FIFA names 2026 World Cup ideal XI: Rodri, Messi, Mbappé feature

FIFA has unveiled its fan-voted ideal team for the 2026 World Cup, a tournament that concluded with Spain emerging as champions. The star-studded lineup includes several prominent figures, notably Spain's Rodri Hernández, who also received the Golden Ball award for the tournament's best player.

Joining Rodri in the ideal XI are runner-up Lionel Messi of Argentina and Cabo Verde's revelation goalkeeper, Vozinha. The attacking front is bolstered by France's Kylian Mbappé, who not only topped the scoring charts with ten goals but also set a new all-time World Cup record with 22 career goals.

The selection reflects strong performances from Spain and France, each contributing three players to the ideal team. Argentina is represented by two players, while Cabo Verde, England, and another unnamed nation each have one representative.

Other notable inclusions are Spain's Pedro Porro at right-back and Marc Cucurella at left-back. The central defense features France's Dayot Upamecano and Argentina's Lisandro Martínez. The midfield is completed by France's Michael Olise, the tournament's top assist provider, and England's Jude Bellingham, who was the third-highest scorer. Norway's Erling Haaland also makes the attacking lineup.