Mbappé, Messi, and Bellingham feature in World Cup team selections

By Karan Malhotra — 22 July 2026 — 4 min read

The FIFA World Cup 2026 saw several football superstars deliver memorable performances, leading to discussions and selections for the tournament’s best XI. Among the standout players were Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Jude Bellingham, all of whom made significant impacts for their respective national teams.

Rodri, the midfielder for Spain, was a prominent figure, captaining his team to the title and earning the adidas Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. His exceptional positioning and precise passing were crucial in dictating the tempo of games, and his ability to break up attacks allowed his teammates to excel. Spain’s defensive solidity was also a key factor in their success, as they conceded only once throughout the entire tournament.

Key Player Performances

Kylian Mbappé showcased his electrifying pace and deadly finishing, concluding the tournament as the top scorer with 10 goals. This achievement earned him the adidas Golden Boot, making him the first player to be top scorer in successive tournaments. Despite France reaching the semi-finals, Mbappé’s individual brilliance was a constant threat, demonstrating his ability to perform under high pressure.

Jude Bellingham, representing England, displayed maturity, vision, and boundless energy. He was instrumental in both attacking and defensive phases, scoring crucial goals on England’s path to the semi-finals and securing the adidas Bronze Boot. His seven goals marked a record for an England player at a World Cup, highlighting his inspirational role in the squad.

Lionel Messi, at 39, guided Argentina to the final, continuing to captivate fans with his vision and close control. He finished as the tournament’s Silver Ball and Silver Boot winner. Messi’s influence extended beyond goals and assists, with his ability to create special moments from seemingly nothing. While his goals tapered off in the later stages, he was instrumental in Argentina’s semi-final comeback against England.

Erling Haaland, spearheading Norway‘s memorable run to the quarter-finals, was among the leading scorers. His powerful presence and incredible scoring instinct, particularly within the penalty area, made him one of the most feared strikers. Haaland’s strength, movement, and ruthless finishing were evident, including a brace against Brazil in the last 16. He scored seven goals in the tournament, one more than Harry Kane, despite playing one less game.

Defensive and Midfield Standouts

In goal, Cape Verde‘s veteran goalkeeper Vozinha earned widespread admiration. His composure, sharp reflexes, and commanding presence were critical in helping underdog Cape Verde reach the knockout stage. Vozinha’s heroic saves were particularly noted in stopping Spain from scoring, a performance that stood out in the tournament.

The defensive line saw strong representation from Spain. Pedro Porro at right-back played a key role in the champion team. On the opposite flank, Marc Cucurella was an easy choice, effectively neutralizing opposing wingers and playing a significant role in limiting Messi’s impact in the final. Cucurella, who became a regular for Spain in the summer of 2024, has emerged as one of the top left-backs in world football.

In central defence, Pau Cubarsi, a 19-year-old Spaniard, was a worthy recipient of the young player award. He was paired with Cristian Romero, who not only defended well but also posed an attacking threat, initiating Argentina’s comeback against Egypt. Other defenders considered included France‘s Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba, and England‘s Marc Guehi.

The midfield was anchored by Rodri. Alongside him, Dani Olmo narrowly edged out other contenders like Fabian Ruiz and Pedri. Olmo started all knockout games, becoming increasingly indispensable as the tournament progressed. Pedri was noted for his high number of interceptions and world-class passing statistics. Enzo Fernandez of Argentina was also in contention but was sent off in the final.

Other notable forwards included Ousmane Dembele, whose dribbling, pace, and creativity made him an unpredictable attacker for France, contributing important goals and assists. Harry Kane, England’s captain, inspired his side to a third-place finish with decisive performances and vital goals, showcasing his clinical finishing and intelligent link-up play.

The tournament also highlighted emerging talents like Lamine Yamal, who, despite being a teenager, established himself as an exciting young talent. His fearless dribbling and creativity were evident throughout Spain’s title-winning campaign. Mikel Oyarzabal of Spain also received an honourable mention for scoring five times and being a consistent threat.

The World Cup 2026 was filled with breathtaking skill and unforgettable moments, culminating in Spain’s victory with Rodri as the Golden Ball winner.