Kylian Mbappe, Rodri and GOAL's Best XI from the 2026 World Cup
After five weeks filled with intense action, the 2026 World Cup has wrapped up. With 104 matches played and 308 goals scored across three host nations in North America, the competition was truly vast. Out of 48 teams, only Spain and Argentina reached the final.
The final itself leaned more on Argentina's physical style than flashy moments, but it was Spain who lifted the trophy, thanks to Ferran Torres’ decisive extra-time goal. This marked Spain’s second World Cup title, leaving Lionel Messi and his team heartbroken.
The Golden Boot race was fiercely contested by Messi, France’s Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, Norway’s Erling Haaland, and England’s Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. In the end, Mbappe clinched the award, becoming the all-time top scorer in World Cup history at just 27 years old.
Mbappe’s inclusion in GOAL’s team of the tournament comes as no surprise. Here is the full lineup of players who stood out the most during the 2026 World Cup.
Goalkeeper
Vozinha (Cape Verde), aged 40, became a standout figure for Cape Verde’s unexpected journey into the knockout stages. Despite not winning any group games, his seven saves against eventual champions Argentina and eight more in their knockout match kept his team competitive. Vozinha’s efforts earned him cult status and even a sea creature named in his honor.
Defenders
- Pedro Porro (Spain, Right Back) came off the bench to become a key player. After replacing Marcos Llorente in the round of 32, Porro impressed with his defense and attacking contributions, scoring and assisting in multiple crucial matches en route to the final.
- Pau Cubarsi (Spain, Centre Back), only 19, anchored Spain’s defense with maturity beyond his years. His composure and ability to shut down stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Mbappe, and Messi were vital to Spain conceding just one goal throughout the tournament.
- Lisandro Martinez (Argentina, Centre Back) showed grit and skill for the defending champions. Known for his ball-playing prowess and tactical awareness, Martinez was critical in tight matches and provided a memorable assist and goal during Argentina’s win over Cape Verde.
- Marc Cucurella (Spain, Left Back) was a defensive rock, never dribbled past in the matches leading to the final. He combined defensive solidity with offensive support, delivering assists and key crosses that helped Spain’s attack flourish.
Midfielders
- Rodri (Spain, Defensive Midfield) peaked at the perfect moment, controlling games from the base of midfield. His passing accuracy, duel success, and ability to break lines were unmatched, culminating in a Golden Ball win as the tournament’s best player.
- Jude Bellingham (England, Central Midfield) was England’s driving force, scoring seven goals—a record for an English player in a single World Cup. His energy and knack for arriving in scoring positions made him indispensable to the Three Lions’ campaign.
- Michael Olise (France, Attacking Midfield) thrived once moved to the No.10 role, dazzling with creativity and footwork. His two assists in the last-32 match against Sweden highlighted his influence and helped him set a new record with seven assists overall in the tournament.
Forwards
- Lionel Messi (Argentina, Right Wing) defied age and doubts by delivering a commanding performance throughout the tournament. His six goals in the group stage and clutch assists in the knockout rounds confirmed his status among football’s all-time greats, even if he couldn’t secure the trophy this time.
- Erling Haaland (Norway, Striker) burst onto the World Cup scene with remarkable poise, scoring vital goals and leading Norway to historic wins, including a stunning upset over Brazil. His impact was undeniable, making Norway a team to remember.
- Kylian Mbappe (France, Left Wing) was electric in every game except the semi-final. His multiple braces, assists, and consistent scoring crowned him the tournament’s top scorer and winner of the Golden Boot, setting himself up to cement his legacy in future World Cups.
