Mbappé, Bellingham, and Cucurella feature in World Cup Best XI selections
World Cup XI Selections
Selections for the World Cup team of the tournament have highlighted several standout performers, including Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Marc Cucurella. These players were recognised for their contributions across various positions during the competition.
In goal, Cape Verde‘s Vozinha was noted for a memorable performance against Spain, despite playing in the Portuguese second division. Spain’s Unai Simon received the official award for the best goalkeeper.
The defensive lineup predominantly featured players from Spain, a team that conceded only once throughout the tournament. Pedro Porro was selected at right-back, recognised for his role in a championship-winning team. On the opposite flank, Marc Cucurella was considered an easy pick, having effectively neutralised opposing wingers and playing a significant part in limiting Lionel Messi in the final. Cucurella has been a regular for Spain since the summer of 2024.
In central defence, Pau Cubarsi, a 19-year-old Spaniard, was included as the young player award winner. He was paired with Cristian Romero, who contributed defensively and also posed an attacking threat, notably initiating Argentina‘s comeback against Egypt.
Midfield and Forward Standouts
The midfield selections saw Rodri as an undisputed choice, captaining Spain to the title and earning the adidas Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. His midfield partner, Dani Olmo, was also included, having started all knockout games and becoming increasingly vital as the competition progressed. Other players like England‘s Elliot Anderson, France midfielder Adrien Rabiot, and Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez were considered but did not make the final selection due to various factors.
Three prominent forwards were chosen to play behind the central striker. Kylian Mbappé, the Golden Boot winner with 10 goals, was positioned on the left. His performance also led to him becoming the top scorer in successive tournaments. Lionel Messi, second on the all-time scoring list, was placed on the right. Messi guided Argentina to the final and was awarded the Silver Ball and Silver Boot.
Centrally, Jude Bellingham was selected, having scored seven goals, a record for an England player at a World Cup. Bellingham also received the adidas Bronze Boot. His influence extended to every phase of the game, contributing crucial goals for England on their way to the semi-finals.
Top Strikers and Notable Mentions
For the lone striker position, Erling Haaland was chosen. He was noted for his consistent threat and memorable moments, including a brace against Brazil in the last 16. Haaland scored seven goals, one more than Harry Kane, and achieved this in fewer games. He also scored 16 goals across eight qualifiers and found the net in 14 consecutive internationals, spanning over 600 days, by the time Norway met England in the quarter-finals.
Harry Kane, while not selected as the lone striker in one team of the tournament, was recognised for his clinical finishing and leadership, inspiring England to a third-place finish. Kane’s contributions included decisive performances and vital goals.
Other notable players who made an impact include Lamine Yamal, a teenage sensation from Spain, who dazzled with his creativity and fearless attacking play during Spain’s title-winning campaign. Ousmane Dembele played a key role in France’s attacking charge, contributing important goals and assists throughout the tournament.
An honourable mention was also given to Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal, who scored five times and proved to be a more consistent threat than anticipated.
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Source: bbc.com
