World Cup: Rodri, Mbappé, Vozinha and other heroes who defined 2026 tournament

Spain lifted the 2026 World Cup trophy, clinching victory through exceptional team performance. However, the tournament's narrative was significantly shaped by a constellation of individual stars whose contributions transcended the champions' triumph.

Rodri delivered a remarkable comeback performance, playing a pivotal role in Spain's success. Kylian Mbappé etched his name further into World Cup history, achieving a bittersweet record despite his team's ultimate outcome. These individual efforts underscored the high level of play and dramatic storylines that unfolded throughout the competition.

Adding to the tournament's memorable moments was the fairytale journey of Cape Verde, led by the inspiring play of goalkeeper Vozinha. Their unexpected progress captured the hearts of many, demonstrating that compelling narratives can emerge from less-fancied nations. These figures, among others, provided the defining moments and lasting memories of the 2026 World Cup.