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

The 2026 World Cup wrapped up after five weeks, 104 games, and 308 goals. Spread across three countries in North America, it was FIFA's largest tournament yet. After a long grind, only Spain and Argentina remained to battle in the final.

Spain clinched their second World Cup title with a hard-fought extra-time goal from Ferran Torres, ending Lionel Messi's reign as champions. The final was more about physicality than flair, but the competition thrilled fans around the world.

The race for the Golden Boot was intense. Messi, France's Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, Norway's Erling Haaland, and England's Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham all vied for the top scorer prize. Mbappe ultimately took the honor, becoming the outright leading scorer in World Cup history at just 27 years old.

Mbappe’s place in GOAL’s team of the tournament is no surprise. But who else made the cut?

Goalkeeper: Vozinha (Cape Verde)

At 40, Vozinha shone as Cape Verde's key player during their surprising run to the knockout stages. Although his team didn’t win a match, his performances secured draws against giants like Spain and Uruguay. Seven saves helped contain eventual champions Argentina in the group stage, and he made eight crucial stops in the knockout loss to them.

Vozinha’s World Cup heroics earned him cult status, even inspiring a sea creature to be named after him.

Right Back: Pedro Porro (Spain)

Porro wasn’t Spain’s first-choice right-back before the tournament but seized his chance when called upon against Austria. He helped silence Austria’s left side and scored to give Spain a two-goal lead. Porro kept that momentum through matches against Portugal, Belgium, France, and the final, contributing defensively and offensively, including a key assist in the final.

Center Back: Pau Cubarsi (Spain)

Just 19, Cubarsi emerged as one of the tournament’s best center-backs. His composure and passing belied his youth, helping Spain concede only once during their victorious run. He shut down stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Mbappe, and Messi, notably neutralizing Mbappe in the semifinal.

Center Back: Lisandro Martinez (Argentina)

Martinez embodied Argentina’s gritty spirit. Despite the team’s shaky defense overall, he stood out with his skill on the ball and defensive prowess. His assist to Messi and extra-time winner over Cape Verde showed his impact. Injury cut short his final appearance.

Left Back: Marc Cucurella (Spain)

Cucurella cemented his status as one of the world’s best left-backs. The Chelsea-to-Real Madrid defender was rock-solid in defense, not beaten by dribblers in the five matches before the final. His offensive work included assists and precise crosses, fueling Spain’s attack.

Defensive Midfield: Rodri (Spain)

Rodri hit peak form at the perfect moment. The Manchester City midfielder controlled Spain’s tempo, completed a record number of passes, and disrupted opponents’ attacks. His midfield mastery earned him the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.

Central Midfield: Jude Bellingham (England)

Bellingham was England’s driving force. The Real Madrid star scored seven goals, a national record for a single World Cup. His clutch performances, including two goals against Mexico and important strikes versus Croatia and Norway, proved vital. He answered doubts about his starting role with determination.

Attacking Midfield: Michael Olise (France)

Olise found his ideal position after a tactical switch by Didier Deschamps. The Bayern Munich winger displayed creative flair reminiscent of classic No.10s, dazzling with skills and vision. He set up five assists in the knockout stages alone and finished the tournament with a record seven assists.

Right Wing: Lionel Messi (Argentina)

At 39, Messi defied expectations, leading Argentina deep into the tournament. He dominated early, scoring six goals in the group stage, including a hat-trick versus Algeria. In the knockouts, he provided vital assists, especially in the semifinal. His legacy as arguably the greatest player ever was further solidified despite the final disappointment.

Striker: Erling Haaland (Norway)

Haaland made an instant mark at his first major international tournament. His six goals helped Norway shock Brazil and reach the round of 16. His clinical finishing and upbeat attitude carried Norway’s campaign and announced him as a global superstar.

Left Wing: Kylian Mbappe (France)

Mbappe claimed the Golden Boot and rewrote World Cup history as the all-time top scorer. Though France exited in the semifinals, Mbappe dazzled in every other game. Multiple braces and assists highlighted his dominance. With many years ahead, Mbappe’s World Cup story is only beginning.