TOI’s XI: The stars who lit up the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The North American odyssey is over. Here are the stars who gave it their all.Pedro Porro (ESP, defender) One of the tournament’s most attacking-minded full-backs, Porro has a balanced defensive discipline with constant overlapping runs. His accurate passing and relentless energy gave Spain width, while his recovery pace helped neutralize dangerous wingers in the knockout games.Cristian Romero (ARG, defender) Romero was Argentina’s defensive warrior, combining aggression with intelligent positioning. The centre-back thrived in the high-pressure knockout games, making crucial tackles and blocks while providing steel behind Lionel Scaloni as they played in another World Cup final.Unai Simon (ESP, goalkeeper) Spain’s last line of defense was calm personified throughout the tournament. Simón made crucial saves in the knockout rounds while commanding a backline that only conceded once. His composure, positioning and distribution were instrumental in Spain’s march to the title.Pau Cubarsi (ESP, defender) Still a teenager, Cubarsi performed on the biggest stage with remarkable maturity. Calm under pressure and dominant in one-on-one situations, the Barcelona defender marshaled the Spanish defense with authority and helped champions La Roja boast the kindest backline of the tournament.Marc Cucurella (ESP, defender) He enjoyed an excellent World Cup, shutting out elite strikers while contributing in possession. Tireless on the left wing, he combined defensive resilience with attacking support, earning him widespread praise as one of Spain’s most consistent players.Michael Olise (FRA, attacking midfielder) Olise emerged as France’s main creator, dazzling with his dribbling, vision and precise finishing ball. His creativity repeatedly unlocked stubborn defences, making him one of the tournament’s best creators despite Les Bleus missing out on another World Cup final.Rodri (ESP, midfielder) Rodri, the heartbeat of Spain’s midfield, dictated the tempo with utmost composure. His interception, range and tactical intelligence enabled Spain to dominate possession. He showed again why he remains among the best football midfielders. He won the Ballon d’Or. Jude Bellingham (England, attacking midfielder) England’s driving force in midfield, Bellingham mixes elegance with relentless intensity. Years later, he stepped up with vital goals, created chances and controlled games with maturity, and stood out despite England failing to reach the World Cup finals.Lionel Messi (ARG, forward) At 39, Messi continues to redefine greatness. The Argentina captain led from the front with decisive goals, assists and moments of brilliance to inspire his team to a second consecutive World Cup final. His vision, composure and leadership have once again made him the gold standard of the game.Erling Haaland (NOR, forward) Haaland announced the arrival of Norway among the world football elite with a sensational tournament. His physical dominance, clinical finishing and relentless movement propelled Norway into the quarter-finals. He established himself as the game’s leading scorer and best at the No.9 position.Kylian Mbappe (FRA, forward) Mbappe, again France’s biggest attacking threat, combined explosive pace with ruthless finishing to reach the semi-finals. Whether scoring or creating, he troubled defenders in every round and won the Golden Boot despite France’s semi-final exit.Coach Luis de la Fuente SPAIN They managed Spain’s triumphant campaign with fluid possession play, relentless pressure and collective discipline. Having nurtured many players through Spain’s youth ranks, he has built a cohesive unit that has outplayed every opponent, proving once again that team power trumps individual brilliance.REPLACEMENTS Goalkeeper Defenders Forwards VOZINHA (CPV) ENZO FERNANDEZ (ARG) WILLIAM SALIBA (FRA) DANI OLMO (ESP) ACHRAF HAKIMI (MAR) MIKEL MERINO (ESP) HARRY KANE (ENG)