World Cup 2026 Best XI: SN's All-Star Lineup Featuring Haaland and Messi
Spain may have lifted the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy, but this summer's tournament was truly about the array of standout players who made their mark. The event brought a vibrant energy to fans globally, sparking conversations even among casual soccer followers across North America and beyond.
Not all top performances came from the most famous names. Here's The Sporting News' pick for the best eleven players of the tournament, one per position, forming an all-star starting lineup that captured the spirit of the competition.
Goalkeeper: Emi Martinez (Argentina)
Though Unai Simon took home the Golden Glove, the choice seems questionable. Emi Martinez set a record with 11 saves in the final alone, surpassing Simon’s total of 10 saves over the entire knockout phase. Simon’s distribution was poor, hitting just 17 of 64 long passes in five knockout games, a mere 26.6% success rate.
Martinez was undeniably the top goalkeeper overall, recording 20 saves — second only to Orlando Gill of Paraguay — all while battling a broken finger sustained late in the club season. His performance was monumental.
Honorable mentions: Vozinha (Cape Verde), Eloy Room (Curacao)
Right-back: Pedro Porro (Spain)
No full-back impressed more than Pedro Porro, who played a pivotal role for Spain, ranking as the fifth-highest-rated player at the World Cup according to FotMob. He controlled possession on the right flank and excelled defensively, winning over five duels per game and winning 64% of his aerial battles. Remarkably, he avoided bookings, aiding Spain’s historic defensive record.
Honorable mention: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
Center-backs: Pau Cubarsi (Spain), Cristian Romero (Argentina)
At just 19, Pau Cubarsi was a revelation, earning FIFA’s Young Player of the Tournament. He completed the second-most passes at the World Cup, trailing only Rodri, which also ranks second in World Cup history. Defensively, Cubarsi won nearly 60% of ground duels and helped Spain maintain a high line with smart tracking back.
Cristian Romero anchored Argentina’s defense with brilliance, winning 63% of ground duels and 72% in the air. His timely tackling and composure, including a notable clearance against England, stood out. Romero scored two key goals that sparked major comebacks.
Honorable mentions: Aymeric Laporte (Spain), John Stones (England), Dayot Upamecano (France)
Left-back: Marc Cucurella (Spain)
Marc Cucurella contributed heavily going forward, assisting two goals—the joint-most among defenders. Though not creating a massive number of chances, his key passes were vital in Spain’s attack. He ranked second in big chances created behind Nuno Mendes, highlighting his offensive impact.
Honorable mentions: Djed Spence (England), Nuno Mendes (Portugal)
Central Midfielders: Rodri (Spain), Jude Bellingham (England)
Rodri earned the Golden Ball for the tournament’s best player after completing more passes than any player in World Cup history. He orchestrated Spain’s rhythm, controlling when to attack or rest, press or retreat. His recovery from an ACL injury showed as he dominated midfield play.
Jude Bellingham was vital for England, leading central midfielders in dribbles, duels won (second only to teammate Elliot Anderson), and fouls suffered. His seven goals underscored his huge influence.
Honorable mentions: Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco), Declan Rice (England), Dani Olmo (Spain), Bruno Guimaraes (Brazil), Youri Tielemans (Belgium)
Right Wing: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Messi dazzled throughout the tournament, scoring eight goals (second highest) and completing a tournament-best 28 dribbles. He took 35 shots and created 26 chances—eight more than anyone else. His expected assists (4.15 xA) were far above the next best, Michael Olise (2.46 xA).
At 39, Messi’s performance was remarkable despite Argentina falling short in the final. His precise crosses, shots, and passes confirmed his legacy as the greatest player ever.
Honorable mentions: Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast), Ousmane Dembele (France)
Attacking Midfield: Michael Olise (France)
Michael Olise stood at the heart of France’s electrifying attack, surrounded by stars like Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele. He set a new World Cup record with seven assists in a single tournament and was second for key passes with 18. Olise’s vision and passing make him a rising star and potential Ballon d'Or contender.
Honorable mentions: Martin Odegaard (Norway), Johan Manzambi (Switzerland)
Left Wing: Kylian Mbappe (France)
Though France didn’t win, Mbappe was arguably the tournament’s best player. He carried the team during critical moments and combined well with teammates. He won the Golden Boot with 10 goals, becoming the first player to claim multiple World Cup top scorer titles. His career may see him crowned as the greatest World Cup player ever.
Honorable mentions: Vinicius Jr (Brazil), Leandro Trossard (Belgium), Luis Diaz (Colombia)
Striker: Erling Haaland (Norway)
Erling Haaland charmed fans off the pitch, but it was his on-field prowess that mattered most. Despite Norway playing only five matches, Haaland scored seven goals, placing joint-third on the scoring chart. His knack for turning games around, even if quiet for long stretches, made him the best striker at the tournament and helped Norway reach new heights.
Honorable mentions: Harry Kane (England), Julian Quinones (Mexico), Ismael Saibari (Morocco)
