World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament: Messi, Rodri, Mbappe Lead the XI

The 2026 World Cup concluded with Spain edging Argentina 1-0 in New Jersey, earning their second global title. Despite a cautious approach from Argentina, Spain’s disciplined play and tactical control were key in shutting down the defending champions.

The tournament saw some off-field drama, including referees being sent home due to US immigration rules and Iran’s logistical challenges, plus controversial decisions like Folarin Balogun’s suspended red card in the US-Belgium round of 16. Still, the 48-team event delivered plenty of excitement on the pitch over six weeks.

Here’s our pick for the standout performers who made the 2026 World Cup memorable, forming the best XI of the competition.

Goalkeeper - Unai Simon

Unai Simon earned the Golden Glove after seven clean sheets. Protected by Spain’s strong defensive shape, he made only 10 saves in eight games but stayed alert, notably denying Lionel Messi in the final. Simon’s sharpness helped break the longest run without conceding in the tournament, making him the clear choice in goal.

Right-back - Achraf Hakimi

Achraf Hakimi was Morocco’s relentless force on the right flank. His pace and stamina allowed him to cover every blade of grass, leading all defenders in dribbles completed. With two assists and 17 chances created, he combined defense with creativity, providing a constant threat for the Atlas Lions.

Centre-back - Pau Cubarsi

Spain’s teenage defender Pau Cubarsi impressed throughout, winning the Young Player award. He played every minute, helped keep seven clean sheets, and limited France to 0.31 expected goals in the semifinal. Cubarsi led all defenders in passes attempted and completed, proving his confidence and composure in possession.

Centre-back - Lisandro Martinez

Lisandro Martinez was vital for Argentina, mixing aggression with smart defending. His highlight came against Cape Verde where he assisted Messi and scored himself, swinging the match. Martinez ranked among top defenders for clearances and forward passes, showing both defensive solidity and attacking intent despite an early injury in the final.

Left-back - Marc Cucurella

Marc Cucurella followed up his strong Euro 2024 form with another impressive tournament. His battle with Ousmane Dembele in the semi-final stood out, with three tackles and no big chances conceded. Offensively, Cucurella created three big chances and supplied two assists against Austria, proving valuable at both ends.

Central Midfielder - Rodri

Rodri returned from injury to anchor Spain’s midfield. Leading the tournament with 811 passes and topping line-breaking and final third passes, he combined control with grit, winning 49 duels. As Player of the Tournament, Rodri was the calm heart behind Spain’s title run.

Central Midfielder - Granit Xhaka

Granit Xhaka makes the team, edging out some high-profile attackers. The Swiss captain completed 430 of 470 passes and excelled in the final third with 130 completions. His creativity included many through balls, while defensively he recovered possession 44 times, matching France’s Upamecano.

Central Midfielder - Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham bounced back from a tough club season with a brilliant World Cup for England. Scoring seven goals, including knockout round braces, he finished as joint-third top scorer with just 3.06 expected goals. Bellingham’s energy off the ball helped England reach the latter stages.

Forward - Lionel Messi

Even at 39, Lionel Messi showed why he remains a football icon. After a hat-trick in the opener, he became the tournament’s all-time top scorer briefly, pulling Argentina back in tight matches. Messi led with 25 chances created and crucial assists deep into the knockout rounds, shining on the world stage once again.

Forward - Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe dominated with 10 goals to win the Golden Boot and 14 goal contributions, the highest ever in a single World Cup. Alongside his finishing, he added four assists and created 18 chances, proving himself the most dangerous attacker despite France missing out on the trophy.

Centre-forward - Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland made an immediate impact in his first World Cup, scoring seven goals in five games with the best goals-per-90 minutes ratio. Preferring to finish chances inside the box rather than drop back, his late brace against Brazil cemented his place in Norway’s history, even if they bowed out in the quarter-finals.

Honourable Mentions

• Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele impressed with seven and eight goal involvements respectively, though their performances dropped off in later stages.
• Harry Kane scored six goals but had uneven displays in key games.
• Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, and goalkeeper Gregor Kobel also narrowly missed out on inclusion despite notable tournaments.