Mbappe, Rodri and GOAL's Best XI from the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup wrapped up after five intense weeks, featuring 104 matches and 308 goals. Hosted across three North American countries with 48 teams, it was the largest edition yet. When the dust settled, Spain and Argentina were left standing as the two top-ranked nations.

The final was marked more by Argentina's physical style than moments of flair or goals. In extra time, Ferran Torres secured Spain's second World Cup title, leaving Lionel Messi and his teammates disappointed.

The tournament also boasted a fierce Golden Boot contest between Lionel Messi, France’s Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, Norway’s Erling Haaland, and England’s Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. Ultimately, Mbappe came out on top, becoming the all-time highest World Cup goal scorer at just 27 years old.

GOAL's Team of the Tournament

Mbappe was an obvious pick, but who else made the cut in GOAL's best XI?

Goalkeeper: Vozinha (Cape Verde)

The 40-year-old goalkeeper emerged as a standout for underdogs Cape Verde. Despite the team not winning a match, Vozinha was crucial in earning three group-stage draws against giants like Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. His seven saves against eventual champions Spain and eight more versus Argentina in the knockouts highlighted his importance. Vozinha has now become a cult hero, even inspiring the name of a new sea creature.

Right Back: Pedro Porro (Spain)

Porro wasn’t Spain’s starting right-back before the tournament but seized his chance when replacing Marcos Llorente in the round of 32. His defensive work shut down Austria’s left flank, while he also scored to help build a two-goal lead. He continued impressing through subsequent rounds, scoring again in the semifinal to put Spain ahead against France and assisting in the final.

Center Back: Pau Cubarsi (Spain)

At only 19, Cubarsi was a defensive rock for Spain, helping them concede just one goal throughout the tournament. His performance in the semi-final, neutralizing stars like Mbappe, proved his quality. Known for his composure and precise passing, Cubarsi played a key role in Spain's title run and earned the Young Player Award.

Center Back: Lisandro Martinez (Argentina)

Martinez embodied Argentina’s fighting spirit despite their shaky defense overall. The Manchester United defender impressed with his ball skills and defensive prowess, also providing a vital assist and scoring an extra-time winner against Cape Verde. Unfortunately, injury cut his final short.

Left Back: Marc Cucurella (Spain)

Cucurella confirmed his status among the world’s best left-backs during the World Cup. Never beaten in one-on-one duels through five matches, he kept threats like Dembele and Michael Olise quiet. Offensively, he assisted against Saudi Arabia and set up two goals in the round of 32, showing his value on both ends.

Defensive Midfielder: Rodri (Spain)

Rodri hit top form at just the right moment, controlling the midfield with precise passing and tactical intelligence. The Manchester City star led the tournament in passes completed and final-third passes. His ability to break up attacks and dictate tempo earned him the Golden Ball as player of the tournament.

Central Midfielder: Jude Bellingham (England)

Bellingham was England’s driving force, scoring seven goals—a national record for a single World Cup. His knack for arriving in the box at critical moments, including a memorable brace against Mexico, cemented his role. He proved essential for England under coach Thomas Tuchel, silencing critics and shining on the biggest stage.

Attacking Midfielder: Michael Olise (France)

Olise found his ideal position after a tactical switch by Didier Deschamps, moving into a No.10 role. His creative flair was on full display, particularly against Sweden where he provided two stunning assists. Finishing with seven assists, Olise set a new World Cup record and dazzled with his skill and vision.

Right Winger: Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Messi defied doubts about his participation and age, dominating the tournament at 39. Free to roam, he delivered six group-stage goals and critical assists in the knockout rounds. His brilliance carried Argentina to the final, reinforcing his claim as the greatest ever, though the final did not go his way.

Striker: Erling Haaland (Norway)

Haaland announced himself on the world stage with a commanding display, scoring twice in each of Norway’s first two games and netting a late winner in the round of 32. His second-half brace against Brazil in the round of 16 was the tournament’s biggest upset and a historic moment for Norwegian football.

Left Winger: Kylian Mbappe (France)

Mbappe’s individual exploits included braces against Senegal, Iraq, and Sweden, plus key goals and assists through the knockout rounds. Though France fell in the semifinals, Mbappe became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer and took home the Golden Boot. At 27, with Messi stepping aside, Mbappe looks set to extend his legacy in future tournaments.