Kylian Mbappe, Rodri and GOAL's Best XI from the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup has wrapped up after five intense weeks, 104 matches, and 308 goals. With 48 teams spread across three host nations in North America, the tournament offered plenty of drama and quality football. After all the knockouts, only two giants remained: Spain and Argentina.

The final was remembered more for Argentina's tough, physical approach than flashy moments, but it was Spain who lifted the trophy thanks to an expert extra-time finish from Ferran Torres, leaving Lionel Messi and his team heartbroken.

This World Cup featured a thrilling Golden Boot contest involving stars like Messi, France's Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, Norway's Erling Haaland, and England's Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. In the end, Mbappe triumphed, becoming the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history at just 27.

Mbappe’s inclusion in GOAL’s team is no surprise. Let's take a look at the full best XI from the tournament.

Goalkeeper: Vozinha (Cape Verde)

At 40, Vozinha was Cape Verde's hero, playing a key role in their unexpected journey to the knockout stage. Despite not winning any games, his saves secured draws against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. He made seven saves against the eventual champions Spain and followed that with eight more stops in their knockout clash against Argentina. Although they lost in extra time, Vozinha became a cult figure and even inspired the naming of a new sea creature.

Right Back: Pedro Porro (Spain)

Pedro Porro wasn’t Spain’s first-choice right-back before the tournament but seized his chance in the last-32 match against Austria. He excelled defensively and contributed offensively, scoring a header to put Spain ahead. He kept his spot through the tough matches against Portugal, Belgium, and France, scoring again in the semi-final and assisting in the final. Porro’s World Cup performance transformed his career, now a world champion.

Center Back: Pau Cubarsi (Spain)

Just 19 years old, Pau Cubarsi was one of the standout defenders. Spain conceded only once during their victorious run, largely thanks to his composed defending and ability to handle stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Mbappe, and Messi. His calm passing and ball control helped Spain move forward confidently, earning him the Young Player Award.

Center Back: Lisandro Martinez (Argentina)

Lisandro Martinez embodied Argentina's grit and resilience despite the team's defensive struggles. The Manchester United defender compensated for his smaller stature with skillful ball-playing and timely interventions. He assisted Messi and scored an important extra-time goal against Cape Verde. Injury cut short his final match, which was unfortunate.

Left Back: Marc Cucurella (Spain)

Marc Cucurella proved himself as one of the best left-backs globally, solidifying Spain's defense. He wasn't dribbled past in the five matches before the final and shut down major threats like Dembele and Michael Olise. Offensively, he provided crucial assists and crosses, showing how vital he was to Spain’s success.

Defensive Midfield: Rodri (Spain)

Rodri timed his peak perfectly, controlling Spain’s midfield and dictating play with precision. The Manchester City star led the team with high pass accuracy, disrupting opponents and making significant forward passes. His performance set a new record for passes completed at a World Cup and earned him the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player.

Central Midfield: Jude Bellingham (England)

Jude Bellingham was indispensable for England, scoring seven goals—more than any English player in a single World Cup. The Real Madrid midfielder showed unmatched energy and timing, delivering clutch performances including a memorable two-goal game against Mexico. His importance to the team under Thomas Tuchel is now unquestioned.

Attacking Midfield: Michael Olise (France)

Michael Olise brought flair and creativity from his No.10 role after a tactical switch by Didier Deschamps. He dazzled with his dribbling and vision, especially in the last-32 match against Sweden where he assisted twice. Olise finished with seven assists, setting a new World Cup record.

Right Wing: Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Lionel Messi, at 39, defied doubts about his fitness and dominated much of the tournament. Given freedom to roam, he scored six group-stage goals and contributed significantly in the knockouts with goals and assists. Though Argentina fell short in the final, Messi reminded many why he is often called the greatest ever.

Striker: Erling Haaland (Norway)

Erling Haaland stamped his authority at his first World Cup, scoring consistently and inspiring Norway to historic wins. His two goals against Brazil in the round of 16 marked Norway's biggest football achievement ever. Haaland’s joyful style and clinical finishing made him one of the tournament’s brightest stars.

Left Wing: Kylian Mbappe (France)

Kylian Mbappe was the standout individual, becoming the World Cup's all-time top scorer at 27. Though France stumbled in the semi-finals against Spain, Mbappe’s brilliance shone through in every other match with multiple braces and assists. His Golden Boot win capped off a remarkable tournament, signaling his future dominance as Messi steps away.