TOI's XI: The stars who lit up the FIFA World Cup 2026
The Times Of India July 22, 2026 12:39 PM
The North American odyssey is over.
Here are the stars who put their best foot forward.
Pedro Porro (ESP, Defender) One of the tournament’s most attack-minded full-backs, Porro has balanced defensive discipline with constant overlapping runs. His accurate deliveries and relentless energy have given Spain width, while his recovery pace has helped neutralise dangerous wingers in the knockout games.
Cristian Romero (ARG, Defender) Romero has been Argentina’s defensive warrior, combining aggression with intelligent positioning. The centre-back has thrived in highpressure knockout matches, making crucial interceptions and blocks while providing the steel behind Lionel Scaloni’s side as they played another World Cup final.
Unai Simon (ESP, Goalkeeper) Spain’s last line of defence has been calmness personified throughout the tournament. Simón has produced crucial saves in the knockout rounds while commanding a backline that has conceded just once. His composure, positioning and distribution have been instrumental in Spain’s march to the title.
Pau Cubarsi (ESP, Defender) Still only a teenager, Cubarsi has played with remarkable maturity on the biggest stage. Calm under pressure and dominant in one-onone situations, the Barcelona defender has marshalled Spain’s defence with authority, helping champions La Roja boast the tournament’s stingiest backline.
Marc Cucurella (ESP, Defender) Has enjoyed outstanding World Cup, shutting down elite attackers while contributing in possession. Tireless up and down the left flank, he has combined defensive resilience with attacking support, earning widespread praise as one of Spain’s most consistent performers.
Michael Olise (FRA, Attacking midfielder) Olise has emerged as France’s chief creator, dazzling with his dribbling, vision and precise final ball. His creativity has unlocked stubborn defences repeatedly, making him one of the tournament’s standout playmakers despite Les Bleus missing out on another World Cup final.
Rodri (ESP, Midfielder) The heartbeat of Spain’s midfield, Rodri has dictated the tempo with supreme composure. His interceptions, passing range and tactical intelligence have allowed Spain to dominate possession throughout. He has once again showed why he remains among football’s finest holding midfielders. He won the Golden Ball.
Jude Bellingham (ENG, Attacking midfielder) England’s driving force in midfield, Bellingham has mixed elegance with relentless intensity. He has chipped in with vital goals, created chances and controlled games with maturity beyond his years, standing out despite England falling short of the World Cup final.
Lionel Messi (ARG, Forward) At 39, Messi continues to redefine greatness. The Argentine captain has led from the front with decisive goals, assists and moments of brilliance, inspiring his side into a second successive World Cup final. His vision, composure and leadership have once again made him the game’s gold standard.
Erling Haaland (NOR, Striker) Haaland announced Norway’s arrival among world football’s elite with a sensational tournament. His physical dominance, clinical finishing and relentless movement powered Norway into the quarterfinals. He staked his claim as the game’s leading marksman and the best in the No. 9 position.
Kylian Mbappe (FRA, Forward) France’s biggest attacking threat once again, Mbappe has combined explosive pace with ruthless finishing till the semifinal. Whether scoring or creating, he has tormented defenders in every round and claimed the Golden Boot despite France’s semifinal exit.
Coach Luis de la Fuente SPAIN Masterminded Spain’s triumphant campaign with a fluid possession game, relentless highpressing and collective discipline. Having nurtured many players through Spain’s youth ranks, he built a cohesive unit that outplayed every opponent, proving once again that the strength of the team outweighed individual brilliance.
SUBSTITUTES Goalkeeper Defenders Forwards VOZINHA (CPV) ENZO FERNANDEZ (ARG) WILLIAM SALIBA (FRA) DANI OLMO (ESP) ACHRAF HAKIMI (MAR) MIKEL MERINO (ESP) HARRY KANE (ENG)
