2026 World Cup: Portuguese Player Nominated for Best XI; Spain Outraged

FIFA has opened voting for fans to select their ultimate XI from the 2026 World Cup, aiming to crown the best team of the tournament that saw Spain lift the trophy. Among the 28 players chosen by FIFA across various positions, only one Portuguese player, Nuno Mendes, made the cut.

The national team's left-back was an undisputed starter in all five of Portugal's matches, scoring a direct free-kick against Uzbekistan. He nearly added another against Spain, but his shot was deflected by Pedro Porro onto the crossbar before he was forced off with an injury.

Beyond the PSG player, Vozinha's inclusion among the nominees for best goalkeeper stands out. The 40-year-old veteran became a global sensation with his performances against Spain and Argentina. He's vying for a spot in the XI alongside Unai Simón, Dibu Martínez, Jordan Pickford, and, surprisingly, Eloy Room, the Curaçao goalkeeper who made a record 15 saves against Ecuador in a non-extra-time World Cup match.

In the defensive selections, the omissions of Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte are particularly surprising. Spain's center-backs were crucial to their team's overall play, both with and without the ball, conceding only one goal (against Belgium) throughout the entire World Cup.

"Incomprehensible," writes Mundo Deportivo regarding the snub, highlighting that Cubarsí was even named the tournament's best young player by FIFA itself. "They were two of the most outstanding defenders in the competition," the newspaper added.

The central defenders who were nominated for the best XI include Lisandro Martínez, Cristian Romero, Gabriel Magalhães, Dayot Upamecano, and Virgil van Dijk.

Voting for the best XI closes at 11:59 PM this Tuesday and can be done HERE.