The FIFA World Cup 2026 finally got over after 40 days of heart stopping action and 104 matches played. At the end of the tournament, it was Spain who won their second-ever World Cup trophy, as they defeated Argentina in the final.
The tournament saw some great performances from players across various teams. While we saw the likes of Spain, France playing some good tactical football, teams like Cape Verde, DR Congo and Paraguay impressed with their resilience against strong teams. However, here is our team of the tournament.
Goalkeeper
Vozinha (Cape Verde)
At 40 years old, the Cape Verdean veteran Vozinha defied age and expectations to register a remarkable 18 total saves throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026. His standout performance came in a grueling Round of 32 clash against Argentina, where he racked up 7 critical saves while playing 120 minutes of a heartbreaking 3-2 extra-time defeat, cementing his cult hero status.
Defenders
RB: Pedro Porro (Spain)
Operating with relentless attacking drive down the right flank, Pedro Porro distinguished himself not just moving forward, but tracking back. He recorded an elite 18 successful tackles and 12 crucial interceptions during the tournament. Offensively, he netted two goals from a defensive position, including the spectacular, decisive strike that sent Spain into the grand final.
CB: Pau Cubarsi (Spain)
The 19-year-old defensive sensation anchored the Spanish backline with veteran poise, and earned the Best Young Player award. Beyond completing a staggering 547 passes, the second-most of any player in the tournament, with a 97% passing accuracy, Cubarsi was a brick wall. He logged 22 crucial clearances, won 80% of his aerial duels, and registered 8 vital blocks, shutting down some of the world’s most lethal forwards.
CB: Lisandro MartÃnez (Argentina)
Living up to his “The Butcher” moniker, Lisandro MartÃnez was an absolute defensive rock for Argentina. He notably logged a flawless 100% tackle success rate in Argentina’s critical quarter-final victory over Switzerland, and amassed 25 total clearances across the tournament. He also made his presence felt on the scoresheet, netting a heroic goal and providing an assist during Argentina’s gruelling 3-2 Round of 32 victory over Cape Verde.
LB: Marc Cucurella (Spain)
Again part of the Spain defence that conceded just 1 goal in the tournament, Marc Cucurella played every single minute of Spain’s World Cup winning run. With 28 ground duels won and 15 successful tackles, he also recorded a phenomenal 304 sprints, the most of any full back in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Midfielders
CDM: Rodri (Spain)
The Golden Ball Winner of FIFA World Cup 2026, Rodri was the engine that kept the champions Spain marching towards the title. He made a record 655 accurate passes and completely topped the charts with 919 high-intensity runs. Dictating the tempo of every single match, he proved exactly why he is universally considered the greatest defensive midfielder of his generation.
CM: Jude Bellingham (England)
England’s powerful talisman Jude Bellingham carried his nation to an impressive third-place finish with a string of brilliant performances. He scored 7 goals, the mot by any midfielder in a single World Cup campaign, and also the most by any England player in the tournament.
CAM: Michael Olise (France)
Adding a mesmerizing layer of creative flair to the French midfield, Michael Olise etched his name into the permanent history books by recording an astonishing 7 tournament assists. In doing so, he successfully shattered Pele’s legendary 56-year-old record for the most assists in a single FIFA World Cup.
Forwards
RW: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Even at 39 years of age, Lionel Messi delivered one of his greatest campaigns for Argentina, scoring 8 goals and 4 assists. His incredible 12 total goal contributions are the most by any individual player at a single World Cup tournament since 1970, as he single handedly helped his team reach the final.
LW: Kylian Mbappe (France)
was an absolute force of nature, decisively winning the coveted Golden Boot with a breathtaking 10 goals in the 2026 edition alone. He also reached 22 career World Cup goals, officially surpassing Lionel Messi to become the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.
ST: Erling Haaland (Norway)
Spearheading Norway’s highly impressive run to the quarter-final, Erling Haaland viciously bullied elite international defenses to score 7 goals. This was an impressive run for any player playing his first-ever FIFA World Cup/