Opta has released its World Cup Team of the Tournament, featuring several prominent players. The selections include Manchester United‘s Lisandro Martinez, alongside key players who departed Arsenal and Chelsea this summer.
Among the notable inclusions is Spain‘s Rodri, who was recognized for his exceptional performance in the midfield. He recorded the most accurate passes in the competition, with 756 successful passes, a figure that is the highest ever in a World Cup edition on record. Rodri also led in carries with 164 and line-breaking passes with 122. His instrumental role in Spain’s ability to control games and restrict opponents was highlighted, earning him the Golden Ball award.
Michael Olise of France also made the team. Although he did not score any goals, he supplied a significant number of assists, equaling the tournament’s assist record. His vision, composure, and weight of pass were among his most impressive qualities. Jude Bellingham of England was another midfielder selected, scoring seven goals, the most by an England player in a single World Cup.
Defensive and Goalkeeping Selections
In defense, Lisandro Martinez was recognized for his role in his country’s backline. He led in passes with 460 and accurate passes with 427, and became the only Argentine defender on record to score and assist in a FIFA World Cup game against Cabo Verde.
Marc Cucurella of Spain was also named to the team. He led full-backs in successful final third passes with 142 and successful passes with 382. He was also second in touches in the opposition box with 19. Cucurella ranked first for assists and second for big chances created among left-backs in the tournament, and was dribbled past only twice.
Pedro Porro of Spain was included for his defensive solidity and offensive contributions. He made 37 defensive contributions and scored two goals. Porro established an excellent relationship with Lamine Yamal and proved to be a valuable contributor in all phases of play. He scored his first two international goals in the round-of-32 and semifinals.
Cristian Romero of Argentina was selected after a strong individual performance, particularly in the semifinal against England. His attacking contributions also aided Argentina’s progression in the first two knockout rounds. Aymeric Laporte, another Spanish international, was noted for his faultless tournament, playing a major role in Spain’s excellent defensive record.
The goalkeeper position was filled by Orlando Gill of Paraguay. Gill’s tournament started with conceding four goals but he then recorded back-to-back clean sheets. He became a national hero by denying Germany on penalties, saving spot kicks from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade. Gill ended the World Cup having made the most saves with 23 and prevented the most goals with 2.6, as revealed by Opta.
Attacking Prowess
In the attacking lineup, Kylian Mbappé of France was named, having won the Golden Boot and becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in the competition’s history. Lionel Messi of Argentina was also included, ranking first for big chances created and key passes per game. He also ranked second for goals scored and successful dribbles per game.
Leandro Trossard was recognized for his offensive output, scoring two goals and assisting two others. No player created more chances from open play than Trossard, with 17. Erling Haaland was also named, averaging a goal every 17.1 touches at the 2026 World Cup, the second fewest on record since 1966 for a player to score five or more goals at a single tournament.
The 2026 World Cup saw Spain crowned champions after defeating Argentina in the final.
Source: bbc.com