The FIFA World Cup 2026 has concluded with Spain lifting the trophy after a 1-0 extra-time victory against Argentina in New Jersey. Following the tournament, FIFA has revealed its official Dream XI, a selection of the best-performing players as voted by fans globally. This team highlights standout individuals from the six weeks of football across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The selection is heavily influenced by the teams that reached the semi-finals, with Spain, France, and Argentina dominating the lineup. Despite England securing a third-place finish, only one player from their squad made the Dream XI.
Dream XI Selections Highlight Top Performers
Jude Bellingham is the sole representative for England in FIFA‘s Dream XI. His inclusion follows another strong major tournament performance for the Real Madrid midfielder. Bellingham scored seven goals, marking the highest tally ever recorded by an England player in a single FIFA World Cup. This contribution helped the Three Lions achieve their best finish since winning the tournament in 1966. Other notable England players, such as Bukayo Saka, who achieved a hat-trick against France, and Declan Rice, known for his performance in the third-place play-off, were not voted into the final XI.
Spain, the champions, have three players in the Dream XI. Rodri, who captained Spain to their second World Cup title and won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, anchors the midfield. He is joined by full-backs Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro. Luis de la Fuente‘s side completed an unbeaten tournament, culminating in their victory over Argentina in the final.
France, despite finishing fourth, also contributes three players to the Dream XI. Kylian Mbappé, the Golden Boot winner with 10 goals, occupies the right side of the attack. He became the first player to win the World Cup Golden Boot twice and surpassed Lionel Messi‘s all-time World Cup scoring record with 22 career goals. Midfielder Michael Olise earned a spot after providing seven assists, the most ever recorded by a player in a single FIFA World Cup. Dayot Upamecano completes the French contingent in central defence.
Beaten finalists Argentina have two players in the Dream XI. Lionel Messi is featured on the left wing, having finished the tournament with eight goals and four assists. Defender Lisandro Martínez partners Upamecano in the central defence. Completing the front three is Norway striker Erling Haaland, who made his World Cup debut by leading his country to a historic first-ever quarter-final appearance, scoring seven goals during the tournament.
Unexpected Goalkeeper Selection
One of the most surprising inclusions in the Dream XI is the goalkeeper, Vozinha from Cape Verde. Despite Unai Simón winning the Golden Glove, and other prominent goalkeepers like England‘s Jordan Pickford and France‘s Mike Maignan being contenders, fans voted for the Cape Verde veteran. The 40-year-old goalkeeper emerged as a breakout star during Cape Verde‘s memorable run to the Round of 32, where they narrowly lost 3-2 after extra time to eventual finalists Argentina.
Vozinha‘s performances included clean sheets against both Spain and Saudi Arabia, and he made 18 saves throughout the tournament. His impact extended beyond the pitch, as he became a social media sensation. According to tournament figures, Vozinha started Cape Verde‘s opening match against Spain with approximately 50,000 Instagram followers, a number that reportedly surged to 29.5 million by the end of the World Cup after his impressive campaign, including seven saves against the eventual champions.
The Dream XI selection concludes the individual honours for the tournament. Rodri received the Golden Ball, while Messi and Mbappé were awarded the Silver Ball and Bronze Ball, respectively. Mbappé secured the Golden Boot with 10 goals, surpassing Messi‘s eight goals and four assists. Spain‘s goalkeeper Unai Simón earned the Golden Glove after conceding only one goal in eight matches. Additionally, teenage defender Pau Cubarsí was recognised with the FIFA Young Player Award, and the Netherlands received the FIFA Fair Play Award for accumulating only three yellow cards throughout their campaign.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
