The North American odyssey is over. Here are the stars who put their best foot forward.Pedro Porro (ESP, Defender) One of the most attacking defenders in the tournament, Porro has a balanced defensive discipline with constant overlapping runs. His accurate deliveries and relentless energy gave Spain width, while his recovery pace helped neutralize dangerous wings in the knockout games.Cristian Romero (ARG, Defender) Romero has been Argentina’s defensive warrior, combining aggression with intelligent positioning. The centre-back thrived in high-pressure knockout games, making crucial interceptions and blocks while providing the steel behind Lionel Scaloni’s side as they played in another World Cup final.Unai Simon (ESP, goalkeeper) Spain’s last line of defense has been calmness personified throughout the tournament. Simón produced crucial saves in the knockout rounds while commanding a backline that conceded just once. His composition, positioning and distribution were instrumental in Spain’s march to the title.Pau Cubarsi (ESP, Defender) Still only a teenager, Cubarsi played with remarkable maturity on the biggest stage. Calm under pressure and dominant in one-on-one situations, the Barcelona defender held the Spanish defense together with authority, helping champions La Roja boast the stingiest line of the tournament.Marc Cucurella (ESP, Defender) He enjoyed an outstanding World Cup, shutting down elite strikers while contributing in possession. Tireless up and down the left flank, he combined defensive resilience with attacking support, earning widespread praise as one of Spain’s most consistent performers.Michael Olise (FRA, Offensive Midfielder) Olise has emerged as France’s main creator, dazzling with his dribbling, vision and precise finishing. His creativity has repeatedly unlocked stubborn defences, making him one of the tournament’s protagonists, despite Les Bleus missing out on another World Cup final.Rodri (ESP, Midfielder) The heartbeat of Spain’s midfield, Rodri dictated the pace with supreme composure. His interceptions, passing range and tactical intelligence allowed Spain to dominate possession throughout. He showed once again why he remains among the best midfielders in football. He won the Golden Ball. Jude Bellingham (ENG, Attacking Midfielder) England’s driving force in midfield, Bellingham mixed elegance with relentless intensity. He has scored vital goals, created chances and controlled games with maturity beyond his years, which stands out despite England not being in the World Cup finals.Lionel Messi (ARG, forward) At 39, Messi continues to redefine greatness. The Argentina captain led from the front with decisive goals, assists and moments of brilliance, inspiring his team to a second consecutive World Cup final. His vision, composure and leadership have once again made the game the gold standard.Erling Haaland (NOR, Forward) Haaland announced Norway’s arrival among world football’s elite with a sensational tournament. His physical dominance, clinical finishing and relentless movement took Norway to the quarter-finals. He has staked his claim as the game’s leading scorer and the best in the No. 9 positions.Kylian Mbappé (FRA, Front) France’s biggest attacking threat once again, Mbappe combined explosive pace with ruthless finishing all the way to the semi-finals. Whether scoring or creating, he tormented defenders at every turn and claimed the Golden Boot despite France’s semi-final exit.Coach Luis de la Fuente SPAIN Mastered Spain’s triumphant campaign with fluid possession play, relentless high pressing and collective discipline. Having nurtured several players through Spain’s youth ranks, he built a cohesive unit that overcame any opponent, proving time and time again that team strength outweighed individual brilliance.SUBSTITUTES Goalkeeper Defenders Forwards VOZINHA (CPV) ENZO FERNANDEZ (ARG) WILLIAM SALIBA (FRA) DANI OLMO (ESP) ACHRAF HAKIMI (MAR) MIKEL MERINO (ESP) HARRY KANE (ENG)
