World Cup 2026 Best XI: A Star-Studded Lineup from Haaland to Messi

Spain clinched the title at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but this summer's tournament was truly defined by the dazzling array of star players who took center stage. The event electrified fans and sparked conversations about soccer across North America and worldwide.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t always the most famous names who shined brightest on football’s grandest platform. The Sporting News selected the top 11 performers in each position, forming an all-star starting lineup from this year’s competition.

Formation: 4-2-3-1 (Right to Left)

Goalkeeper: Emi Martinez (Argentina)Right-back: Pedro Porro (Spain)Center-backs: Pau Cubarsi (Spain), Cristian Romero (Argentina)Left-back: Marc Cucurella (Spain)Central Midfielders: Rodri (Spain), Jude Bellingham (England)Right Wing: Lionel Messi (Argentina)Attacking Midfield: Michael Olise (France)Left Wing: Kylian Mbappe (France)Striker: Erling Haaland (Norway)

Goalkeeper: Emi Martinez (Argentina)

The Golden Glove award going to Unai Simon felt off given Emi Martinez’s dominance. Martinez set a record with 11 saves in the final alone, surpassing Simon’s total of 10 saves throughout the entire tournament. His distribution was far more reliable compared to Simon’s poor long-ball accuracy. Martinez finished with 20 saves overall, second only to Orlando Gill of Paraguay, all while playing through a broken finger. His performance was monumental.

Honorable mentions: Vozinha (Cape Verde), Eloy Room (Curacao)

Right-back: Pedro Porro (Spain)

No full-back stood out like Pedro Porro, one of the tournament’s biggest winners. Ranked fifth-best player by FotMob, Porro controlled Spain’s right flank with a high volume of possession. Defensively he was impressive too, winning over five duels per game and dominating aerial battles 64% of the time — all without picking up a single booking. His contribution was key to Spain’s historic defensive record.

Honorable mention: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

Center-backs: Pau Cubarsi (Spain), Cristian Romero (Argentina)

Pau Cubarsi, FIFA’s Young Player of the Tournament, dazzled at just 19 years old. He emerged as not just a top young defender but among the best defenders overall, completing the second-most passes in the entire World Cup behind only Rodri. Cubarsi won nearly 60% of his ground duels and was crucial in maintaining Spain’s high defensive line.

Cristian Romero was Argentina’s rock at the back. Winning 63% of ground duels and 72% in the air, Romero also made vital tackles and contributed two key goals that spurred big comebacks against Egypt and Cape Verde.

Honorable mentions: Aymeric Laporte (Spain), John Stones (England), Dayot Upamecano (France)

Left-back: Marc Cucurella (Spain)

Cucurella thrived going forward, complementing Spain’s tactical system. Though not creating many chances, those he set up were vital, assisting two goals and creating three big chances — numbers matched only by the likes of Hakimi and Nuno Mendes. His performances suggest he will be a perfect fit at Real Madrid.

Honorable mentions: Djed Spence (England), Nuno Mendes (Portugal)

Central Midfield: Rodri (Spain), Jude Bellingham (England)

Rodri earned FIFA’s Golden Ball for best player, completing more passes than any other player at a single World Cup in history. As Cucurella noted, Rodri was the team’s heartbeat, controlling tempo and dictating every move. Returning strong after an ACL injury, he may be on track for another Ballon d’Or.

Bellingham was England’s spark, leading in dribbles among central midfielders and scoring seven goals. His aggressive style saw him win numerous duels and suffer the most fouls. His impact was undeniable.

Honorable mentions: Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco), Declan Rice (England), Dani Olmo (Spain), Bruno Guimaraes (Brazil), Youri Tielemans (Belgium)

Right Wing: Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Messi carried Argentina brilliantly throughout the tournament, scoring eight goals and finishing second in goals scored. He completed 28 dribbles, had 35 shots, and created a tournament-high 26 chances, far outpacing others in expected assists. His dazzling skill and precision passing were a joy to watch. At 39, Messi’s display was epic, solidifying his status as the greatest player ever, despite the final loss.

Honorable mentions: Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast), Ousmane Dembele (France)

Attacking Midfield: Michael Olise (France)

Olise lit up the tournament orchestrating France’s deadly attack. Surrounded by stars like Mbappe and Dembele, he set a new World Cup record with seven assists. His 18 key passes were among the highest, and his creative vision ranked just behind Messi’s. Olise proved to be one of the best attacking talents and a serious Ballon d’Or contender moving forward.

Honorable mentions: Martin Odegaard (Norway), Johan Manzambi (Switzerland)

Left Wing: Kylian Mbappe (France)

Though France fell short of the trophy, Mbappe’s performance was arguably the tournament’s finest. Scoring 10 goals to claim the Golden Boot, he became the first player to win multiple World Cup top scorer awards. His ability to carry France and link with teammates was extraordinary. Mbappe might end up being the greatest World Cup player ever.

Honorable mentions: Vinicius Jr (Brazil), Leandro Trossard (Belgium), Luis Diaz (Colombia)

Striker: Erling Haaland (Norway)

Haaland’s charm off the pitch was matched by his brilliance on it. He could sit quietly for most of a match, then suddenly transform the game. Scoring seven goals in just five matches placed him joint-third among scorers, a remarkable feat since others above him played more games. Haaland was the tournament’s best striker, pushing Norway further than ever.

Honorable mentions: Harry Kane (England), Julian Quinones (Mexico), Ismael Saibari (Morocco)