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Messi, Mbappé Lead Opta's World Cup Group Stage Best XI; Cape Verde Stars Surprise

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Opta has released its Best XI for the 2026 World Cup group stage, featuring top stars like Messi, Mbappé, and Haaland.
  • The selection notably includes two players from Cape Verde, a surprising inclusion that has generated buzz.
  • The group stage concluded after 72 matches, setting the stage for the next phase of the tournament.

Following the intense 72-match group stage of the 2026 World Cup, renowned data analytics firm Opta has unveiled its Best XI. The formidable lineup is spearheaded by global superstars Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland, reflecting their standout performances in the initial phase of the tournament.

The most striking element of Opta's selection is the inclusion of two players from Cape Verde. This unexpected representation from the small island nation has become the biggest surprise of the tournament's best team, highlighting exceptional individual performances that have captured attention on the world stage.

The data-driven selection by Opta provides a statistical snapshot of the group stage's top performers. As the tournament progresses, these chosen players and their teams will be under scrutiny to maintain their high level of play in the upcoming knockout rounds.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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