World Cup 2026 Best XI: Messi, Rodri, Mbappe Lead Star-Studded Lineup

The 2026 World Cup concluded in New Jersey with Spain edging Argentina 1-0 to claim their second global title. Spain’s victory reflected their control and tactical discipline, especially considering Argentina’s cautious approach early on. Luis de la Fuente’s side effectively neutralized the defending champions throughout the match.

Despite some off-field controversies, including referee dismissals linked to US immigration policies and Iran’s logistical struggles, the tournament itself delivered plenty of thrilling moments across its expanded 48-team format. Several players left unforgettable marks over six weeks of intense competition.

Here is our selection for the standout eleven of the 2026 World Cup.

Goalkeeper - Unai Simon

Simon benefitted from Spain’s defensive solidity, helping him keep seven clean sheets in eight games, earning the Golden Glove award. Although he faced just 10 saves, his alertness was crucial, especially in the final when he denied Lionel Messi. His focus and sweeping ability played a key role in Spain’s success.

Right-back - Achraf Hakimi

Morocco’s Hakimi was a constant threat down the right flank. He combined pace and stamina to contribute both defensively and offensively, completing more dribbles than any defender and creating 17 chances. His two assists highlighted his impact as an attacking outlet while maintaining solid defensive performances.

Centre-back - Pau Cubarsi

Spain’s teenage defender Cubarsi impressed with composure and command, earning the Young Player of the Tournament honor. He played every minute, helped secure a record seven clean sheets, and led all defenders in passing attempts and completions. Cubarsi also contributed eight chances, showing confidence on the ball.

Centre-back - Lisandro Martinez

Argentina’s Martinez combined aggression with skill, shining notably in the match against Cape Verde where he assisted Messi and scored himself. He ranked highly for clearances and forward passes, showcasing defensive resilience and a willingness to drive play forward. An injury in the final cut his tournament short but didn’t diminish his influence.

Left-back - Marc Cucurella

Cucurella continued his fine form from Euro 2024, standing out as Spain’s left-back. His defensive work against France was impressive, winning tackles and preventing clear chances. Offensively, he created three big chances and provided two assists against Austria, proving effective at both ends of the pitch.

Central Midfielder - Rodri

Rodri returned from an ACL injury to dominate Spain’s midfield. He led the tournament with 811 passes, topped line-breaking passes and passes into the final third, and won 49 duels. Named Player of the Tournament, he was the calm presence orchestrating Spain’s title charge.

Central Midfielder - Granit Xhaka

Xhaka earned a spot despite being a surprising pick over higher-profile forwards. The Swiss captain completed 430 of 470 passes, ranking eighth in the tournament, and was among the leaders in through balls with 44 recoveries. His consistency and leadership stood out across Switzerland’s six matches.

Central Midfielder - Jude Bellingham

England’s Bellingham bounced back strongly, scoring seven goals including decisive braces in knockout rounds. He finished as joint-third top scorer with outstanding finishing efficiency, while winning 50 duels and providing intensity that helped England reach the late stages.

Forward - Lionel Messi

At 39, Messi delivered another memorable World Cup. Despite a close call with a red card early on, he became the tournament’s all-time top scorer temporarily and repeatedly rescued Argentina with critical goals and assists. His 25 chances created were the highest, cementing his status as a central figure on football’s biggest stage.

Forward - Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe lived up to expectations with a dominant display, scoring 10 goals to win the Golden Boot and contributing 14 goal involvements—the most ever recorded at a single World Cup. Alongside four assists, he created 18 chances, combining lethal finishing with creative flair. Though France fell short, Mbappe’s numbers were exceptional.

Centre-forward - Erling Haaland

Haaland made an instant impact in his first World Cup, netting seven goals in five games and boasting the best goals-per-90 minutes ratio among regular starters. He excelled inside the penalty area with directness and clinical finishing, and his brace against Brazil etched his name in Norway’s history, even if the quarter-finals marked the end for his team.

Honourable Mentions

It was tough to exclude Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele, who together had 15 goal involvements, though inconsistencies and the quality of opponents influenced their omission. Harry Kane’s six goals weren’t enough after underwhelming moments, particularly against Norway and Argentina.

Defensive names like Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, and Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel also narrowly missed out, with Kobel’s 20 saves just shy of Unai Simon’s tally.