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The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its closing stages. After five weeks of spectacular football filled with drama and emotion, only two matches remain in what has been a memorable tournament.

Spain and Argentina are set to meet in the final at New Jersey on Sunday, after overcoming France and England respectively in the semi-finals.

European champions Spain were exceptional in dismantling France’s attacking threat, while Lionel Messi’s Argentina produced another remarkable comeback, scoring twice in eight minutes to defeat a heartbroken England 2-1 on Wednesday. The Albiceleste are now chasing a second consecutive world title.

Meanwhile, France and England will battle it out in the third-place playoff later tonight — a match no one truly desires to play. But after reflecting on the 102 games so far, here’s our selection of the standout performers, arranged in a 4-3-3 formation.

Here is The Independent’s World Cup Team of the Tournament.

Vozinha (Cape Verde) – A shining example of how the World Cup can transform careers, even for players from smaller nations. The 40-year-old goalkeeper kept a clean sheet against Spain in Cape Verde’s debut match and later gained a massive following of 17 million on social media after his heroic performances. He made eight crucial saves during his team’s dramatic extra-time defeat to Argentina in the last 32. A true inspiration.

Pedro Porro (Spain) – Since establishing himself as a starter in the knockout rounds, the Tottenham full-back has been outstanding. He opened his international goal account against Austria and later finished off the move that produced the “team goal” of the tournament in the semi-final victory over France. His partnership with Lamine Yamal down the right flank has been Spain’s most electric attacking outlet.

Dayot Upamecano (France) – The French centre-back was commanding throughout, especially during the last-32 clash with Sweden. Quick, powerful, and precise with his passing, Upamecano was crucial in France’s defensive shutouts against Sweden, Paraguay, and Morocco.

Aymeric Laporte (Spain) – Alongside Barcelona prodigy Pau Cubarsi, Laporte has been exceptional. Calm in possession and difficult to beat without the ball, he has conceded only one goal across the tournament and made numerous key interventions to keep La Roja’s defence watertight.

Marc Cucurella (Spain) – A completely different player when representing his country compared to his club form with Chelsea. For Spain, Cucurella has been dynamic, combining attacking energy with defensive discipline, dominating the left flank throughout the tournament.

Rodri (Spain) – The Spanish captain has anchored a formidable defence that has conceded just one goal in seven matches. His leadership and composure have been instrumental in Spain’s success. If he lifts the World Cup trophy on Sunday, the Manchester City midfielder could be in contention for a second Ballon d’Or.

Enzo Fernandez (Argentina) – Building on his breakout performance from Qatar 2022, Fernandez has continued to shine on the biggest stage. The Chelsea midfielder scored a stunning header to seal Argentina’s comeback win over Egypt and netted a long-range equaliser against England. One more defining moment could await him in the final.

Jude Bellingham (England) – Bellingham made his mark early with a sensational solo goal against Croatia. He finished the tournament with six goals, including two match-winning braces against Mexico and Norway. His powerful run and finish against Norway stand out as one of the tournament’s finest moments. Unfortunately, he was unable to make an impact in the semi-final loss to Argentina.

Kylian Mbappe (France) – In his third World Cup, the 27-year-old once again dazzled. Mbappe’s goals have been breathtaking: a long-range strike against Senegal, a brilliant solo finish versus Sweden, and a curling masterpiece against Morocco. With eight goals so far and the bronze match still to come, he is on the verge of securing a second consecutive Golden Boot.

Lionel Messi (Argentina) – At 39, Argentina’s legendary captain continues to defy expectations. After scoring his first-ever World Cup hat-trick in the opener against Algeria, he remained influential throughout, providing two assists in the semi-final. With the Golden Ball all but assured for a record third time, a second World Cup title would be the crowning glory of Messi’s illustrious career.

Erling Haaland (Norway) – The Norwegian striker led his nation to their best-ever World Cup run, reaching the quarter-finals. He started strongly with a brace against Iraq and produced a memorable double against Brazil — a towering header followed by a precise long-range strike. His quiet performance in the quarter-final against England was the only blemish on an otherwise superb campaign.

Richard Jolly, Senior Football Correspondent – Vozinha; Porro, Upamecano, Cubarsi, Nuno Mendes; Rodri, Fernandez; Messi, Bellingham; Mbappe, Haaland.

Jack Rathborn, Sports Editor – Beiranvand; Porro, Cubarsi, Lisandro Martinez, Cucurella; Bellingham, Rodri, Olmo; Messi, Haaland, Mbappe.

Kieran Jackson, Senior Sports Writer – Vozinha; Porro, Saliba, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fernandez, Bellingham; Mbappe, Messi, Haaland.

Will Castle, Sports Reporter – Simon; Porro, Upamecano, Laporte, Nuno Mendes; Rodri, Fernandez, Bellingham; Messi, Haaland, Mbappe.

Alex Pattle, Sports Reporter – Vozinha; Porro, Upamecano, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fernandez, Bellingham; Messi, Oyarzabal, Mbappe.