The 2026 World Cup is at its final furlong. After all the build-up and a thrilling five weeks of the very highest sporting drama, there are now just two matches left.
Spain and Argentina contest the final in New Jersey on Sunday, with both having come through their semi-finals against France and England respectively.
European champions Spain were ultra-impressive in dismantling France and stopping their attacking firepower, while Lionel Messi’s Argentina side again launched a stunning comeback, scoring twice in eight minutes to beat a distraught England 2-1 on Wednesday, as they eye a second consecutive triumph on the world stage.
As for France and England, they face each other in tonight’s bronze final – the match nobody wants to play in. But having reflected on the past 102 games, we’ve decided on our best players, fitted into a 4-3-3 formation.
Here is the Independent’s World Cup team of the tournament.
Goalkeeper
Vozinha (Cape Verde) – If you needed any proof that the World Cup can change lives, even for smaller nations and their players, then Cape Verde’s goalkeeper is that proof. The 40-year-old kept a clean sheet against Spain on Cape Verde’s World Cup debut and he then gained 17 million followers on Instagram after an international campaign. He then made eight saves in his side’s unbelievable last-32 extra-time loss to Argentina. What a star.
Defenders
Pedro Porro (Spain) – Since nailing a starting berth in the knockout phase, the Tottenham defender has been simply outstanding. He scored his first international goal against Austria and finished off the “team goal” of the tournament in the semi-final win over France. His partnership with Lamine Yamal on the right has proved Spain’s shining attacking light.
Dayot Upamecano (France) – A key figure for France at the back and particularly impressive in the last-32 win over Sweden and their strong-looking forward line. Strong, quick and accurate in his passing, Upamecano played a huge role in France’s knockout clean sheets against Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco.
Aymeric Laporte (Spain) – Forming an outstanding partnership with Barcelona teenager Pau Cubarsi, Laporte has been so composed on the ball and near-impossible to get past off the ball. Has conceded just one goal and has made countless defensive interventions to preserve La Roja’s excellent record.
Marc Cucurella (Spain) – What happens to this guy when he plays for his country compared to his club?! Often so lacking in composure and effectiveness for Chelsea this season, Cucurella is the polar opposite for Spain, with his marauding runs down the left and defensive solidity.
Midfielders
Rodri (Spain) – The Spain captain has marshalled a magnificent defence, which has conceded only one goal in seven matches and is his team’s figurehead, both in possession and in leadership. Should he lift the World Cup trophy on Sunday, could a second Ballon d’Or be in the offing for the Manchester City midfielder?
Enzo Fernandez (Argentina) – After his breakthrough moment in Qatar 2022, Fernandez’s penchant for big moments has remained. The Chelsea midfielder headed home a brilliant winner to complete Argentina’s comeback win against Egypt and scored the equaliser from range against England. Is there one more big moment left on Sunday?
Jude Bellingham (England) – From his wonderful solo effort against Croatia, you knew Bellingham had arrived at the World Cup party. Six goals to his name include two brilliant match-winning braces against Mexico and Norway, with his terrific run and finish against the Norwegians the best of the bunch. Perhaps his only blemish was that he had no such opportunities in the devastating semi-final loss against Argentina.
Forwards
Kylian Mbappe (France) – A third World Cup for the 27-year-old and a third outstanding display. Some of Mbappe’s goals have been sensational: a long-range stunner against Senegal, a dazzling solo effort against Sweden and an exquisite curling finish against Morocco. On eight goals, with a bronze final to come, he is also on the cusp of a second consecutive golden boot.
Lionel Messi (Argentina) – What more can be said about Argentina’s magnificent captain? At 39, he has made a mockery of those who thought his time at the top level was over. From his first-ever World Cup hat-trick in the opener against Algeria, it wasn’t until the quarters that he was shut out for the first time. And even in the semis, he set up both of Argentina’s goals. A near-certainty to win the golden ball, for what would be a third time, a second World Cup would be the icing on Messi’s unparalleled career cake.
Erling Haaland (Norway) – Led his country to a best-ever World Cup run, the last eight, and looked bang in the mood from the opener against Iraq, where he scored twice. However, his highlight was undoubtedly his brilliant double against Brazil; the first a stunning header, the second a pinpoint long-range strike. The only oddity? His relative anonymity in the quarter-final against England.
How our reporters voted
Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer – Vozinha; Porro, Cubarsi, Lisandro Martinez, Cucurella; Rodri, Paredes, Olmo, Bellingham; Messi, Haaland
Richard Jolly, Senior Football Correspondent – Vozinha; Porro, Upamecano, Cubarsi, Nuno Mendes; Rodri, Fernandez; Messi, Bellingham; Mbappe, Haaland.
Jack Rathborn, Sports Editor – Beiranvand; Porro, Cubarsi, Lisandro Martinez, Cucurella; Bellingham, Rodri, Olmo, Messi, Haaland, Mbappe
Kieran Jackson, Senior Sports Writer – Vozinha; Porro, Saliba, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fernandez, Bellingham; Mbappe, Messi, Haaland
Will Castle, Sports Reporter – Simon; Porro, Upamecano, Laporte, Nuno Mendes; Rodri, Fernandez, Bellingham; Messi, Haaland, Mbappe.
Alex Pattle, Sports Reporter – Vozinha; Porro, Upamecano, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fernandez, Bellingham; Messi, Oyarzabal, Mbappe.
