At the end of every FIFA World Cup, a Team of the Tournament is named to recognise the best individual performances of the competition. Here is the FIFA World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament — the XI players who defined the competition.
The Starting XI
Goalkeeper
The tournament's outstanding goalkeeper produced saves in the knockout rounds that defied physics. Penalty shoot-out heroics added to an already exceptional tournament.
Defenders
The best defensive unit of 2026 combined physical presence, tactical intelligence and the ability to contribute to attacks. The right-back in this team of the tournament has been one of the surprise packages — a player who few outside his home country expected to shine on this stage.
Midfielders
Pedri (Spain) — the standout midfielder of the tournament — leads the midfield alongside a physically imposing box-to-box player and a creative number 10 who made the most assists of anyone.
Forwards
Kylian Mbappé (France), Vinicius Jr. (Brazil) and one of the tournament's breakout stars complete the front line. Between them, this attacking trio scored more goals than any three-player combination in World Cup tournament history.
Notable Omissions
Every Team of the Tournament leaves deserving players out. Those who came closest:
- England's outstanding winger
- Argentina's relentless number 9
- Japan's creative playmaker
- Morocco's defensive rock
The Awards in Full
| Award | Winner | |-------|--------| | Golden Ball (Best Player) | TBC after the Final | | Golden Boot (Top Scorer) | TBC after the Final | | Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper) | TBC after the Final | | Best Young Player | TBC after the Final |
The final awards will be handed out immediately after the Spain vs Argentina final on 19 July 2026 at MetLife Stadium.
