The best XI of the 2026 World Cup: the top players by position
What was the best possible team of the 2026 World Cup? With Spain champions, Argentina runners-up and great individual displays, we review the names in contention for the tournament's best XI, position by position.
Picking a World Cup's best XI is always an exercise in debate, and the 2026 edition left plenty of candidates in every position. With Spain as champions and Argentina as runners-up, many of the names come from the two finalists, but not only from them.
In goal, the reference is clear: Unai Simón, Golden Glove after conceding a single goal in the whole tournament. In defence, names like the very young Pau Cubarsí, best young player, emerge as a symbol of the champions' solidity. In midfield, the owner of the XI is Rodri, the World Cup's Ballon d'Or, alongside talents like Pedri or Jude Bellingham.
Up front, the choice is a luxury: Kylian Mbappé, Golden Boot with ten goals, and Lionel Messi, the all-time top scorer in World Cup history, head any imaginable attack, with Bellingham and Haaland also fighting for a place.
Every fan will have their own XI, and that is the fun of it. What no one disputes is that the 2026 World Cup gathered an unrepeatable generation of footballers. Build your ideal team with the best by position and the tournament data on our site.