FIFA unveils World Cup Dream XI after global fan vote
FIFA has revealed its official Dream XI for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a selection based on a global fan vote. The team highlights top performers from the tournament held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While Spain, France, and Argentina, all semi-finalists, have multiple players in the XI, England, which finished third, has one representative.
Jude Bellingham is the sole England player to be included in the Dream XI. His selection follows a strong tournament performance for the Real Madrid midfielder. Bellingham scored seven goals, which is the highest tally ever for an England player in a single FIFA World Cup, contributing to England’s best finish since 1966.
Despite other notable performances from England players, such as Bukayo Saka’s hat-trick against France and Declan Rice’s display in the third-place play-off, Bellingham was the only English player voted into the final XI.
Dominant Nations in the Dream XI
Spain, the tournament champions, have three players in the Dream XI. Captain Rodri, who also received the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, anchors the midfield. He is joined by full-backs Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro. Spain completed an unbeaten tournament, defeating Argentina in the final.
France, who finished fourth, also contributed three players to the Dream XI. Kylian Mbappé, the Golden Boot winner with 10 goals, is on the right side of the attack. He became the first player to win the World Cup Golden Boot twice and broke Lionel Messi’s all-time World Cup scoring record with 22 career goals. Michael Olise secured a midfield spot, having recorded seven assists, the most by a player in a single FIFA World Cup. Dayot Upamecano is included in central defence.
Argentina, the beaten finalists, have two players in the XI. Lionel Messi, who scored eight goals and provided four assists, features on the left wing. Defender Lisandro Martínez partners Upamecano in defence.
Surprise Goalkeeper Selection and Other Key Players
The goalkeeper spot in the Dream XI went to Cape Verde’s veteran Vozinha, a notable surprise given that Unai Simón won the Golden Glove. Vozinha, at 40 years old, became a breakout star during Cape Verde’s run to the Round of 32. He kept clean sheets against Spain and Saudi Arabia, made 18 saves, and outperformed his expected goals against figure by 0.9. His performances led to a significant increase in his social media following, reportedly surging to 29.5 million followers by the end of the World Cup from approximately 50,000 at the start of the tournament.
Completing the front three is Norway striker Erling Haaland. Haaland made his World Cup debut by helping his country reach their first-ever quarter-final appearance, scoring seven goals during the tournament. The Dream XI was announced following the conclusion of the individual honours for the tournament.
Other individual awards included Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé receiving the Silver Ball and Bronze Ball, respectively. Unai Simón of Spain was awarded the Golden Glove after conceding only one goal in eight matches. Pau Cubarsí collected the FIFA Young Player Award, and the Netherlands received the FIFA Fair Play Award.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
