With the 2026 World Cup complete, the world cup 2026 best xi picks itself in some positions and sparks furious debate in others. Here is our team of the tournament, chosen for sustained excellence across the full eight-match schedule rather than single-game heroics.
The Best XI (4-3-3)
| Position | Player | Country | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Unai Simon | Spain | 7 clean sheets, 1 goal conceded in 8 matches |
| RB | Pedro Porro | Spain | Goal in semifinal, defensive solidity |
| CB | Pau Cubarsi | Spain | Young Player Award, every minute played |
| CB | William Saliba | France | Best defender in France’s run to the semis |
| LB | Marc Cucurella | Spain | Neutralized Mbappe in the semifinal |
| CM | Rodri | Spain | Golden Ball winner, controlled every match |
| CM | Enzo Fernandez | Argentina | 85′ equalizer vs England, midfield engine (despite red in final) |
| CM | Jude Bellingham | England | 7 goals, including the 90+7′ sealer vs France |
| RW | Kylian Mbappe | France | Golden Boot, 10 goals, 22 career WC goals |
| ST | Lionel Messi | Argentina | 8 goals, 4 assists, 21 career goals |
| LW | Lamine Yamal | Spain | Tournament’s most exciting player at 18 |
The Debate Positions
Goalkeeper, the Spanish back line, and Rodri pick themselves. The attacking trio of Mbappe, Messi, and Yamal is hard to argue against given their combined 20 goals and double-digit assists. Bellingham’s seven goals from midfield earn him a spot over more traditional choices. The toughest omission is Bukayo Saka, whose hat-trick in the third-place match and six tournament goals make a strong case, and Harry Kane, whose six goals and consistent movement between the lines were central to England’s run to the bronze. Michael Olise’s record seven assists also deserve mention.
For the official individual awards, see our complete awards guide. For every result that shaped these selections, see our bracket tracker. All stats at FIFA.
