{"id":39206,"date":"2026-07-23T05:50:44","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T00:20:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/banitoday.com\/tois-xi-the-stars-who-lit-up-the-fifa-world-cup-2026-football-news\/"},"modified":"2026-07-23T05:50:44","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T00:20:44","slug":"tois-xi-the-stars-who-lit-up-the-fifa-world-cup-2026-football-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/banitoday.com\/hi\/tois-xi-the-stars-who-lit-up-the-fifa-world-cup-2026-football-news\/","title":{"rendered":"TOI’s XI: The stars who lit up the FIFA World Cup 2026 | Football News"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The North American odyssey is over. Here are the stars who put their best foot forward.Pedro Porro (ESP, Defender)<\/span> One of the tournament\u2019s most attack-minded full-backs, Porro has balanced defensive discipline with constant overlapping runs. His accurate deliveries and relentless energy have given Spain width, while his recovery pace has helped neutralise dangerous wingers in the knockout games.Cristian Romero (ARG, Defender) <\/span>Romero has been Argentina\u2019s defensive warrior, combining aggression with intelligent positioning. The centre-back has thrived in highpressure knockout matches, making crucial interceptions and blocks while providing the steel behind Lionel Scaloni\u2019s side as they played another World Cup final.Unai Simon (ESP, Goalkeeper) <\/span>Spain\u2019s last line of defence has been calmness personified throughout the tournament. Sim\u00f3n has produced crucial saves in the knockout rounds while commanding a backline that has conceded just once. His composure, positioning and distribution have been instrumental in Spain\u2019s march to the title.Pau Cubarsi (ESP, Defender)<\/span> Still only a teenager, Cubarsi has played with remarkable maturity on the biggest stage. Calm under pressure and dominant in one-onone situations, the Barcelona defender has marshalled Spain\u2019s defence with authority, helping champions La Roja boast the tournament\u2019s stingiest backline.Marc Cucurella (ESP, Defender)<\/span> Has enjoyed outstanding World Cup, shutting down elite attackers while contributing in possession. Tireless up and down the left flank, he has combined defensive resilience with attacking support, earning widespread praise as one of Spain\u2019s most consistent performers.Michael Olise (FRA, Attacking midfielder)<\/span> Olise has emerged as France\u2019s chief creator, dazzling with his dribbling, vision and precise final ball. His creativity has unlocked stubborn defences repeatedly, making him one of the tournament\u2019s standout playmakers despite Les Bleus missing out on another World Cup final.Rodri (ESP, Midfielder)<\/span> The heartbeat of Spain\u2019s midfield, Rodri has dictated the tempo with supreme composure. His interceptions, passing range and tactical intelligence have allowed Spain to dominate possession throughout. He has once again showed why he remains among football\u2019s finest holding midfielders. He won the Golden Ball. Jude Bellingham (ENG, Attacking midfielder)<\/span> England\u2019s driving force in midfield, Bellingham has mixed elegance with relentless intensity. He has chipped in with vital goals, created chances and controlled games with maturity beyond his years, standing out despite England falling short of the World Cup final.Lionel Messi<\/span> (ARG, Forward) <\/span>At 39, Messi continues to redefine greatness. The Argentine captain has led from the front with decisive goals, assists and moments of brilliance, inspiring his side into a second successive World Cup final. His vision, composure and leadership have once again made him the game\u2019s gold standard.Erling Haaland (NOR, Striker) <\/span>Haaland announced Norway\u2019s arrival among world football\u2019s elite with a sensational tournament. His physical dominance, clinical finishing and relentless movement powered Norway into the quarterfinals. He staked his claim as the game\u2019s leading marksman and the best in the No. 9 position.Kylian Mbappe<\/span> (FRA, Forward) <\/span>France\u2019s biggest attacking threat once again, Mbappe has combined explosive pace with ruthless finishing till the semifinal. Whether scoring or creating, he has tormented defenders in every round and claimed the Golden Boot despite France\u2019s semifinal exit.Coach Luis de la Fuente SPAIN<\/span> Masterminded Spain\u2019s triumphant campaign with a fluid possession game, relentless highpressing and collective discipline. Having nurtured many players through Spain\u2019s youth ranks, he built a cohesive unit that outplayed every opponent, proving once again that the strength of the team outweighed individual brilliance.SUBSTITUTES <\/span>Goalkeeper Defenders Forwards VOZINHA (CPV) ENZO FERNANDEZ (ARG) WILLIAM SALIBA (FRA) DANI OLMO (ESP) ACHRAF HAKIMI (MAR) MIKEL MERINO (ESP) HARRY KANE (ENG)<\/div>\n


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The North American odyssey is over. Here are the stars who put their best foot forward.Pedro Porro (ESP, Defender) One of the tournament\u2019s most attack-minded full-backs, Porro has balanced defensive discipline with constant overlapping runs. His accurate deliveries and relentless energy have given Spain width, while his recovery pace has helped neutralise dangerous wingers in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":39207,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[263],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-39206","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-sports"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t