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 losing 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, with 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.