The 2026 World Cup team of the tournament: from Mbappé and Messi to Dibu's wall
What would the best XI of the 2026 World Cup be, according to the data? We have picked a 4-3-3 with Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappé and a Lionel Messi who was named MVP in seven matches up front, the champions' spine (Rodri, Porro, Cubarsí) and, in goal, an Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez who was the best player in the final despite losing it. Managed by Luis de la Fuente. This is our team of the tournament, and why.
With the 2026 World Cup over, it is time for the most enjoyable and most debatable exercise: picking the team of the tournament. We have done it with the data in hand —top scorers, MVPs and the most solid defences— and with a 4-3-3 managed by Luis de la Fuente, the coach who lifted the trophy.
In goal, an almost obligatory choice: Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez. The Argentine keeper was named man of the match in the final (9.8 rating) despite defeat, keeping his side alive with save after save as Spain kept coming. The defence blends the champions' solidity —Pedro Porro and the teenage Pau Cubarsí— with the Argentine pairing of Cristian Romero and Nicolás Tagliafico.
The midfield is all muscle and arrival: Rodri, the champions' beacon; Jude Bellingham, scorer of six goals and three MVPs up to the semis; and Enzo Fernández, decisive in Argentina's comeback against England. A trio combining control, goals and character.
And up top, the luxury: Kylian Mbappé, Golden Boot with ten goals; Lionel Messi, eight goals and the most-awarded MVP of the championship; and Mikel Oyarzabal, the champions' top scorer with five and a hero in several rounds. Three different profiles —pace, magic and know-how— for a dream attack.
Like any team of the tournament, it is a pick open to debate: Unai Simón, Lamine Yamal, Haaland or Dembélé all have a case. You can see the full team with the reasoning behind every choice, and also who was MVP in each match, on our data pages.