The 2026 World Cup has concluded with Spain crowned as champions. The expanded tournament showcased excitement, controversy, and immense talent. Metro has compiled its best starting XI from the finals in North America.
Goalkeeper: Vozinha (Cape Verde)
Spain's Unai Simon conceded only one goal en route to the final, but Vozinha earned his spot with seven saves to keep a clean sheet on Cape Verde's World Cup debut against European champions. The 40-year-old then helped his nation reach the knockouts and push eventual finalists Argentina to extra time, a feat that may earn him a transfer to Lionel Messi's Inter Miami.
Right-Back: Daniel Munoz (Colombia)
Crystal Palace's Daniel Munoz excelled both defensively and offensively, conceding just one goal in five games and scoring twice. He was powerless to prevent Colombia's penalty shootout loss to Switzerland.
Centre-Back: Pau Cubarsi (Spain)
The 19-year-old Barcelona graduate put on a defensive masterclass to stop Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise in the semi-finals. He became the fifth teenager to start and win a World Cup final, joining Mbappe and Pele, and won the tournament's best young player award.
Centre-Back: Cristian Romero (Argentina)
Despite a poor season as Tottenham captain, Romero epitomised Argentina's never-say-die attitude. Gary Neville called him part of 'the best, worst centre-half pairing in the world,' but Romero's performances got Argentina through the knockouts.
Left-Back: Marc Cucurella (Spain)
Cucurella remained focused despite a mid-tournament move from Chelsea to Real Madrid, bagging two assists in a win over Austria. The 27-year-old is a nightmare for attackers and defenders alike.
Defensive Midfielder: Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco)
Rodri guided Spain to the final, but 18-year-old Bouaddi impressed with imperious performances against Brazil, Scotland, and the Netherlands. He only declared for Morocco in May and is already touted as a £100 million player.
Central Midfielder: Johan Manzambi (Switzerland)
Manzambi recorded three goals and two assists in just 220 minutes as Switzerland reached the quarterfinals. The 20-year-old has signed for Aston Villa in a club-record deal worth nearly £60 million.
Central Midfielder: Jude Bellingham (England)
Bellingham is the sole England representative, scoring six times from midfield. He carried the Three Lions to the semi-finals with heroic efforts against Mexico and Norway. At 23, he looks like the next England captain.
Right-Wing: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
At 39, Messi is on the verge of leading Argentina to back-to-back World Cups, a feat not achieved since Brazil in 1962. He is almost certain to win a third Golden Ball and possibly a ninth Ballon d'Or.
Striker: Erling Haaland (Norway)
Haaland scored seven goals in five games for Norway, who hadn't played at a major tournament in 26 years. His brace against Brazil, including a goal against Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhaes, proved he can perform on the biggest stage.
Left-Wing: Kylian Mbappe (France)
Mbappe cemented himself as one of the greatest World Cup players with eight goals and three assists. He may become the first player to win two World Cup Golden Boots if he performs in the third-place play-off and Messi goes missing in the final.
