FIFA unveils fans' World Cup Best XI, Spain and France dominate

Three days after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, FIFA has announced the tournament's Best XI, as chosen by fans' votes. The team, set in a 4-3-3 formation, features three players each from world champions Spain and runners-up France. Argentina have two representatives, while England, Norway and Cape Verde have one player each.

Cape Verde's veteran goalkeeper Vozinha has been selected as the Best XI goalkeeper. The 40-year-old shot-stopper received 39.6 percent of the fans' votes, edging out Spain's Golden Glove winner Unai Simon, in recognition of his outstanding performances throughout the tournament.

The defence features Spain's Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella, Argentina's Lisandro Martinez and France's Dayot Upamecano. Porro and Cucurella were instrumental in Spain's solid defence throughout the World Cup. The midfield consists of Spain's Golden Ball winner Rodri, France's Michael Olise and England's Jude Bellingham. All three showcased consistent brilliance in the middle of the park for their respective teams.

The attack comprises Argentina's Lionel Messi, France's Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappe and Norway's Erling Haaland. Mbappe finished as the tournament's top scorer with 10 goals and four assists. At 39, Messi played a crucial role in taking Argentina to the final with eight goals and four assists. Meanwhile, Haaland's seven goals guided Norway to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

FIFA Fans' 2026 World Cup Best XI:
Goalkeeper: Vozinha (Cape Verde)
Defenders: Pedro Porro (Spain), Dayot Upamecano (France), Lisandro Martinez (Argentina), Marc Cucurella (Spain)
Midfielders: Rodri (Spain), Michael Olise (France), Jude Bellingham (England)
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Argentina), Kylian Mbappe (France), Erling Haaland (Norway)