Messi, Mbappé and Cubarsí lead World Cup 2026 Best XI Performers

The FIFA World Cup 2026 produced unforgettable moments, emerging stars and legendary performances that will be discussed for decades. While Spain lifted the trophy after defeating Argentina in the final, several players elevated the tournament with individual brilliance regardless of where their nations ultimately finished.

From Lionel Messi's emotional farewell campaign to Kylian Mbappé's relentless goalscoring, and from Pau Cubarsí's defensive masterclass to Jude Bellingham's complete midfield displays, the competition showcased football at its highest level.

SportsLigue ranks the ten players who made the greatest impact throughout the tournament.

10. Vozinha (Cape Verde)

Cape Verde's historic World Cup journey became one of the tournament's biggest stories, and veteran goalkeeper Vozinha was central to that success.

Beyond becoming a fan favourite, the experienced shot-stopper produced several match-winning saves, particularly during Cape Verde's memorable run and their thrilling knockout encounter against Argentina. His composure, leadership and resilience helped transform the African nation into one of the competition's surprise packages.

9. Ousmane Dembélé (France)

After years of waiting for a defining international tournament, Ousmane Dembélé finally delivered.

The Ballon d'Or winner tormented defenders with his pace and creativity, highlighted by a stunning hat-trick against Norway before producing impressive displays throughout the knockout rounds. Although France narrowly missed the podium, Dembélé established himself as one of the tournament's standout attackers.

8. Harry Kane (England)

Harry Kane once again demonstrated why he remains one of football's elite strikers.

His six-goal haul guided England through difficult moments, while his leadership proved invaluable during another deep World Cup run. Kane also continued rewriting England's scoring records, strengthening his legacy as one of the country's greatest-ever forwards.

7. Michael Olise (France)

Michael Olise confirmed his rise among world football's elite with a sensational World Cup campaign.

The Bayern Munich playmaker orchestrated France's attack with remarkable vision and creativity, finishing the tournament with a record-breaking assist tally. Despite a quiet semi-final performance, Olise consistently unlocked defences and showed he possesses the qualities to become France's creative leader for years to come.

6. Pau Cubarsí (Spain)

At just 19 years old, Pau Cubarsí delivered performances that belied his age.

Spain conceded only once throughout the tournament, and the Barcelona defender was instrumental in building one of the strongest defensive campaigns ever seen at a World Cup. His intelligent positioning, confidence in possession and ability to neutralise elite forwards—including Kylian Mbappé—earned him widespread praise.

Cubarsí's maturity under pressure also earned him the Young Player of the Tournament award.

5. Rodri (Spain)

Rodri reminded the football world why he remains one of the game's finest midfielders.

After overcoming a lengthy injury setback, the Manchester City star controlled matches with his passing, tactical awareness and defensive intelligence. His influence allowed Spain to dictate possession throughout the competition and ultimately helped La Roja capture the World Cup title.

4. Erling Haaland (Norway)

Norway's remarkable run to the quarter-finals owed much to Erling Haaland's devastating finishing.

The prolific striker scored seven goals in only five appearances, bullying defenders with his physicality while displaying clinical composure inside the penalty area. His performances finally provided World Cup audiences with a glimpse of his full international potential.

3. Jude Bellingham (England)

Jude Bellingham rediscovered his finest form exactly when England needed him most.

The midfielder combined energy, leadership and goals to inspire England's third-place finish. His seven-goal tournament became the highest ever by an England player at a single World Cup, while his all-action displays reinforced his reputation as one of football's complete midfielders.

2. Kylian Mbappé (France)

Few players perform on football's biggest stage like Kylian Mbappé.

The French superstar finished with ten goals, producing the highest tally at a World Cup since 1970 while becoming the tournament's all-time leading scorer with 22 career goals. Although France narrowly missed the final, Mbappé's consistency ensured he remained among the competition's defining figures.

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Lionel Messi once again proved why many regard him as the greatest footballer in history.

Although Argentina fell short against Spain in the final, Messi produced an extraordinary campaign with eight goals and four assists, carrying the reigning champions through several difficult knockout matches.

At 39 years old, the Argentine captain continued to dictate matches with intelligence, composure and moments of breathtaking quality. His emotional reaction after the final suggested this may have been his final World Cup appearance, making an already remarkable tournament even more memorable.

While the trophy escaped his grasp, Messi's performances ensured he finished World Cup 2026 as SportsLigue's Player of the Tournament.

SportsLigue