2026 World Cup Team of the Tournament Featuring Messi, Rodri, Mbappe

The 2026 World Cup concluded in New Jersey with Spain narrowly defeating Argentina 1-0 to claim their second world title. Spain’s victory was well-earned, as they managed to shut down the defending champions who took a defensive approach throughout the final.

Despite some controversy off the field—such as referees being sent home due to US immigration rules and Iran’s logistical struggles—the on-pitch action across the expanded 48-team tournament was mostly exciting. Several players stood out over the six weeks, earning recognition for their performances.

Goalkeeper

• Unai Simon: Simon’s seven clean sheets played a huge role in Spain’s success. He made just 10 saves in eight games, reflecting the strong defensive setup protecting him. His alertness was key in the final, denying Lionel Messi and preserving the win. Simon's Golden Glove award was well deserved.

Defenders

• Achraf Hakimi (Right-back): Morocco’s pacey right flank runner led all defenders in dribbles completed and created 17 chances, making him a major attacking threat while also maintaining solid defensive work.
• Pau Cubarsi (Centre-back): The teenage Barcelona defender was Spain’s rock at the back. Playing every minute, he helped set a record seven clean sheets and earned Young Player of the Tournament honors. Cubarsi dominated passing stats and contributed offensively with eight chances created.
• Lisandro Martinez (Centre-back): A key figure for Argentina, Martinez combined aggression with calm composure. His standout moment came against Cape Verde, assisting Messi and scoring himself. He ranked highly in clearances and forward passes, showing both defensive and creative skills despite an early final injury.
• Marc Cucurella (Left-back): Following a strong Euro 2024, Cucurella shone again for Spain. Notably, he contained Ousmane Dembele in the semi-final and contributed three big chances along with two assists against Austria, demonstrating his dual threat in defense and attack.

Midfielders

• Rodri (Central Midfielder): Returning from an ACL injury, Rodri was Spain’s metronome. Leading the tournament with 811 passes and topping line-breaking passes, he combined precise distribution with 49 duels won. Awarded Player of the Tournament, Rodri anchored Spain’s midfield.
• Granit Xhaka (Central Midfielder): The Swiss captain impressed with his consistent passing and ball recovery. Completing 430 of 470 passes and ranking eighth in final-third passes, Xhaka also won possession 44 times, matching France’s Upamecano. His inclusion edged out some attackers in a 4-3-3 setup.
• Jude Bellingham (Central Midfielder): England’s young star bounced back from club struggles with seven goals, including crucial braces in knockout matches. His finishing exceeded expectations based on expected goals, and he added intensity by winning 50 duels to help England progress far.

Forwards

• Lionel Messi: Even at 39, Messi was influential, scoring a hat-trick in the opener and temporarily becoming the World Cup's all-time top scorer. He created 25 chances, the most in the tournament, and provided vital assists in later rounds, remaining at the heart of Argentina’s efforts.
• Kylian Mbappe: Mbappe lived up to his reputation, netting 10 goals and earning the Golden Boot. He contributed 14 goal involvements, a record for a single World Cup, along with four assists and 18 chances created, proving his lethal finishing and creative ability.
• Erling Haaland: Norway’s striker made an immediate impact, scoring seven goals in five matches with the highest goals-per-90 minutes among players with significant playing time. Haaland stayed forward-focused and scored a late brace against Brazil, marking a historic moment despite Norway exiting in the quarter-finals.

Honourable Mentions

• Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele were tough exclusions despite high goal involvements; Dembele assisted seven goals but much of his impact came against weaker opposition.
• Harry Kane’s six goals weren't enough to offset inconsistent performances in key games.
• Defensive omissions included Pedro Porro and Aymeric Laporte, while Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel narrowly missed out after impressive shot-stopping.