Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé headline FIFA's official best XI from the 2026 World Cup, which took place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Spain claimed the tournament trophy with a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final, earning three representatives in the elite squad selected by football's global governing body.
The Complete Team of the Tournament
FIFA's ideal lineup reflects the standout performances from the 2026 edition. Mbappé received recognition as the competition's top scorer with 10 goals, cementing his status among the world's elite forwards. Messi, the Argentine legend, guided his nation to the final and earned his place through decisive playmaking and experience. The selection also includes Michael Olise of France as the tournament's best playmaker, Jude Bellingham representing England in midfield, and Erling Haaland of Norway as an attacking threat.
In defence, the team features Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro from Spain, alongside Dayot Upamecano of France and Lisandro Martínez of Argentina. The pairing of Upamecano and Martínez earned the nod over Spain's impressive defensive partnership.
Spain's Defensive Dominance Overlooked
Notably absent from the official selection are Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte, the Spanish centre-backs who formed the tournament's most resilient defensive pairing. Cubarsí and Laporte conceded only a single goal across Spain's eight matches, a remarkable defensive record that didn't translate into individual recognition. The omission of 19-year-old Cubarsí proved particularly surprising, given his Best Young Player award at the World Cup. His partnership with veteran Laporte had anchored Spain's route to the final.
Spain's three representatives in the team of the tournament underline their dominance in the North American competition. The depth of talent in this squad, combined with their successful defensive approach, shaped the tournament's narrative and established a benchmark for future international competition.
