As the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico, continues to deliver drama and historic achievements, statistical giant WhoScored has unveiled its data-driven Team of the Tournament based on player ratings. The provisional XI highlights standout individual performances, with players from England, Spain, and France dominating the lineup.

The selection, compiled using WhoScored’s comprehensive rating system, features a blend of established superstars and surprising inclusions, all recognised for their consistent excellence on the pitch. Unsurprisingly, the attacking berths are filled by some of the sport’s most prolific talents.

Messi, Haaland, Mbappe headline a potent attack

Leading the line with an exceptional WhoScored rating of 9.00 is Argentina’s Lionel Messi. The veteran forward has been instrumental for his nation, registering an incredible eight goals and one assist this summer. Only two of Argentina’s goals in the tournament have come without Messi’s direct involvement, and he also made history by becoming the first player, male or female, to reach 20 career World Cup goals.

Flanking Messi are two of football’s most electrifying strikers. Norway’s Erling Haaland earns his spot with a rating of 8.53, having scored seven goals in just four matches, powering his country to a quarter-final appearance. France’s Kylian Mbappe, rated 8.46, matches Haaland’s seven-goal tally in five games, adding two assists to his impressive haul. Both Haaland and Mbappe are firmly in the conversation for this year’s Ballon d’Or, and their goal-scoring duel is a compelling subplot of the tournament.

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Brazil’s Vinicius Jr, with a rating of 7.90, occupies the right midfield position, having contributed to five goals across six matches before Brazil’s campaign ended against Norway.

Midfield maestros and defensive solidity

The central midfield features two young stars who have commanded attention. Germany’s Florian Wirtz, a Liverpool signing for over £100 million last season, earns a 7.85 rating. Despite Germany’s shock Round of 32 exit to Paraguay, Wirtz led all midfielders with 12 key passes and was second with three assists. Alongside him is England’s Jude Bellingham, the sole English representative in the XI, with a rating of 7.89. Bellingham scored a brace against Mexico and demonstrated his attacking prowess with 28 touches in the opposition box.

The defensive unit is anchored by a strong Spanish contingent, reflecting Spain’s remarkable run of five consecutive matches without conceding a single goal. Pedro Porro, rated 8.00, takes the right-back spot after scoring a goal, making six clearances, winning six tackles, and recording four interceptions in three games. Aymeric Laporte, with a 7.37 rating, is one of the centre-backs, having made 20 clearances and won 10 contests. Only three players across the entire tournament have made more interceptions than Laporte. Partnering him is Argentina’s Lisandro Martinez, rated 7.66, who contributed a goal and an assist, made 24 clearances, and helped Argentina keep two clean sheets.

Portugal’s Nuno Mendes, who plays for PSG, completes the backline at left-back with a rating of 7.26.

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Between the posts, Iran’s Alireza Beiranvand stands out with a 7.66 rating. He made 15 saves across his World Cup appearances, 11 of which came from inside the box. His performance against Belgium included seven saves (all inside the box) and three high claims, contributing to a clean sheet.

Notable omissions and underdog stories

While the statistical XI showcases outstanding individual displays, some notable players miss out, including England captain Harry Kane and promising winger Michael Olise. Spain’s new Real Madrid signing Marc Cucurella was also perhaps unfortunate not to make the defensive cut, according to GiveMeSport.

Beyond the star-studded lineup, the tournament has also seen incredible underdog performances, with Cape Verde making a memorable run that saw them go toe-to-toe with Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the Round of 32, adding to the rich tapestry of this World Cup.

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