World Cup 2026 Best XI: SN's All-Star Team from Haaland to Messi
Spain secured the 2026 FIFA World Cup title, but this summer’s tournament belonged to the standout performers who lit up the stage. The event’s star power energized fans globally, sparking conversations about soccer that reached beyond traditional audiences.
Not all the brightest lights were the usual superstars; some lesser-known talents seized their moment brilliantly. Here’s Sporting News’ pick for the best eleven players from the 2026 tournament, arranged in a 4-2-3-1 formation from right to left:
GK: Emi Martinez (Argentina) — RB: Pedro Porro (Spain) — CBs: Pau Cubarsi (Spain), Cristian Romero (Argentina) — LB: Marc Cucurella (Spain) — CMs: Rodri (Spain), Jude Bellingham (England) — RW: Lionel Messi (Argentina) — AM: Michael Olise (France) — LW: Kylian Mbappe (France) — ST: Erling Haaland (Norway)
Goalkeeper: Emi Martinez (Argentina)
The choice of Unai Simon for Golden Glove raised eyebrows, considering Emi Martinez’s remarkable performances, especially his record 11 saves in the final alone. Across the tournament, Martinez made 20 saves—second only to Orlando Gill—and did so while battling a broken finger. His commanding presence was unmatched.
Honorable mentions: Vozinha (Cape Verde), Eloy Room (Curacao)
Right-back: Pedro Porro (Spain)
No full-back outshone Porro at this World Cup. Ranked fifth highest by FotMob, he was pivotal on Spain’s right flank, combining possession dominance with defensive strength. Winning over five duels per match and commanding aerial battles with a 64% success rate, all without a single booking, underscored his importance to Spain’s defensive resilience.
Honorable mention: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
Center-backs: Pau Cubarsi (Spain) and Cristian Romero (Argentina)
Pau Cubarsi, the tournament’s Young Player award winner, emerged as one of the world’s top defenders. At just 19, he completed the second-most passes behind Rodri, setting a mark rarely seen in World Cups. His defensive skills enabled Spain to maintain a high line effectively.
Cristian Romero was Argentina’s rock, winning 63% of ground duels and 72% in the air. His timely tackles and crucial goals helped drive Argentina’s comebacks against Egypt and Cape Verde.
Honorable mentions: Aymeric Laporte (Spain), John Stones (England), Dayot Upamecano (France)
Left-back: Marc Cucurella (Spain)
Cucurella impressed both defensively and offensively, assisting two goals and creating three big chances, ranking him among the tournament’s top defenders in chance creation. He played a key role within Spain’s methodical system, setting the stage for future success at Real Madrid.
Honorable mentions: Djed Spence (England), Nuno Mendes (Portugal)
Central Midfielders: Rodri (Spain) and Jude Bellingham (England)
Rodri’s passing numbers were historic; he completed more passes than any player in World Cup history. More than just numbers, he was the central command for Spain, controlling tempo, defense, and attack alike, bouncing back strongly from an ACL injury.
Jude Bellingham was England’s dynamo, finishing with seven goals and leading in dribbles among central midfielders. His physicality and skill made him a constant threat.
Honorable mentions: Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco), Declan Rice (England), Dani Olmo (Spain), Bruno Guimaraes (Brazil), Youri Tielemans (Belgium)
Right Wing: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
At 39, Messi dazzled throughout most of the tournament, scoring eight goals and creating 26 chances—eight more than any other player. He led in expected assists with 4.15 xA and completed the most dribbles. His final performance fell short, but his overall display was monumental, reinforcing his status as arguably the greatest ever.
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 passing put him among the elite playmakers of the tournament, shining brightly alongside stars like Mbappe and Dembele.
Honorable mentions: Martin Odegaard (Norway), Johan Manzambi (Switzerland)
Left Wing: Kylian Mbappe (France)
Mbappe carried France through many tough moments, netting 10 goals to claim the Golden Boot. He became the first player to win multiple World Cup top scorer awards. Though France didn’t lift the trophy, Mbappe’s brilliance was undeniable.
Honorable mentions: Vinicius Jr (Brazil), Leandro Trossard (Belgium), Luis Diaz (Colombia)
Striker: Erling Haaland (Norway)
Haaland’s impact was felt even when he seemed quiet. In just five matches, he scored seven goals, ranking joint-third among tournament scorers, despite Norway not reaching the semifinals. His ability to change games instantly made him the top striker of the event.
Honorable mentions: Harry Kane (England), Julian Quinones (Mexico), Ismael Saibari (Morocco)
