FIFA Announces 2026 World Cup Team of the Tournament

Kathmandu. FIFA has released the 'Team of the Tournament' for the 2026 World Cup held in America, Mexico, and Canada. 

In the final held at MetLife Stadium in New York, Spain won the title for the second time in history by defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time. 

The list of the World Cup's best 11 released by FIFA includes three players each from Spain and France, two from Argentina, and one each from England, Norway, and Cape Verde, who played in the World Cup for the first time. From Spain, right-back Pedro Porro, left-back Marc Cucurella, and midfielder Rodri are included in the team. 

Rodri, who was also named the best player of the tournament, won the Golden Ball. While Rodri's selection was natural, many were surprised by FIFA's other decisions. 

Despite being the best defense of the tournament, Spain's center-backs Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte did not make it to the best 11. Goalkeeper Unai Simón, who won the Golden Glove by keeping clean sheets in seven matches and conceding only one goal throughout the tournament, not being in the team is also seen as a surprise. 

Cubarsí, who won the Best Young Player award, played the most passes (668) after Rodri in the tournament, while Laporte completed 618 passes. Due to their excellent coordination, Spain conceded the fewest goals in the tournament. However, FIFA has selected France's Dayot Upamecano and Argentina's Lisandro Martínez as center-backs instead of Spanish players. 

In goal, instead of Golden Glove winner Simón, FIFA has included experienced Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha. He became the rising star of the tournament with his excellent performance in helping the African nation Cape Verde reach the last 32 historically. 

There were no major surprises in the selection for other positions. The tournament's two biggest stars, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, led the attack. Mbappé won the Golden Boot with 10 goals and four assists, while Messi, with eight goals and four assists, led Argentina to the World Cup final for the second consecutive time. 

Alongside these two in the attack is Norway's striker Erling Haaland. He scored seven goals and led his country to the knockout stage for the first time in history. His significant role was in Norway's historic victory over Brazil in the last 32. In midfield, Rodri is joined by France's Michael Olise and England's Jude Bellingham. 

The goalkeeper in FIFA's announced 2026 World Cup Best Team is Vozinha of Cape Verde. Defenders include Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella of Spain, Dayot Upamecano of France, and Lisandro Martínez of Argentina. 

Similarly, Jude Bellingham of England, Rodri of Spain, and Michael Olise of France were selected as midfielders, while Lionel Messi of Argentina, Kylian Mbappé of France, and Erling Haaland of Norway were included as forwards.