FIFA has unveiled the official FIFA World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament, selected by fans, with newly crowned champions Spain leading the way with three players in the Best XI.
The team was shared on Wednesday by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on his X page and by Real Madrid on its official website.
Arranged in a 4-3-3 formation, the team features standout performers from seven countries who impressed during the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Spain’s title-winning campaign earned defender Marc Cucurella, full-back Pedro Porro and midfielder Rodri places in the side.
Runners-up Argentina have two representatives in captain Lionel Messi and defender Lisandro Martínez, while France also contributed three players — Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappé, winger Michael Olise and centre-back Dayot Upamecano.
England midfielder Jude Bellingham, Norway striker Erling Haaland and Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha complete the 11-man team.
However, Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored three goals, did not make the team after Portugal exited the tournament in the Round of 16 following a 1-0 defeat to Spain.
Mbappé earned his place after finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals.
The France forward started all eight matches, registered four assists and 23 shots on target during the competition.
He also became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history and France’s highest scorer at the tournament.
- Serie A: Modric signs one-year contract extension at Milan
- EPL: Arsenal prepare £70m bid for Newcastle captain Guimaraes — Report
- World Cup without Nigeria, Cameroon incomplete — CAF president
Messi was instrumental in Argentina’s run to the final, scoring eight goals and providing four assists.
Cucurella was one of Spain’s standout performers, playing every minute of the country’s victorious campaign.
He provided two assists as Spain kept seven clean sheets on their way to lifting the trophy.
Bellingham was recognised after helping England finish third.
The midfielder became the first English player to score seven goals in a single World Cup edition, featuring in all eight of England’s matches, starting seven, while adding one assist and eight key passes.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament comprises:
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).
Saheed is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over two years of experience covering metro, technology, sports, politics, and human-interest stories. He focuses on producing clear, engaging reports across diverse beats. Saheed’s work reflects hands-on newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate and balanced journalism.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
Source: The Punch
