World Cup 2026 Quarter-Finals Best XI Revealed as Messi, Mbappé and Bellingham Shine goodnewstv01
Several of football's biggest stars earned their place in the lineup, including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Rodri, and Thibaut Courtois. The selection also highlights the impressive performances of players from France, Argentina, Norway, England, Belgium, and Spain, reflecting the quality displayed by these nations as the tournament enters its decisive stage.
With only four teams remaining in the competition, the World Cup has reached a point where every performance matters. The quarter-finals showcased tactical discipline, attacking brilliance, defensive resilience, and moments of individual magic that ultimately shaped SofaScore's Team of the Round.
Background
The FIFA World Cup 2026, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has been one of the most competitive tournaments in recent history. The expanded format has given more nations the opportunity to compete, while also producing thrilling knockout matches filled with drama and high-quality football.
As the competition moves closer to the final, statistical performance has become increasingly important. Platforms like SofaScore evaluate players using multiple factors, including successful passes, tackles, interceptions, shots, goals, assists, dribbles, defensive actions, and overall influence on matches.
The quarter-finals featured several closely contested encounters where individual brilliance often proved to be the difference between victory and elimination.
SofaScore's Quarter-Finals Best XI
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois (Belgium)
Belgium's experienced goalkeeper earned his place after producing several outstanding saves during the quarter-finals. Courtois once again demonstrated why he remains one of the world's finest goalkeepers by commanding his penalty area, organizing his defense, and making crucial stops under pressure.
Defenders
Dayot Upamecano (France)
Upamecano delivered one of his strongest defensive performances of the tournament. The French centre-back dominated aerial duels, made timely interceptions, and prevented dangerous attacking opportunities.
His leadership at the back played a major role in France reaching the semi-finals.
Lisandro Martínez (Argentina)
Argentina's defender combined aggression with composure throughout the match. Martínez was excellent in one-on-one situations while also contributing to Argentina's build-up play from the back.
His partnership in defense gave Argentina the stability needed to progress. Djed Spence (England)
England full-back Djed Spence impressed with both his defensive work and attacking support. He frequently joined attacks down the flank while remaining disciplined defensively whenever England faced pressure.
His energy and work rate made him one of the standout defenders of the quarter-finals.
Midfielders
Rodri (Spain)
Rodri once again showed why he is regarded as one of football's best midfielders. His passing accuracy, positioning, and ability to control the tempo helped Spain dominate possession for long periods.
He also contributed defensively by recovering possession and protecting the back line.
Jude Bellingham (England)
England star Jude Bellingham delivered another complete midfield performance. His ability to drive forward with the ball, create scoring opportunities, and contribute defensively made him one of the most influential players of the round.
The young midfielder continues to prove why he is considered one of the future leaders of world football. Julian Ryerson (Norway)
Norway's Julian Ryerson earned recognition after an energetic display that combined defensive discipline with attacking intent. His versatility allowed Norway to remain balanced throughout the match.
Forwards
Ousmane Dembélé (France)
The French winger caused constant problems for opposition defenders with his pace, creativity, and dribbling ability. Dembélé created several dangerous chances and played an important role in France's attacking success.
Lionel Messi (Argentina) Lionel Messi received the highest SofaScore rating of the quarter-finals after producing another memorable performance for Argentina.
The Argentine captain inspired his side with outstanding passing, intelligent movement, and attacking creativity during the victory over Switzerland. His performance earned a remarkable rating of 9.1, making him the highest-rated player of the round.
Even at this stage of his legendary career, Messi continues to prove that he remains one of football's greatest match winners. Andreas Schjelderup (Norway)
The Norwegian forward completed the attacking lineup after an impressive display that combined pace, intelligent positioning, and clinical finishing.
His performance highlighted Norway's growing quality on the international stage.
Kylian Mbappé (France)
Mbappé once again showed why he is among the world's elite forwards. His explosive pace, movement, and finishing created constant danger throughout France's quarter-final victory.
His inclusion means France has three representatives in the Team of the Round, the highest of any nation.
France Leads the Selection
France had the strongest representation in SofaScore's Best XI with three players selected.
Dayot Upamecano provided defensive leadership, Ousmane Dembélé offered creativity in attack, while Kylian Mbappé continued his impressive World Cup campaign with another influential display.
The trio reflects France's balance across every area of the pitch and explains why they remain one of the favourites to lift the World Cup trophy.
Argentina's Stars Continue to Deliver
Argentina also placed two players in the lineup.
Lionel Messi once again proved to be the team's inspirational leader, while Lisandro Martínez strengthened the defensive unit with another commanding performance.
Messi's rating of 9.1 underlines his importance as Argentina continue their pursuit of another World Cup title. Norway's Surprise Contribution
Norway may not have been considered one of the tournament favourites before the competition began, but their performances have attracted attention.
Julian Ryerson and Andreas Schjelderup both earned places in the quarter-finals Best XI after making significant contributions for their national team.
Their selection reflects Norway's impressive progress on the international stage. GoodNewsTV01 Analysis
The SofaScore Team of the Quarter-Finals combines experience, youth, defensive strength, and attacking brilliance. Lionel Messi once again demonstrated that class remains permanent, producing the highest-rated performance of the round despite facing one of Europe's strongest opponents.
France's three-player representation highlights their consistency across every department, while England's inclusion of Jude Bellingham and Djed Spence shows the depth of talent available to the Three Lions.
Belgium's Thibaut Courtois reminded football fans why elite goalkeepers remain capable of changing the outcome of major matches, while Rodri continued to prove that controlling midfield often determines success in knockout football.
As the tournament heads into the semi-finals, many of these players will be expected to deliver once again. Their performances could ultimately decide who reaches the final and who lifts the FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy. Conclusion
The announcement of SofaScore's Quarter-Finals Best XI celebrates the players who made the biggest impact during one of the most important stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026. From Lionel Messi's world-class display to Kylian Mbappé's attacking brilliance and Jude Bellingham's midfield dominance, the selected lineup reflects the highest level of football currently being played.
With the semi-finals approaching, supporters around the world will be watching closely to see whether these stars can continue their outstanding form and guide their nations one step closer to World Cup glory.
Post a Comment