PHILADELPHIA — With the group stage behind us, we’ve completed 72 matches (with 32 still to come!) and narrowed the field from 48 teams down to 32.
It’s as though we’re entering an entirely new World Cup phase, featuring as many teams as traditional tournaments we’ve known for years. The key distinction now is that it’s a mano a mano scenario—win or be eliminated—with zero margin for mistakes.
Some might find it ridiculous that we’ve played 70% of the matches just to eliminate one-third of the teams. Personally, I love football, so I reveled in it.
The tournament has delivered not only quality alongside quantity but also has brought us drama and intensity (so much for the concerns that a congested club season would wear down the players). For the most part, the atmosphere has been positive, with a few exceptions. We’ve seen unexpected outcomes, such as teams like Cape Verde, DR Congo, and South Africa advancing, while favorites like Uruguay, South Korea, and Türkiye are heading home earlier than expected.
And of course, the stars have been dazzling—whether it’s record-setting veterans like Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored in six consecutive World Cups, and Lionel Messi, who has surpassed Miroslav Klose’s record, or the promising next-gen players like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, alongside the Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé and the player who felt he should have won it, Vinícius Júnior.
– World Cup match schedule: All fixtures, results, features
– World Cup Power Rankings: Who’s No. 1 after group stage?
– O’Hanlon: Grades for every eliminated team
Selecting a best XI from the group stage is no simple task. It’s largely subjective, rooted in memorable moments, and essential to ensure the chosen players were effective within a team sport—quality does not equate to results.
With all this considered, here’s my attempt at crafting a (admittedly top-heavy) best XI. Feel free to disagree.
Belgium has struggled in this tournament, yet he makes the cut as arguably the world’s best. Without his crucial saves against Egypt and Iran, Belgium’s tournament might have been over.
Honorable mentions: Vozinha (Cape Verde), Zion Suzuki (Japan), Dominik Livakovic (Croatia), Alisson (Brazil), Eloy Room (Curacao)
Known as the “Roadrunner,” he may not be the most technically skilled player, but his relentless energy is unmatched whether he’s advancing or defending. His two pivotal goals (even if one was deflected) had a significant impact.
Honorable mentions: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Alex Freeman (United States), Denzel Dumfries (Netherlands)
Center Backs: Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands) and Pau Cubarsí (Spain)
The duo combines experience and youth. Van Dijk’s leadership has been vital after a tough season with Liverpool. He offered stability to the Oranje while also contributing with a goal, a rarity for a side known for inconsistency.
Cubarsi, at just 19, has been a constant presence, trusted to play every minute of every match without any missteps.
Honorable mentions: Marc Guéhi (England), Chris Richards (United States), Gabriel (Brazil), Dayot Upamecano (France), Chancel Mbemba (DR Congo), Wilfrid Singo (Ivory Coast), Cristian Romero (Argentina)
This player has been a reliable performer for Spain, consistently creating issues for opponents. While it hasn’t been a standout World Cup for left backs, he earns my selection due to his reliability and constant presence on the field (yes, his hair might help).
Honorable mentions: Nathaniel Brown (Germany), Antonee Robinson (United States), Ghislain Konan (Ivory Coast), Ricardo Rodríguez (Switzerland)
In Brazil’s disappointing opener, Bruno Guimaraes was among the few bright spots. His dynamism is what keeps the Selecao’s occasionally sluggish midfield functioning.
Rice has logged an extraordinary amount of minutes over the past season, yet he continues to perform at a high level. He is physically imposing, but his tactical awareness sets him apart as one of the smartest players on the pitch.
Honorable mentions: Felix Nmecha (Germany), Weston McKennie (United States), Maza (Algeria), Johan Mazambi (Switzerland), Elijah Just (New Zealand)
Wingers: Vinicius Junior (Brazil) and Michael Olise (France)
While I prefer Olise in the No. 10 role, his versatility allows him to excel anywhere on the field. He displays remarkable composure, rarely errs, and possesses a 360-degree vision paired with impressive precision in his passes.
As for Vinicius, he has silenced many critics, myself included, by showcasing a different side of his game this World Cup. As the tournament progressed, he has demonstrated growth and maturity, stepping up in Raphinha’s absence to enhance Brazil’s attacking edge.
Honorable mentions: Ousmane Dembele (France), Luis Díaz (Colombia), Keito Nakamura (Japan), Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast), Julián Quiñones (Mexico)
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Argentina) and Kylian Mbappé (France)
There’s unlikely to be much disagreement regarding this pair. Sure, Messi missed a penalty, but he’s the leading scorer of this World Cup and of all time—men’s and women’s. Argentina is firing on all cylinders with him as the playmaker.
Mbappé has shown moments of brilliance, and after narrowly missing out on the World Cup title four years ago, he’s determined to seize this opportunity. Every time he receives the ball, the tension is palpable.
Honorable mentions: Matheus Cunha (Brazil), Erling Haaland (Norway), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Yoanne Wissa (DR Congo), Harry Kane (England)