The Beautiful Game
World Cup 11
FIFA named theirs. Here’s ours. Our best XI of World Cup 2026 — a 4-3-3 with a distinctly Spanish spine, built on the champions and finished off by the three men who lit up the tournament.
The XI, explained
Spain’s assured last line — commanding his box and calm under pressure through the knockouts.
Relentless on the overlap and stubborn in the tackle; a full-back who shaped games at both ends.
Argentina’s aggression and bite at the back — rarely lost a duel he wanted to win.
Eighteen and unflappable. The Barça teenager defended like a veteran all tournament.
An extra winger from right-back; his crossing and drive were a constant outlet.
Box-to-box menace who carried England — goals, drive and presence in every phase.
The metronome. Everything good ran through him — the finest controlling midfielder in the world.
Spain’s link between midfield and attack, chipping in with the moments that mattered.
Devastating pace and a ruthless finish — France’s talisman from the off.
A relentless number nine who punished every half-chance.
Ageless. Still the man who bends matches to his will.