The 2026 World Cup is down to its last two games. Spain vs. Argentina for the trophy on Sunday. France vs. England for bronze tonight. After 102 matches across five weeks, we picked a team of the tournament. And yeah, some names were automatic.
Lionel Messi at 39? He scored his first World Cup hat trick in the opener against Algeria. Then he set up both goals in the semifinal win over England. He’s basically a lock for his third Golden Ball award. A second straight World Cup title would be the cherry on top of a career that already has no equal.
Kylian Mbappe is chasing his second consecutive Golden Boot. Eight goals so far, including a long-range missile against Senegal, a solo run against Sweden, and a curling beauty against Morocco. He’s 27 and this is already his third World Cup. That’s absurd.
Erling Haaland dragged Norway to the quarterfinals for the first time ever. His double against Brazil — a header and a thunderbolt from distance — was the stuff of highlights. He went quiet against England in the quarterfinal, but that doesn’t erase what he did to get his country there.
Spain’s defense was historically stingy. One goal conceded in seven matches. Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsi formed a wall at center back. Marc Cucurella, a guy who looks lost at Chelsea, turned into prime Roberto Carlos for Spain. Pedro Porro locked down the right side and scored a stunner in the semifinal.
Rodri ran the midfield like he does for Man City. Captain, leader, odds-on favorite for a second Ballon d’Or if he lifts the trophy. Enzo Fernandez kept delivering big moments for Argentina — a header to beat Egypt, a long-range equalizer against England. Jude Bellingham scored six goals for England, including two braces, but went missing in the semifinal loss. That’s the only knock.
And then there’s Vozinha. The 40-year-old Cape Verde keeper became a folk hero. Clean sheet against Spain in his country’s World Cup debut. Eight saves in a heartbreaking extra-time loss to Argentina. He gained 17 million Instagram followers in a month. That’s what the World Cup can do for a guy nobody knew before June.
Our staff had some disagreements. Jack Rathborn picked Iran’s Beiranvand over Vozinha. Kieran Jackson went with Saliba over Upamecano. Will Castle and Alex Pattle split on the second center back and the third forward. But the core group — Messi, Mbappe, Bellingham, Rodri, Porro, Cucurella — was unanimous.
The final is Sunday in New Jersey. Spain’s defense against Argentina’s comeback magic. Something has to give.
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