FIFA unveils World Cup Dream XI after fan vote
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has concluded with Spain lifting the trophy after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time in New Jersey. Following the tournament, FIFA has revealed its official Dream XI, a selection of the best-performing players as chosen by a global fan vote. This team highlights standout players 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 was included in the Dream XI.
Dream XI Selections
Jude Bellingham is the sole England representative in FIFA‘s Dream XI. The 23-year-old Real Madrid midfielder had an outstanding tournament, scoring seven goals. This achievement marks the highest tally ever recorded by an England player in a single FIFA World Cup, contributing to the Three Lions‘ best finish since their 1966 victory. England‘s third-place play-off saw them defeat France 6-4.
Spain, the tournament winners, 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 remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, culminating in their victory over Argentina in the final. Cucurella, a regular in the Spain squad since the summer of 2024, was noted for his defensive prowess, effectively limiting opposing wingers.
France, despite finishing fourth, also contributed three players to the Dream XI. Kylian Mbappé, the Golden Boot winner, occupies the right side of the attack, having scored 10 goals in the tournament. He became the first player to win the World Cup Golden Boot twice and broke Lionel Messi‘s all-time World Cup scoring record, reaching 22 career goals. Michael Olise secured a midfield spot after an impressive campaign, finishing with seven assists, the most recorded by a player in a single FIFA World Cup. Central defender Dayot Upamecano completes the France contingent.
Beaten finalists Argentina have two players in the XI. Lionel Messi features on the left wing, having contributed eight goals and four assists during the tournament. Defender Lisandro Martínez partners Upamecano in central defence. Argentina lost the final to Spain after Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute.
Completing the front three is Norway striker Erling Haaland. Making his World Cup debut, Haaland scored seven goals, helping his country reach their first-ever quarter-final appearance. His consistent threat and memorable moments, including a brace against Brazil in the last 16, earned him a spot in the team.
Surprise Goalkeeper Selection
The goalkeeper selection for the Dream XI presented a notable surprise. Instead of Golden Glove winner Unai Simón of Spain, England‘s Jordan Pickford, or France‘s Mike Maignan, fans voted for Cape Verde veteran Vozinha. The 40-year-old became a breakout star during Cape Verde‘s run to the Round of 32, where they narrowly lost 3-2 in extra time to eventual finalists Argentina. Vozinha kept clean sheets against both Spain and Saudi Arabia, making 18 saves throughout the tournament and outperforming his expected goals against figure by 0.9. His performances also garnered significant attention on social media, with his Instagram followers reportedly surging from approximately 50,000 at the start of the tournament to 29.5 million by its conclusion.
The Dream XI rounds off the individual honours for the tournament. Rodri received the Golden Ball, with Messi and Mbappé earning the Silver Ball and Bronze Ball, respectively. Mbappé‘s 10 goals secured him the Golden Boot, while Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón was awarded the Golden Glove after conceding only one goal in eight matches. The FIFA Young Player Award went to teenage defender Pau Cubarsí, and the Netherlands received the FIFA Fair Play Award for accumulating just three yellow cards during their campaign.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Dream XI
- Goalkeeper: Vozinha (Cape Verde)
- Defenders: Pedro Porro (Spain), Lisandro Martínez (Argentina), Dayot Upamecano (France), Marc Cucurella (Spain)
- Midfielders: Rodri (Spain), Michael Olise (France), Jude Bellingham (England)
- Forwards: Lionel Messi (Argentina), Erling Haaland (Norway), Kylian Mbappé (France)
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
