With the competition over, it is now time to select the World Cup 2026 team of the tournament. Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the final to win their second World Cup title on Sunday, July 19.
The World Cup 2026 team of the tournament should have considerable representation from the two finalists. However, there are a few players from other teams as well who should make the cut.
Here are our picks for the World Cup 2026 team of the tournament…
ETT World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament
#1. Goalkeeper: Emi Martinez (Argentina)
Unai Simon, the Spanish goalkeeper, could have made it into the team, having conceded a solitary goal in the tournament and winning the Golden Glove award.
But Emiliano Martinez’s valiant display in the World Cup final should book him a place in the World Cup 2026 team of the tournament.
#2. Right-back: Pedro Porro (Spain)
Pedro Porro started on the bench in Spain’s initial matches. But as the tournament progressed, he cemented his place in the starting XI of the World Cup 2026 team of the tournament.
He scored two goals in the tournament and was a constant menace for the opposition going forward. It was Porro’s cross into the box that led to Spain’s goal in the final.
#3. Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi (Spain)
Pau Cubarsi enhanced his reputation a great deal and won the award for the Best Young Player at the World Cup 2026. His ability to play forward passes was an asset for Spain, as was his calm assurance on the ball in the defensive third.
#4. Centre-back: Aymeric Laporte (Spain)
Aymeric Laporte was a rock in the Spanish defence throughout the tournament.
If Cubarsi was calm and collected, Laporte went for most of the physical duels and won most of them. He deserves a place in the World Cup 2026 team of the tournament.
#5. Left-back: Marc Cucurella (Spain)
The Spanish back-four is thus completed in the team of the tournament as well.
Marc Cucurella was great going forward with a steady supply of crosses. He also played his part in containing Lionel Messi in the final.
#6. Defensive midfielder: Rodri (Spain)
Rodri was deservedly named the Player of the Tournament. He made clean tackles and distributed the ball really well. He also played a decisive role in containing Messi in the middle third in the final.
The 30-year-old has now won every worthy honour that is to be won in the game.
#7. Central midfielder: Jude Bellingham (England)
Jude Bellingham scored seven goals at World Cup 2026, the highest by any English player at any World Cup.
His runs into the opposition penalty box and his finishing ability were an absolute treat to watch. Bellingham justified his status as one of the game’s leading midfielders.
#8. Central midfielder: Michael Olise (France)
Michael Olise registered seven assists at World Cup 2026 and thus broke Pele’s record of six assists at a single World Cup. The Frenchman had a solitary off-day in the tournament: against Spain in the semi-final.
His glorious touch and brilliant passing were a delight for the spectators, making him a natural pick for the World Cup 2026 team of the tournament.
#9. Right-winger: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Lionel Messi scored eight goals in the tournament and was instrumental in every game aside from the final.
The 39-year-old did not look his age for the most part and made his team play with his wonderful vision. The opposition teams had to prepare for the matches against Argentina with him specifically in mind.
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#10. Centre-forward: Erling Haaland (Norway)
Erling Haaland scored seven goals in five matches in his debut World Cup. The big Norwegian eliminated Brazil with a brilliant brace in the round of 16.
He didn’t shine in the semi-final against England, but did enough to feature in the World Cup 2026 team of the tournament.
#11. Left-winger: Kylian Mbappe (France)
Kylian Mbappe now owns the record for most goals in World Cups with 22 goals. He scored 10 at World Cup 2026 to win the Golden Boot for a record second time.
Mbappe’s speed and finishing remained a menace for most of France’s opponents. His legacy for the national team is already unmatched.
Manager – Luis de la Fuente (Spain)
Luis de la Fuente is a star manager now, having won both the European Championships and the World Cup. The 54-year-old was brilliant with his substitutions in the tournament. He deserves every bit of credit he is getting now.
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