FIFA 2026 World Cup Best XI: Spain dominate Team of the Tournament as Rodri headlines selections

• World champions Spain have five players in the Team of the Tournament—Pedro Porro, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella, Rodri and Lamine Yamal—highlighting their dominance throughout the competition
• The Spanish midfielder capped a remarkable tournament by leading the Best XI after controlling games from midfield and completing football's prestigious treble of the FIFA World Cup, Ballon d'Or and UEFA Champions League
• Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, Enzo Fernández, Jude Bellingham, Désiré Doué and Rasmus Højlund complete the Team of the Tournament after delivering standout performances on football's biggest stage

Spain's triumphant 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign has been rewarded with dominant representation in the tournament's Best XI, with midfield maestro Rodri leading a team packed with standout performers from the global showpiece.

Fresh from lifting the World Cup trophy, Spain have four players included in the Team of the Tournament, underlining their consistency throughout the competition. Rodri, who became just the 10th player in history to complete football's "holy trinity" of the FIFA World Cup, Ballon d'Or and UEFA Champions League, headlines the selections.

The Best XI reflects the players who consistently delivered world-class performances across the month-long tournament, combining defensive solidity, midfield control and attacking brilliance.

Goalkeeper

Emiliano Martínez (Argentina)

Despite Argentina falling short of retaining the title, Martínez once again proved why he is regarded as one of international football's finest goalkeepers. His commanding presence, crucial saves and leadership earned him a place between the posts.

Defenders

Pedro Porro (Spain)

Pedro Porro enjoyed an outstanding tournament at right-back, contributing both defensively and in attack. His energy, overlapping runs and accurate deliveries made him one of Spain's most dangerous outlets down the flank.

Cristian Romero (Argentina)

Romero was once again a rock at the heart of Argentina's defence. His aggressive tackling, aerial dominance and composure under pressure helped keep his side competitive throughout the tournament.

Dean Huijsen (Spain)

One of the revelations of the World Cup, Dean Huijsen displayed maturity beyond his years. The young centre-back combined calm distribution with excellent positioning, playing a key role in Spain's defensive stability.

Marc Cucurella (Spain)

Marc Cucurella completed Spain's defensive dominance in the Best XI after another impressive tournament. His relentless work rate, defensive discipline and attacking support from left-back proved invaluable during Spain's title-winning campaign.

Midfielders

Rodri (Spain)

Few players influenced matches as consistently as Rodri.

The Manchester City midfielder controlled the tempo, broke up opposition attacks and dictated possession with remarkable composure. His performances throughout the tournament reinforced his reputation as arguably the world's best defensive midfielder.

Following Spain's victory, Rodri also entered one of football's most exclusive clubs by completing the coveted trio of the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League and Ballon d'Or.

Enzo Fernández (Argentina)

Enzo Fernández continued to establish himself as one of the game's elite midfielders. His passing range, vision and ability to control matches earned him another outstanding international tournament.

Jude Bellingham (England)

Although England fell short once again, Bellingham's performances were among the tournament's highlights. The midfielder demonstrated leadership, technical excellence and the ability to influence games in both attack and defence.

Forwards

Lamine Yamal (Spain)

Lamine Yamal confirmed his status as one of football's brightest young stars.

The teenage winger dazzled fans with fearless dribbling, creativity and maturity far beyond his age. His performances played a major role in Spain's march to the World Cup title.

Désiré Doué (France)

France's Désiré Doué announced himself on the biggest stage with an exceptional tournament. His pace, creativity and versatility caused problems for defenders throughout the competition, making him one of the breakout stars of the World Cup.

Rasmus Højlund (Denmark)

Despite Denmark not lifting the trophy, Højlund impressed with his movement, physical presence and clinical finishing. His performances earned widespread praise and deserved recognition in the tournament's best team.

Spain dominate the honours

Winning the World Cup was the ultimate reward for Spain, but their four representatives in the Team of the Tournament further highlight just how dominant they were.

Rodri orchestrated play from midfield, Porro and Cucurella controlled both flanks, while Huijsen emerged as one of the competition's standout young defenders. Add the brilliance of Lamine Yamal in attack, and Spain's influence on the tournament becomes even more apparent.

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What began as a player-safety measure for extreme heat conditions has evolved into a valuable commercial asset, raising questions about whether future tournaments will retain hydration breaks even when the weather does not warrant them.