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FIFA announces 2026 World Cup Best XI, excludes Barcelona's Pau Cubarsi

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 22, 2026, 4:55 PM

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

FIFA announces 2026 World Cup Best XI, excludes Barcelona's Pau Cubarsi

Summary

FIFA released the Team of the Tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While several top performers were included, the exclusion of Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi sparked controversy. Cubarsi played a key role in Spain's defense, helping the team concede only one goal throughout the tournament. His partner, Aymeric Laporte, was also left out, despite their strong performances. Instead, Dayot Upamecano and Lisandro Martinez were named as the central defenders in the Best XI. Cubarsi was honored with the Best Young Player award, further highlighting the perceived inconsistency in FIFA's choices.

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By the Numbers

•FIFA announced the 2026 World Cup Best XI on July 22, 2026.
•Pau Cubarsi helped Spain concede only one goal in the tournament.
•Cubarsi received the Best Young Player award after the final.
•Dayot Upamecano and Lisandro Martinez were selected as center-backs.
•No Barcelona players were included in the Best XI.

Latest Updates

4:55 PMYahoo Sports — Barcelona defender inexplicably left out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Best XI

What they're saying

"
Earlier today, FIFA officially released their World Cup Team of the Tournament, and the announcement has got fans on social media excited.Several of the tournament’s top performers have been rightfu...
— Yahoo Sports

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