Spain leads FIFA World Cup Best XI, Cape Verde’s Vozinha earns place
Spain Dominates World Cup Best XI
Spain, fresh from winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup title, has emerged as the most represented nation in FIFA‘s official Team of the Tournament. Three players from the Spanish squad were included in the prestigious XI, which was announced following the conclusion of the global competition held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The selection, organised in a 4-3-3 formation, features prominent players from seven different countries. World champions Spain contributed full-backs Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro, along with midfielder Rodri. Their performances were crucial to La Roja‘s successful campaign.
France also had three players named to the team, despite not reaching the final. Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise were selected among the attacking players, while Dayot Upamecano was recognised in defence after a strong showing for Les Bleus.
Argentina, who were runners-up to Spain in the final, had two players included. Veteran captain Lionel Messi secured a spot in attack after another influential World Cup, and Lisandro Martínez was acknowledged for his defensive contributions.
England‘s Jude Bellingham was named in midfield following a series of impressive performances, and Norway‘s Erling Haaland earned selection as one of the tournament’s leading goalscorers.
Vozinha’s Remarkable Performance
Completing the team is Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha. His notable displays between the posts were considered one of the competition’s biggest surprises. The 40-year-old goalkeeper represented an island nation making its first appearance at the tournament.
In Cape Verde‘s opening match against Spain, Vozinha made seven saves as his team secured a goalless draw and their first World Cup point. This performance was part of a campaign that saw Cape Verde advance from their group on their debut, becoming the least populous nation to reach the knockout stage. They later lost 3-2 to Argentina after extra time in the Round of 32.
Vozinha‘s inclusion in the team of the tournament highlights the impact of his individual efforts. According to one report, he topped the list of best goalkeepers in a fan vote, receiving nearly 40% of the votes and surpassing Spain‘s Unai Simon, who won the Golden Glove at the World Cup.
Key Players and Unforgettable Moments
Rodri, who received FIFA‘s Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, played a pivotal role for Spain. He controlled the tempo of the game, protected the defence, and allowed more adventurous players to take risks. His authority was particularly notable given his recovery from a knee ligament rupture less than two years before the tournament. He completed 790 passes, the most recorded by a player in a single World Cup.
Kylian Mbappé of France also made history, scoring 10 goals to win the Golden Boot. His two goals in the third-place playoff brought his career World Cup tally to 22, making him the competition’s all-time leading scorer at 27 years old. Mbappé reached this milestone in his third World Cup, having scored four times in 2018, eight in 2022, and 10 in 2026.
The final match saw Spain defeat holders Argentina 1-0 after extra time. Substitutes Nico Williams and Ferran Torres combined for the breakthrough in the 106th minute, with Torres providing the finish. This marked Spain‘s second World Cup title, reclaiming the trophy they last won in 2010.
Lionel Messi, at 39, scored eight goals and provided four assists as Argentina reached a second consecutive final. His influence was marked by intelligent positioning and crucial interventions in knockout matches. Despite a strong tournament, Argentina was unable to secure the win, with Messi leaving the pitch after his third World Cup final with a runners-up medal.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament is as follows:
- Goalkeeper: Vozinha (Cape Verde)
- Defenders: Pedro Porro (Spain), Dayot Upamecano (France), Lisandro Martínez (Argentina), Marc Cucurella (Spain)
- Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (England), Rodri (Spain), Michael Olise (France)
- Forwards: Lionel Messi (Argentina), Erling Haaland (Norway), Kylian Mbappé (France)
Spain‘s goalkeeper Unai Simón won the Golden Glove after keeping seven clean sheets in eight matches, the most by a goalkeeper in a single men’s World Cup.
Additionally, 19-year-old Pau Cubarsí, a defender for Barcelona, was named the tournament’s Best Young Player by FIFA, completing 566 passes.
The selection of the team followed the conclusion of the tournament on July 22, 2026.
Source: channelstv.com
