FIFA announce star-studded World Cup Dream XI featuring Messi, Mbappé and Haaland/ Image: X

Spain may have lifted the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy after defeating Argentina 1-0 following extra time in New Jersey, but the tournament’s best-performing players have now also been recognised after FIFA revealed its official Dream XI.The Team of the Tournament, selected through a global fan vote, reflects the standout performers from six weeks of football across the United States, Canada and Mexico. While Spain, France and Argentina dominate the selection after reaching the semi-finals, England’s third-place finish was rewarded with just a single representative.Jude Bellingham is the only England player to make FIFA’s Dream XI despite Thomas Tuchel’s side ending the tournament on a high with a remarkable 6-4 victory over France in the third-place play-off.

Bellingham’s inclusion comes after another outstanding major tournament for the Real Madrid midfielder.The 23-year-old finished with seven goals, the highest tally ever recorded by an England player at a single FIFA World Cup, helping the Three Lions secure their best finish since winning the tournament in 1966.Despite England producing several standout performers, including Bukayo Saka’s historic hat-trick against France and Declan Rice’s record-breaking third-place play-off display, Bellingham was the only English player voted into the final XI.

Spain, France and Argentina dominate selections

Fresh from captaining Spain to their second World Cup title, Rodri headlines the midfield after also winning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.Spain have three representatives in total, with both full-backs Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro joining their captain in the side after Luis de la Fuente’s men completed an unbeaten tournament by defeating Argentina in the final.France also supply three players despite finishing fourth.Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappé occupies the right side of the attack after finishing the tournament with 10 goals, becoming the first player to win the World Cup Golden Boot twice while also breaking Lionel Messi’s all-time World Cup scoring record with 22 career goals.Michael Olise takes one of the midfield places after producing a record-breaking campaign of his own. The France playmaker finished the tournament with seven assists, the most ever recorded by a player at a single FIFA World Cup.Dayot Upamecano completes France’s contingent in central defence.Argentina, beaten finalists after Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute winner, have two players in the XI.Lionel Messi features on the left wing after finishing the tournament with eight goals and four assists, while defender Lisandro Martínez partners Upamecano at the heart of the defence.Completing the front three is Norway striker Erling Haaland, who marked his World Cup debut by firing his country to a historic first-ever quarter-final appearance while scoring seven goals during the tournament.

Cape Verde cult hero earns goalkeeper spot

Perhaps the biggest surprise in the Dream XI is the goalkeeper selection.Rather than Golden Glove winner Unai Simón, England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford or France’s Mike Maignan, fans voted for Cape Verde veteran Vozinha.The 40-year-old became one of the breakout stars of the tournament during Cape Verde’s memorable run to the Round of 32 before they narrowly lost 3-2 after extra time to eventual finalists Argentina.Vozinha kept clean sheets against both Spain and Saudi Arabia, made 18 saves across the tournament and outperformed his expected goals against figure by 0.9.His performances also made him an unlikely social media sensation. According to tournament figures, the goalkeeper began Cape Verde’s opening match against Spain with around 50,000 Instagram followers. After producing seven saves against the eventual champions and continuing his impressive campaign, that number reportedly surged to 29.5 million by the end of the World Cup.

GoalkeeperDefenders

Midfielders

Forwards

The Dream XI rounds off the individual honours following the conclusion of the tournament.Rodri claimed the Golden Ball as the competition’s best player after leading Spain to the title, with Messi and Mbappé receiving the Silver Ball and Bronze Ball respectively.Mbappé finished as Golden Boot winner with 10 goals, edging Messi, who ended the tournament on eight goals and four assists, while Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón received the Golden Glove after conceding just one goal in eight matches. Teenage defender Pau Cubarsí collected the FIFA Young Player Award, and the Netherlands were recognised with the FIFA Fair Play Award after receiving just three yellow cards throughout their campaign.