DOHA: When the FIFA World Cup began in North America, every nation dreamed of lifting the trophy. Four weeks and 104 matches later, a handful of players separated themselves from the rest through consistency, leadership and match-winning performances.
Some lifted the trophy, others fell just short, but all left an unforgettable mark on football's biggest stage. Here is The Peninsula's Team of the Tournament.
Goalkeeper: Unai Simón (Spain)
Spain's triumph was built on the strongest defence in the tournament, and Unai Simón was its final line. Calm with the ball at his feet and assured whenever called upon, the Athletic Club goalkeeper conceded just one goal throughout Spain's title-winning campaign and claimed the tournament's Best Goalkeeper award. His composure allowed Spain to play confidently from the back and provided the platform for their second World Cup crown.
Right-back: Pedro Porro (Spain)
Pedro Porro combined defensive discipline with constant attacking support down the right flank. His energy allowed Spain to stretch opponents while remaining dependable in defence, making him one of the tournament's most complete full-backs. His performances grew stronger as the knockout rounds progressed.
Centre-back: Pau Cubarsí (Spain)
At just 19, Pau Cubarsí played with the maturity of a veteran. The Barcelona defender read the game superbly, rarely looked troubled and anchored Spain's defence throughout the tournament. His performances earned him the Young Player of the Tournament award, confirming his arrival among football's brightest young defenders.
Centre-back: Dayot Upamecano (France)
France ultimately fell short of the title, but Upamecano was central to another deep World Cup run. Strong in the air, composed under pressure and dominant in one-on-one situations, the Bayern Munich defender provided stability against some of the tournament's most dangerous attacks.
Left-back: Djed Spence (England)
One of England's biggest success stories was the emergence of Djed Spence. Solid defensively and fearless going forward, he offered width, pace and recovery speed throughout England's run to third place. His consistency made him one of the tournament's standout full-backs.
Defensive Midfield: Rodri (Spain)
No player controlled the tournament quite like Rodri. The Manchester City midfielder dictated Spain's tempo, broke up opposition attacks and rarely wasted possession. His influence extended far beyond statistics, earning him the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player and underlining why he remains the heartbeat of both club and country.
Central Midfield: Jude Bellingham (England)
England's campaign was driven by Jude Bellingham. He combined goals with leadership and delivered in the biggest moments, including decisive knockout-stage contributions. His ability to influence matches at both ends of the pitch confirmed why he is regarded as one of football's finest midfielders.
Central Midfield: Michael Olise (France)
No player created more opportunities than Michael Olise. The France winger finished as the tournament's leading assist provider, repeatedly unlocking defences with his vision, delivery and creativity. While others scored the headlines, Olise supplied many of the decisive moments.
Right Wing: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
At 39, Lionel Messi once again reminded the football world why he remains among the greatest players of all time. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner inspired Argentina to another World Cup final, combining goals, creativity and leadership throughout the tournament. Even as a new generation emerged, Messi continued to define the biggest occasions.
Centre Forward: Erling Haaland (Norway)
Norway's remarkable World Cup journey would not have been possible without Erling Haaland. His power, movement and ruthless finishing carried his country into the latter stages, while his goals against Brazil produced one of the tournament's biggest knockout upsets. He finished among the competition's leading scorers and confirmed his status as one of the world's elite strikers.
Left Wing: Kylian Mbappé (France)
No player was more decisive in front of goal than Kylian Mbappé. France may have fallen short of the trophy, but the captain finished as the Golden Boot winner after scoring 10 goals and adding four assists. The tournament also saw him become the FIFA World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer with 22 goals. Every time France needed inspiration, Mbappé delivered.
Spain provide four players after lifting the trophy, while finalists Argentina, semi-finalists France and England, and surprise package Norway complete a side that reflects both collective excellence and individual brilliance. Together, these 11 players produced the defining performances of World Cup 2026 and earned their place in The Peninsula Team of the Tournament.
