Messi, Mbappe and Haaland headline FIFA's Best XI for 2026 World Cup

FIFA has announced its ideal starting XI for the 2026 World Cup, which was held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

The fan-voted lineup features three players from Spain, who claimed their second World Cup title by defeating Argentina 1-0 in Sunday's final: full-backs Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro, and midfielder Rodri, who captained the team and was named the tournament's best player.

At center-back, the team includes Dayot Upamecano of France and Bayern Munich, alongside Lisandro Martinez of Argentina and Manchester United.

In goal is Vozinha, captain of Cape Verde, who made his nation's first-ever World Cup appearance and impressed with standout performances and crucial saves that helped Cape Verde reach the knockout stage, where they narrowly lost 3-2 in extra time to defending champions Argentina.

Joining Rodri in midfield are France's Michael Olise, who led the tournament with seven assists, and England's Jude Bellingham, who scored seven goals as England secured the bronze medal at the 2026 World Cup.

The attack features Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who scored eight goals, and Norway's Erling Haaland, who netted seven before Norway exited in the quarterfinals against France.

Completing the attacking trio is France captain Kylian Mbappe, who won the Golden Boot for the second consecutive tournament with 10 goals, making him the World Cup's all-time top scorer with 22 goals—one ahead of Messi.