Predicted BEST World Cup 2026 XI

The 2026 World Cup is almost upon us. The tournament has seen superstars like Pele, Diego Maradona and Kylian Mbappe rise to prominence – but who will this year’s top stars be?

With over 1,000 players to pick from across 48 different nations, we had plenty of scope for choice – let’s take a look at who we think will be in the 2026 World Cup XI when all is said and done.

We have picked players based on a number of factors. Of course, their team will need to make significant inroads in the competition for them to be in with a chance of being in the best XI – and that’s just for starters. Who do you think will be in the 2026 World Cup team of the tournament?

GK: Diogo Costa

Arguably the best goalkeeper in the world at the moment, Diogo Costa is enjoying an absolutely phenomenal campaign in the Primeira Liga with Porto at the moment.

With just 15 goals conceded in 31 league games, alongside 19 clean sheets, it’s hard to find someone superior. Furthermore, Portugal will enter the tournament as one of the favourites – it’s highly likely that they will have a deep run into the latter stages.

RB: Nahuel Molina

This might seem like an unorthodox pick, but after Achraf Hakimi suffered a hamstring injury that could see him ruled out of the World Cup, Nahuel Molina looks like the leading choice to be the tournament’s best right-back.

He has often found himself on the bench for Atletico Madrid this season, but he is a constant presence in Argentina’s squad. With an acute eye for goal, La Albiceleste’s penchant for expansive football will allow him to harness the true extent of his abilities.

CB: Marquinhos

Marquinhos is amongst the best defenders in the world right now. He can do it all – he’s strong in the air, incredibly brave and possesses sublime technical ability to allow him to play the ball out of defence.

Furthermore, his leadership abilities are top notch. Players need to stand up and be counted at the World Cup – Marquinhos certainly isn’t one to shy away from a fight.

CB: Gabriel

While Brazil are far from the peak of their powers at the moment, Marquinhos and Gabriel should be able to form a formidable defensive partnership at the World Cup if they are allowed to do so.

While Marquinhos provides the brains, Gabriel is on hand to provide the brawn. His goalscoring record has been very solid this season, scoring three goals and notching up four assists – such an X-factor can be invaluable during international tournaments.

LB: Marc Cucurella

Marc Cucurella didn’t become a footballer to win any popularity contests. His tenacity and aggression often sparks the ire of opposition fans, but he is exactly the kind of character you want in your World Cup squad.

He was a key part of Spain’s Euro 2024 squad, finding the assist for the winning goal against England in the final – we’re expecting the Chelsea star to pick up right where he left off.

RM: Lamine Yamal

Is Lamine Yamal the best player in the world? Perhaps – nonetheless, he is a lock for a prospective XI such as this. He might be injured at the moment, but he is still expected to be fit in time for the World Cup.

As such, we may not see the best version of Yamal at the tournament – but even still, he simply demands to be included. A fantastic dribbler of the ball with limitless individual ability, he will give even the sternest of full-backs nightmares.

CM: Joao Neves

A swashbuckling midfielder with fantastic movement and a solid goal-scoring record, Joao Neves sneaks in ahead of international and club compatriot Vitinha. Vitinha might be the more complete player, capable of dicating a game, but Neves is more likely to catch the eye of the public.

Furthermore, at the age of 21, this promises to be a real breakout tournament for Neves. He’s already a well-known name within football circles – by the end of the World Cup, he might be a superstar.

CM: Pedri

As the best playmaker in the world, Pedri will be on hand to hold Spain’s midfield together. It’s safe to expect the Spaniards to have a lengthy World Cup run this year, with Pedri set to be at the heart of everything they do.

Despite being 23 years of age, Pedri already has acute veteran instincts – you’ll seldom see him concede possession. With two goals and eight assists in La Liga this season, he has been an invaluable member of Barcelona’s title charge.

LM: Michael Olise

Michael Olise is perhaps the most multi-faceted attacking player at the World Cup this year. There is very little he can’t do – he’s an excellent dribbler, whilst also being a pinpoint passer and having world-class set-piece taking ability.

He has scored 13 goals alongside an eye-watering 19 assists for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga this season – a player of his ability cannot be left out of an XI such as this.

ST: Kylian Mbappe

Football’s biggest contemporary superstar, Kylian Mbappe may make it into the best World Cup XI on name recognition alone. He can back up the hype, though – with 24 goals in La Liga and 15 goals in the Champions League, Mbappe is one of the best goalscorers in the world.

With electric pace and extremely intelligent movement, Mbappe scored a hattrick in the 2022 World Cup final. Now operating at the peak of his powers, can he build upon this?

ST: Ousmane Dembele

Ousmane Dembele is the best player in the world. The most recent recipient of the Ballon d’Or, he is the player to watch at this year’s World Cup.

France’s front three is truly frightening. The combination of Dembele, Olise and Mbappe is utterly peerless – they could well win the tournament on the back of these three playters alone.