Vozinha, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and several standout performers earned places in the FIFA’s fan-voted Best XI of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The selection, chosen through a global fan vote, features players who impressed throughout the tournament, including World Cup winners Spain, runners-up Argentina, semifinalists France and third-placed England.
Portugal captain Ronaldo, however, failed to make the final lineup after his side exited in the Round of 16
Spain, crowned world champions after defeating Argentina in the final, were represented by goalkeeper Unai Simón, right-back Pedro Porro, left-back Marc Cucurella and midfielder Rodri.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi also secured a place in the team after leading his country to a second consecutive World Cup final.
France had three representatives in the XI, with Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise and defender Dayot Upamecano all included following impressive campaigns. England midfielder Jude Bellingham, Norway striker Erling Haaland, Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha and Argentina defender Lisandro Martínez completed the lineup.
Mbappé’s inclusion came after a prolific tournament in which he finished as the World Cup’s top scorer with 10 goals while also contributing four assists.
MALDINI SLAMS FIFA FOR SNUBBING CUBARSI FROM WORLD CUP TEAM
Football legend Paolo Maldini has fiercely criticised FIFA’s selection of the Team of the Tournament for the 2026 World Cup, describing the omission of Spain’s young defender Pau Cubarsí as “absolutely absurd and unacceptable”.
The former AC Milan captain and Ballon d’Or contender voiced strong support for the 19-year-old Barcelona centre-back, who played a pivotal role in Spain’s campaign.
“It is absolutely absurd and unacceptable to leave Pau Cubarsí out of FIFA’s Team of the World Cup. In my eyes, that team means absolutely nothing without Pau Cubarsí in it,” Maldini said.
Maldini, widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in football history, praised Cubarsí’s performances throughout the tournament. “He played the tournament like a future Ballon d’Or winner. His composure, leadership, defensive intelligence and consistency were on another level from start to finish,” he added.
The Italian icon did not mince words on what he viewed as a glaring injustice. “To exclude him from the Team of the World Cup is an absolute robbery in broad daylight. There is simply no justification for it. Football deserves better than decisions like this,” Maldini declared.
Cubarsí emerged as one of the standout performers for the Spanish side, earning acclaim for his maturity beyond his years
