World Cup 2026 Best XI: Messi, Rodri, Mbappe Lead the Squad

Spain clinched their second World Cup title with a narrow 1-0 win over Argentina in New Jersey, ending the 2026 tournament on a quiet note. Despite a cautious approach from Argentina, Spain’s disciplined defense and control out of possession made them deserving champions.

The tournament, marked by some off-field issues such as referee controversies and logistical challenges for Iran, delivered plenty of excitement on the pitch across its expanded 48-team format. Several players impressed consistently, earning their place in this selection of the tournament’s best eleven.

Goalkeeper - Unai Simon

Unai Simon’s performances earned him the Golden Glove and a spot in the team. Protected by Spain’s solid defensive system, he managed seven clean sheets and made only ten saves in eight games. His alertness was crucial in moments like the final when he denied Lionel Messi a clear chance.

Right-back - Achraf Hakimi

Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi powered down the right flank with speed and energy. Leading all defenders in dribbles completed and creating 17 chances, his two assists highlighted his offensive threat. Hakimi balanced attack and defense effectively, serving as Morocco’s key outlet.

Centre-back - Pau Cubarsi

Spain’s teenage sensation Pau Cubarsi was impressive throughout, earning the Young Player of the Tournament award. Playing every minute, he helped Spain keep a record seven clean sheets and showed composure in possession, leading in passes attempted and completed among defenders. He also created eight chances, proving valuable going forward.

Centre-back - Lisandro Martinez

Lisandro Martinez stood out for Argentina, combining aggression with skill. His pivotal performance against Cape Verde saw him assist Messi and score himself. Martinez ranked high in clearances and forward passes, showing defensive solidity and ability to advance play. An injury in the final cut his involvement short but did not diminish his impact.

Left-back - Marc Cucurella

Following a strong Euro 2024, Marc Cucurella impressed again at this World Cup. Defensively solid, especially against France’s Dembele in the semi-final, he also provided three big chances and two assists versus Austria. His dual threat made him one of Spain’s standout full-backs.

Central Midfielder - Rodri

Rodri returned from an ACL injury to anchor Spain’s midfield masterfully. Leading the tournament with 811 passes, including line-breaking and final third passes, he combined precise distribution with defensive grit, winning 49 duels. Named Player of the Tournament, Rodri was the calm force behind Spain’s success.

Central Midfielder - Granit Xhaka

Granit Xhaka earned a spot amid tough choices, edging out rising star Johan Manzambi. The Swiss captain completed 430 of 470 passes and ranked eighth in passes into the final third. His 44 ball recoveries matched the top defensive efforts in the tournament. Xhaka’s steady performance helped Switzerland’s run.

Central Midfielder - Jude Bellingham

England’s Jude Bellingham bounced back from a tough club season with a brilliant World Cup showing. Scoring seven goals, including key braces in knockout rounds, he finished joint-third top scorer. His finishing was efficient relative to expected goals, while defensively he won 50 duels, helping England reach the later stages.

Forward - Lionel Messi

Even at 39, Lionel Messi delivered a memorable World Cup. Avoiding an early red card, he scored a hat-trick against Algeria and became the tournament’s all-time top scorer temporarily. Messi created 25 chances—the highest—and assisted decisively in knockout matches. His influence kept Argentina competitive until the end.

Forward - Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe confirmed his status as the era’s leading star, netting 10 goals to win the Golden Boot. With 14 goal involvements—the most ever recorded at a single World Cup—he combined lethal finishing with creativity, providing four assists and generating 18 open-play chances. Although France missed the trophy, Mbappe’s impact was undeniable.

Centre-forward - Erling Haaland

Making his World Cup debut, Norway’s Erling Haaland impressed with seven goals in five matches, boasting the best goals-per-90 minutes among players with significant time. Known for his direct play inside the box, Haaland’s late brace against Brazil etched his name in Norway’s history, even though the quarter-finals ended their journey.

Honourable Mentions

• Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele both had strong tournaments, contributing seven and eight goal involvements respectively. Dembele led the competition with seven assists but a large portion came against Norway’s B team.
• Harry Kane scored six goals but inconsistent performances ruled him out of this lineup.
• Defensive omissions include Pedro Porro and Aymeric Laporte, while Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel narrowly missed out despite 20 saves.