Kenya Sport

FIFA World Cup 2026: Best XI of the Tournament

The 2026 FIFA World Cup wrapped up on July 20th with Spain defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time, securing their second title. The tournament featured some remarkable performances from established stars and surprising breakthroughs by newcomers.

Goalkeeper: Unai Simón | Spain

Unai Simón stood tall as Spain's goalkeeper, embodying the sweeper-keeper role flawlessly. He conceded just one goal throughout the tournament while orchestrating a defense that played a high line. Simón made 10 saves, held a 90.9% save percentage, and set a new World Cup record with seven clean sheets. His efforts earned him the Adidas Golden Glove award as Spain clinched the championship.

Defenders

  • Marc Cucurella | Spain: The former Chelsea full-back was relentless, combining defensive solidity with attacking support. He provided two assists, maintained a 92% pass accuracy, and played every minute of Spain's matches, proving vital to a backline that allowed only one goal.
  • Marc Guéhi | England: England's defense leaned heavily on Guéhi's consistency. Starting six of seven games, he achieved 97% passing accuracy, won 23 of 29 duels, and made 28 clearances. His performance helped England secure third place.
  • Pau Cubarsí | Spain: Just 19 years old, Cubarsí emerged as a defensive cornerstone. Partnering with Aymeric Laporte, he helped keep seven clean sheets. His 96% pass accuracy and 33 clearances contributed to Spain's triumph, and he earned the Young Player of the Tournament award.
  • Pedro Porro | Spain: Despite a tough club season, Porro excelled internationally. He scored twice, delivered the assist for the winning goal in the final, and maintained a 91% pass completion rate across six matches. His forward runs and defensive duties balanced perfectly on the right flank.

Midfielders

  • Rodri | Spain: Doubts surrounded Rodri after an injury-hit club season, but he controlled Spain's midfield with authority. His influence peaked during the semi-final and final, where he dictated tempo, shielded the defense, and stifled opponents. Rodri's outstanding play earned him the Golden Ball as Player of the Tournament.
  • Jude Bellingham | England: Bellingham shone as England's star, netting seven goals and assisting once over eight games. His two braces in knockout matches propelled England to third place. He became the highest scoring Englishman in a single World Cup, surpassing Harry Kane’s 2018 record.
  • Michael Olise | France: Olise started as a winger but shifted into a playmaker role, unlocking Kylian Mbappé’s potential. His seven assists broke Pelé's single-tournament World Cup record. Though he did not score, Olise was crucial in France reaching the semi-finals.

Forwards

  • Erling Haaland | Norway: Making his World Cup debut, Haaland scored seven goals in five games and led Norway to the quarter-finals. His standout moment came with a brace against Brazil in the Round of 16, knocking out one of the tournament favorites.
  • Kylian Mbappé | France: Mbappé matched his last World Cup performance by winning the Golden Boot with 10 goals in seven matches. Becoming the all-time top scorer at World Cups with 22 goals, he carried France deep into the tournament, including scoring twice in the thrilling third-place playoff.
  • Lionel Messi | Argentina: At 39, Messi defied expectations, scoring eight goals and assisting four in seven games. He was the driving force behind Argentina’s run to the final, delivering critical goals and assists in key moments. This likely marked his final World Cup appearance, leaving fans with lasting memories of his brilliance.

Related Articles