Spain dominate fans’ 2026 World Cup XI as Cape Verde keeper Vozinha pulls off shock vote win

Spain have claimed three places in FIFA’s official fans’ Team of the Tournament for the 2026 World Cup – but it was Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha who produced the biggest surprise by topping the vote for best goalkeeper.

The all-star XI, chosen by supporters on world football’s governing body’s website in partnership with official sponsor Aramco, underlines Spain’s resurgence on the global stage after they lifted the World Cup for only the second time in their history.

Spain echo golden generation with three picks

Right-back Pedro Porro, left-back Marc Cucurella and midfielder Rodri all made the cut after standout campaigns in a tournament Spain went on to win.

Spanish daily AS said the result inevitably evoked memories of South Africa 2010, when five members of La Roja’s golden generation were named in the official team of the tournament: Sergio Ramos, Carles Puyol, Joan Capdevila, Sergio Busquets and David Villa.

This time, Spain share top billing with France, who also supply three players to the fans’ XI.

Despite their triumph, there was some debate in Spain over the omissions of young defender Pau Cubarsi and experienced centre-back Aymeric Laporte, both of whom had impressed during the finals. However, Porro and Cucurella emerged as the two most-voted defenders in their positions, according to the results.

There was no dispute over Rodri’s inclusion. The Spain midfielder, who was officially named player of the tournament, lines up in the selected midfield alongside England’s Jude Bellingham and France’s Michael Olise – the latter finishing the World Cup with the highest number of assists.

Vozinha beats Golden Glove winner

The headline shock came in goal, where Cape Verde’s Vozinha was voted the best goalkeeper of the tournament by fans.

He secured close to 40% of the votes, beating Spain’s Unai Simon, who had been awarded FIFA’s official Golden Glove for his performances at the finals.

Vozinha’s selection underscores the impact of Cape Verde’s campaign and highlights how the fans’ view can diverge sharply from official awards.

No players from Arab national teams – all of whom exited before the latter stages – made it into the supporters’ XI.

Star forwards lead global vote

In attack, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi formed a predictably star-studded front three and dominated voting.

The trio each collected more than 20% of the vote for their positions, with Mbappe finishing as the single most-backed player overall.

England captain Harry Kane, despite being among the highest individual vote-getters, ultimately missed out on a place in the final XI, underlining the intense competition for attacking roles in the line-up.

France’s influence on the side is completed by centre-back Dayot Upamecano and Olise in midfield, meaning Les Bleus match Spain’s total of three representatives.

Argentina, the 2022 champions, are represented by defender Lisandro Martinez and Messi, while Norway’s Haaland ensures a spread of nationalities in the attacking positions.

How fans’ team of the World Cup 2026 lines up

The fans’ World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament selected via FIFA’s official online vote is:

Goalkeeper:
Vozinha (Cape Verde)

Defence:
Pedro Porro (Spain), Lisandro Martinez (Argentina), Dayot Upamecano (France), Marc Cucurella (Spain)

Midfield:
Rodri (Spain), Michael Olise (France), Jude Bellingham (England)

Attack:
Kylian Mbappe (France), Erling Haaland (Norway), Lionel Messi (Argentina)

The online ballot, open to supporters worldwide through FIFA’s website, was run in collaboration with sponsor Aramco before the final line-up was confirmed and released.