Supporters from around the world have delivered their verdict. FIFA has unveiled the Team of the Tournament for the 2026 World Cup, a side voted for by fans that rewards the players who made the greatest impression during the tournament. Between confirmations, revelations and choices that will spark debate, this selection tells the story of this World Cup in its own way.
Without claiming to establish an absolute truth, this XI has the merit of reflecting the feelings of millions of supporters who followed the competition from the first match to the last. More than a simple lineup of stars, it outlines the major trends of a World Cup defined by intensity, generational renewal and the triumph of Spain.
Mbappé and Bellingham, the indispensables
Unsurprisingly, Kylian Mbappé features prominently. Despite a French team that fell short of its ultimate goal, the French striker finishes as the competition's top scorer and takes home the Golden Boot. Yet another demonstration of his incredible consistency on the international stage: even when Les Bleus go through difficult periods, Mbappé keeps piling up goals and individual honours.
Jude Bellingham, for his part, confirms that he is now one of the true leaders of world football. Impressive in midfield, capable of attacking, defending and dictating the tempo of matches, the Englishman once again showed why he is considered one of the most complete midfielders of his generation.
Champion Spain, omnipresent in the XI
Marc Cucurella reaps the rewards of an excellent tournament. Long criticised for his club performances, the Spanish full-back responded in the best possible way: solid defensively, tireless in his channel and always sound in his decisions, he perfectly embodies the collective mastery of La Roja throughout the tournament.
Rodri, the true metronome of the Spanish game, is also rewarded. A distinction that confirms an underlying trend: modern football increasingly values players capable of organising play, winning the ball back and imposing the rhythm of a match.
Messi, one final World Cup for eternity
In attack, the presence of Lionel Messi is a reminder that the Argentine remains an absolute benchmark. A finalist in what constitutes his last World Cup, he exits the international stage leaving an indelible mark on the history of the competition.
An XI that reflects the diversity of world football
This fans' team also bears witness to the increasingly international nature of top-level football. Champions Spain place several players in the XI, while France remain strongly represented thanks to the individual performances of their key players. England, Argentina, Norway and even Cape Verde — with the remarkable presence of Vozinha in goal — also find their place in this selection.
As always, this choice will spark debate. Some supporters would no doubt have included other heroes of the tournament or given greater recognition to the architects of Spain's triumph. That is precisely the point of this kind of accolade: it does not claim to establish a definitive truth, but immortalises the players who made the greatest impression.
One thing is certain: this XI will remain as a snapshot of a World Cup that opened a new chapter in the history of football. Between the legends still present and the new faces set to dominate the next decade, the 2026 World Cup confirmed that the next generation is already here.
The fans' XI (4-3-3)
- Vozinha (Cape Verde)
- Pedro Porro (Spain) — Dayot Upamecano (France) — Lisandro Martínez (Argentina) — Marc Cucurella (Spain)
- Michael Olise (France) — Rodri (Spain) — Jude Bellingham (England)
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) — Kylian Mbappé (France) — Erling Haaland (Norway)
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