signals he will dominate future tournaments.