2026 FIFA World Cup review: World Cup's best and worst XIs

The 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded with Spain defeating Argentina in the final after 39 days of football featuring 48 nations and 104 matches. 

The expanded tournament produced standout individual performances alongside several high-profile disappointments.

Below is a review of the players who impressed the most and those who fell short of expectations.

ESPN best XI

Tournament Best XI

Goalkeeper

Vozinha (Cape Verde)

Although Spain's Unai Simón enjoyed a remarkable tournament, Cape Verde veteran Vozinha emerged as the standout goalkeeper. At 40 years old, he produced a series of exceptional performances despite playing behind a far less dominant team. His clean sheet against eventual champions Spain and a string of outstanding saves against Argentina—including several to deny Lionel Messi—made him one of the competition's most memorable figures.

Defenders

Djed Spence (England)

Initially considered a surprise selection by England manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of more established options, Spence justified his inclusion with consistently strong displays. His performances improved throughout the tournament, culminating in an outstanding showing against Argentina in the semifinal.

Pau Cubarsí (Spain)

Still only 19, the Barcelona defender demonstrated maturity beyond his years. Calm in possession and commanding defensively, Cubarsí became a cornerstone of Spain's title-winning back line and showed remarkable resilience by completing the final after recovering from a heavy challenge by Enzo Fernández.

Aymeric Laporte (Spain)

After returning to Spanish football following a spell in Saudi Arabia, Laporte rediscovered his finest form. The experienced defender formed an outstanding partnership with Cubarsí, providing leadership and defensive stability throughout Spain's successful campaign.

Marc Cucurella (Spain)

Fresh from securing a move from Chelsea to Real Madrid before the tournament, Cucurella justified the transfer with consistently impressive performances. His displays highlighted both defensive reliability and attacking support, silencing earlier doubts about his defensive qualities.

Midfielders

Rodri (Spain)

Rodri once again demonstrated why he is widely regarded as the world's premier defensive midfielder. Dictating possession, controlling the tempo, and rarely surrendering the ball, he served as the heartbeat of Spain's midfield and was instrumental in their World Cup triumph.

Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco)

One of the tournament's breakout stars, the 18-year-old midfielder impressed after committing his international future to Morocco. Despite his nation's quarterfinal exit against France, Bouaddi showcased exceptional composure and technical ability, suggesting a bright future at the highest level.

Jude Bellingham (England)

England's midfield leader contributed seven goals while combining relentless energy, defensive work, creativity, and determination. His all-around performances reinforced his status as one of world football's elite midfielders.

Forwards

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Competing in his sixth World Cup at the age of 39, Messi once again proved decisive for Argentina. His leadership, creativity, and goal-scoring ability carried the defending champions deep into the tournament, further strengthening his legendary international career.

Kylian Mbappé (France)

France's captain finished as the tournament's leading scorer with 10 goals, securing another Golden Boot. Apart from a subdued semifinal against Spain, Mbappé consistently produced match-winning performances and remained one of the competition's most dangerous attackers.

Erling Haaland (Norway)

Haaland marked his World Cup debut with seven goals, equaling the long-standing record for the highest-scoring debut tournament set by Poland's Grzegorz Lato in 1974. Beyond his goals, his charismatic personality and fan engagement made him one of the tournament's biggest attractions.

ESPN Most disappointing XI

Most Disappointing XI

Goalkeeper

Fernando Muslera (Uruguay)

Returning from international retirement for a fifth World Cup, the experienced goalkeeper endured a difficult campaign. Three costly mistakes leading directly to goals and a halftime substitution in Uruguay's final group match reflected a disappointing end to an otherwise distinguished international career.

Defenders

Joshua Kimmich (Germany)

Germany's decision to deploy Kimmich at right-back rather than in midfield proved unsuccessful. Playing outside his preferred role, the captain struggled throughout a disappointing tournament for the four-time world champions.

Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands)

As captain and defensive leader, Van Dijk was unable to prevent the Netherlands from conceding five goals in four matches. His decision not to take a penalty during the shootout defeat to Morocco also attracted criticism.

Marc Guéhi (England)

After a solid tournament, Guéhi's performance in the semifinal against Argentina fell below expectations. Defensive uncertainty and mistakes in possession contributed to England's elimination at a crucial stage.

Nico O'Reilly (England)

Used at full-back despite being naturally suited to midfield, O'Reilly never appeared fully comfortable in the position. Opponents repeatedly exploited the mismatch, making his versatility more of a disadvantage than an asset.

Midfielders

Federico Valverde (Uruguay)

Uruguay endured a disappointing campaign, and Valverde struggled to provide the leadership and inspiration expected from one of the team's biggest stars. His influence was limited as the South Americans failed to progress from a manageable group.

Scott McTominay (Scotland)

After entering the tournament in impressive form, McTominay failed to replicate his club performances on the international stage. Three ineffective displays summed up a frustrating World Cup for Scotland's midfield.

Bruno Fernandes (Portugal)

Despite another excellent domestic season, Fernandes was unable to reproduce his club form for Portugal. His influence remained limited throughout the tournament as Portugal's attack struggled to function effectively.

Forwards

Florian Wirtz (Germany)

High expectations surrounded Wirtz following his high-profile move to Liverpool, but he failed to make a significant impact. His quiet performances have increased the pressure to justify both his reputation and substantial transfer fee during the upcoming club season.

Christian Pulisic (United States)

Pulisic began the tournament brightly before suffering an injury during the opening match. Although he returned to action, he never regained his early form and struggled to influence the United States when the team needed its captain most.

Neymar (Brazil)

Brazil's decision to include Neymar despite ongoing fitness concerns failed to produce the desired outcome. Limited to just 37 minutes of action, his inclusion prevented younger, in-form players from earning selection and ultimately offered little benefit to the squad.