World Cup 2026 Best XI After Week One — Our Team of the Tournament

World Cup 2026 Best XI — After Week One

One week into World Cup 2026 and we have seen enough to build a preliminary Team of the Tournament. These are the players who have impressed most — based on performance, not reputation.

Our Best XI (4-3-3)

GK: Yassine Bounou (Morocco) — Saved twice brilliantly against Brazil before a collision injury. When fit, arguably the tournament best goalkeeper.

RB: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) — Dominant on the right. His overlapping runs and defensive work against Brazil were elite.

CB: William Saliba (France) — Composed, commanding, excellent on the ball in France second-half performance.

CB: Cristian Romero (Argentina) — Organizes Argentina defence brilliantly. Essential to their defensive solidity.

LB: Theo Hernandez (France) — Attacking threat from left-back. His forward runs created problems for Senegal in the second half.

CM: Ayoub Bouaddi (Morocco) — The player of the tournament so far. 91% passing, 9 duels won vs Brazil. Extraordinary.

CM: Jude Bellingham (England) — Based on performance and potential impact. England opener is today — his performance will confirm or challenge this selection.

CM: Julian Alvarez (Argentina) — Relentless pressing, intelligent movement, and a goal contribution against Algeria.

RW: Nestory Irankunda (Australia) — Goal of the tournament so far against Turkey. 19 years old.

ST: Messi (Argentina) — Hat-trick. 16 goals. The record equalled. Non-negotiable selection.

LW: Vinicius Jr. (Brazil) — His goal against Morocco was world-class even in a drawing performance.