The World Cup group phase is now completed with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe shining for Argentina and France while minnows have made names for themselves
Lionel Messi already has six goals to his name at the 2026 World Cup(Image: (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images))
There is no time to catch your breath, the knockout stages will soon be in full flow, but there has already been some sensational football at this World Cup, produced by sensational players.
Hereâs my Best Eleven from the group phase and, sorry, it has to be a loose 4-4-2 formation because Iâm getting Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland in.
Goalkeeper
Vozinha – Cape Verde
Not just the number one keeper for the tournamentâs all-star team so far, but the number one for individual achievement.
The 40-year-old made seven saves against Spain in Cape Verde âs opening match and produced another clean sheet against Saudi Arabia.
To give him his full name, Josimar âVozinhaâ Dias has been central to one of THE feelgood narratives, which will continue when he comes up against Lionel Messi and co.
Vozinha became a World Cup hero against Spain(Image: Getty Images)
Defenders
Denzel Dumfries – Netherlands
Has not been foot-perfect but the right-back, whose move to Real Madrid will be confirmed on July 1, has been a key player in a very encouraging Netherlands group campaign. He has always been under-rated but looks to be coming into prime form at the right time.
Pau Cubarsi – Spain
Their defenders are so often overlooked but they are key to the way Spanish play. There was a temptation to read too much into the opening draw with Cape Verde but that was the first of three clean sheets in the group stages. It is true their attacking unit has not clicked yet but they have been pretty flawless at the back and Barcelona âs Cubarsi – quickly establishing himself as one of the world âs best central defenders – has a lot to do with that.
Marc Guehi – England
Was surprisingly left out of Englandâs opening game against Croatia but was quickly recalled and has been rock-solid for Thomas Tuchel in the games against Ghana and Croatia. Bigger tests will lie ahead for the Manchester City centre-half but he will surely stay in the team and be key to Englandâs performance against DR Congo and their progress in the rest of the tournament.
England have earned back-to-back clean sheets since being recalled(Image: AFP or licensors)
Keito Nakamura – Japan
Japan have impressed with their dynamism and adventure, even though they are missing a couple of key players and Nakamura – who plies his trade in the French second division for Reims – has been typical of their vibrant approach. Nominally a left-back, he is predominantly attack-minded and scored Japanâs opening goal of the tournament, against the Netherlands.
Midfielders
Pedro Vite – Ecuador
One of the games of the first phase was Ecuador âs dramatic win over Germany which earned them a spot in the round of 32. Ecuador have won admirers for their bullish, exuberant, full-blooded approach to the tournament and central midfielder Pedro Vite is an emblem of that approach. Hard-working but creative, his passion and technique was key to Ecuadorâs progress.
Ayyoub Bouaddi – Morocco
He was one of the most talked-about teenagers coming into the tournament and the 18-year-old has delivered in style, his performances against Brazil and Scotland showing a maturity way beyond his years. He only declared for Morocco a month or so ahead of the World Cup – he could have played for France – and he will be one of the most sought-after players in club football this summer.
Jude Bellingham – England
A spot of English bias, for sure, but Bellingham is reminding everyone what he is all about. Aggressive – sometimes too aggressive – and physical, he makes his mark on midfield battles from the very first whistle. England fans say Harry Kane needs to perform for England to succeed but Bellingham is equally important.
Jude Bellingham has been in imperious form for England(Image: Jose Breton/NurPhoto/Shutterstock)
Forwards
Lionel Messi – Argentina
What can you say? Having been at every one of his games at World Cup 2022, I can honestly say a 39-year-old Messi is playing better than a 35-year-old Messi. The move to the MLS has suited him perfectly, he looks in fantastic condition and his game-intelligence is off the charts.
He looks like creating something or doing something special every time he takes possession. Truly remarkable.
Kylian Mbappe – France
He leads this sensational French team with a swashbuckling panache and his pace, directness and striking power are joys to watch. He does not help himself at times but Mbappe truly is a generational talent.
Kylian Mbappe has been in sparkling form for France(Image: Getty Images)
The worrying thing for opponents of the French is that Mbappe scored four in the group stages and looked as though he had a couple of gears to go through.
Erling Haaland – Norway
Considering it is his first World Cup, Haalandâs return of four goals in two games should not be taken lightly, even though it is what we expect of him. The goals have not been classics either but you just know what you are going to get with Haaland – elite finishing of the highest order.
He has been around for a good while but is becoming a better all-round player.
