The 2026 World Cup ultimate XI

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is around the corner as 48 countries battle it out for the top honor in international football.

The expanded tournament takes place in North America with Canada, Mexico and the United States co-hosting the competition. The storylines this summer are endless, whether it’s a potential clash between Lionel Messi’s Argentina and Lamine Yamal’s Spain, one final showdown between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe’s quest for a second World Cup in three tries and more.

The powerhouses on paper are clear: reigning champions Argentina, Euro champions Spain, England and France are the favorites. Across other top countries like Brazil, Germany and Portugal, to name a few, the star power on display is unprecedented.

Some countries might have star-studded lineups themselves, but who makes the ultimate XI across the entire field?

SB Nation spoke with former Barcelona midfielder and TUDN broadcaster Marc Crosas earlier in May to try and nail down which 11 players make the cut.

Overall, Crosas chose stars from six different countries.

Most wouldn’t argue with the majority of Crosas’s selections. At the back, PSG’s dynamic duo of Hakimi and Mendes is considered the best in the world currently at the club level. Slotting them in here creates a scary pair that can defend with poise, but also bomb forward in attack. Arsenal’s Saliba has been one of the best defenders in the world guiding Arsenal to the Premier League trophy this season.

Romero, while perhaps a puzzling inclusion given Tottenham’s near-catastrophic season avoiding relegation on the final day of the Premier League season, has proven to be one of the best defenders in the world at times. If there’s a knock against him, it’s his lack of discipline.For Argentina, there’s an argument to be made he’s a different player. He was a key piece during the 2022 Qatar World Cup as Argentina lifted the trophy over France in the final. Some might prefer one of Brazil’s Gabriel or Marquinhos, even an aging Virgil van Dijk for the Netherlands, but regardless that’s a feared defense that can hurt you on and off the ball.

In midfield, Fermin’s inclusion came off the back of a strong season for Barcelona. One that Crosas said could’ve positioned him as a standout in Spain’s midfield this summer. Though, a foot injury and subsequent surgery saw him miss out on the squad. Pairing Rice and Vitinha together is a no-brainer. Given both players’ attributes and form over the season they are poised for big tournaments. For replacing Fermin, Joao Neves from Portugal makes perfect sense for ultimate control.

For a more attacking option, Bruno Fernandes off the back of breaking the Premier League’s record for most assists in a season (21) is the undisputed option.

Finally, in attack, Yamal remains the most exciting young player in the world. Widely considered the heir to Messi’s throne, the 18-year-old has the chance to cement his status if Spain win the tournament. Messi, while out of position on the left, has to be in there for Crosas too. He even added the caveat that he’d play in a free role. No matter his age, fitness, or the competition around him, Messi is still Messi.

Leading the line is France and Real Madrid star Mbappe. Despite back-to-back underwhelming seasons by Madrid’s standards, Mbappe remains one of the best players in the world. He still scores goals at an alarming rate and has done more than enough to establish himself as a superstar for his country. England’s Harry Kane might be others’ cup of tea, but Crosas is sticking with Mbappe.

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