Vozinha Joins Messi & Mbappé in 2026 World Cup Best XI
In a historic recognition of African talent, Cape Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha has been named to the 2026 World Cup “Best XI,” joining the ranks of global superstars like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé. The veteran shot-stopper earned his place in the tournament’s dream team following a series of heroic performances that defied the odds on football’s biggest stage.
Vozinha Outshines the Giants
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the selection was Vozinha’s inclusion over Spain’s Unai Simón. While Simón took home the “Golden Glove” trophy for the world champion Spanish side, the selection committee chose Vozinha as the Best XI goalkeeper. The 40-year-old veteran became the face of Cape Verde’s dream debut, highlighted by a sensational 0-0 draw against eventual winners Spain. Vozinha is the only player in the ideal lineup who did not reach the quarter-finals; Cape Verde exited in the round of 32 after an agonizing 3-2 extra-time loss to Argentina.
Spain and France Dominate the Lineup
World champions Spain and finalists France dominated the squad with three players each. Spanish midfielder Rodri, who was awarded the “Golden Ball” as the tournament’s best player, anchors the midfield. He is joined by Spanish full-backs Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella. Despite Spain’s defensive dominance, teenage sensation Pau Cubarsí—voted Best Young Player—missed out on the final XI.
France, who fell in the semi-finals, saw defender Dayot Upamecano, midfielder Michael Olise, and forward Kylian Mbappé selected. Mbappé remains the most lethal force in international football, securing the “Golden Boot” with 10 goals and becoming the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 22 career goals.
The Attack: Legend and Power
The forward line features a mix of veteran prestige and modern dominance. Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who led his team to a 1-0 extra-time defeat in the final, earned the “Silver Ball” and a spot in the attack after scoring eight goals. Joining Messi and Mbappé is Norway’s Erling Haaland, who finished with seven goals despite Norway’s earlier exit.
The 2026 World Cup Best XI:
- Goalkeeper: Vozinha (Cape Verde)
- Defense: Pedro Porro (Spain), Lisandro Martínez (Argentina), Dayot Upamecano (France), Marc Cucurella (Spain)
- Midfield: Rodri (Spain), Michael Olise (France), Jude Bellingham (England)
- Attack: Lionel Messi (Argentina), Kylian Mbappé (France), Erling Haaland (Norway)
England’s Jude Bellingham also earned a spot after a prolific tournament, culminating in an extraordinary 6-4 victory over France in the third-place playoff. Notably, Portugal’s Nuno Mendes was the only Portuguese player nominated, but he failed to make the final cut after Portugal’s round-of-16 exit at the hands of Spain.
The 2026 World Cup marked a new era for FIFA as the first tournament expanded to 48 teams, hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
Image: Pexels – Franco Monsalvo
