By Dorcas Francis Koji
FIFA has officially unveiled the fan-selected Team of the Tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with newly crowned champions Spain dominating the Best XI after their historic title-winning campaign.
The prestigious team, released following the conclusion of the tournament, rewards players who delivered exceptional performances during the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Spain, who defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final to lift their second FIFA World Cup trophy, lead the selections with three representatives. Defender Marc Cucurella, right-back Pedro Porro and midfield general Rodri were all rewarded for their outstanding contributions throughout the competition.
Runners-up Argentina have two players in the team, with captain Lionel Messi and centre-back Lisandro Martínez earning places after helping La Albiceleste reach a second consecutive FIFA World Cup final.
France also boast three representatives in the Best XI. Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappé, winger Michael Olise and defender Dayot Upamecano were recognised following another impressive campaign by Les Bleus.
England midfielder Jude Bellingham, Norway striker Erling Haaland and Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha complete the 11-man lineup.
One of the biggest talking points following the announcement was the omission of Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite scoring three goals during the tournament, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner failed to secure a place in the fan-voted team after Portugal’s World Cup journey ended with a 1-0 Round of 16 defeat to eventual champions Spain.
Mbappé’s inclusion came after another record-breaking tournament. The France captain finished as the competition’s leading scorer with 10 goals and four assists, starting all eight matches while registering 23 shots on target.
The Real Madrid forward also made history by becoming the FIFA World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer and France’s highest scorer in the tournament’s history, further cementing his place among football’s greatest players.
Messi also enjoyed another memorable World Cup, scoring eight goals and providing four assists as Argentina reached the final. The veteran forward once again demonstrated his quality and leadership despite his country’s narrow defeat to Spain in the title decider.
Spain defender Marc Cucurella emerged as one of the tournament’s standout performers, playing every minute of La Roja’s victorious campaign. He contributed two assists while helping Spain keep seven clean sheets en route to lifting the World Cup.
England star Jude Bellingham was recognised after inspiring the Three Lions to a third-place finish. The midfielder made history by becoming the first English player to score seven goals in a single FIFA World Cup, featuring in all eight of England’s matches, starting seven of them while also contributing one assist and eight key passes.
The fan-selected Best XI highlights the players who made the greatest impact throughout the tournament, with Spain’s dominance reflecting their remarkable run to the world title.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament
Goalkeeper
- Vozinha (Cape Verde)
Defenders
- Pedro Porro (Spain)
- Dayot Upamecano (France)
- Lisandro Martínez (Argentina)
- Marc Cucurella (Spain)
Midfielders
- Rodri (Spain)
- Jude Bellingham (England)
- Michael Olise (France)
Forwards
- Lionel Messi (Argentina)
- Erling Haaland (Norway)
- Kylian Mbappé (France)
With Spain leading the way and several of the tournament’s biggest stars recognised, the Team of the Tournament serves as a fitting tribute to the players who defined one of the most memorable FIFA World Cups in history.
Leave a comment