FIFA has just revealed its best XI from the 2026 World Cup, and the result has left many speechless. Spain conquered the tournament undefeated, defeating Argentina in the final 1-0, yet the Red team's representation in the dream team is surprisingly sparse: just three players. A paradox that has sparked considerable debate among supporters, especially with two of Spain's great tournament protagonists left out.

Spain's unprecedented success

The achievement at this World Cup has been colossal. Spain completed the tournament undefeated, posting seven victories and a draw in the first match against Cape Verde. The defence ran like clockwork: just one goal conceded in the entire tournament, in the quarter-finals against Belgium. These numbers speak for themselves of an almost perfect campaign, one of those that goes down in Spanish football history.

The culmination came in the final against Argentina, where Spain won with a single goal. A victory of prestige, of control, of tactical dominance. Exactly what anyone would expect from a Spanish team that plays to win.

Three Spaniards in the best XI: sufficient recognition?

According to mundodeportivo.com, FIFA has distinguished the following Spanish players in its gala selection:

• Rodri, named tournament MVP and the heart of Spain
• Pedro Porro, right-back of high defensive and offensive level
• Marc Cucurella, completing the defence on the left

However, the most surprising omission is Pau Cubarsí, the central defender named Best Young Player of the World Cup. His performance was absolutely outstanding throughout the tournament, making his absence even more incomprehensible. The same applies to Aymeric Laporte, who shone brightly throughout the tournament, demonstrating exceptional defensive maturity.

For goalkeeper, voters preferred Vozinha, of Cape Verde, leaving out Unai Simón, awarded the World Cup Golden Glove. A decision that has raised more than a few eyebrows among Spanish fans.

FIFA's best XI: global offensive power

The selected lineup reflects a clear vision of what the tournament was: Spanish defensive dominance combined with offensive talent dispersed among the great powers.

• Goalkeeper: Vozinha (Cape Verde)
• Defence: Porro, Lisandro Martínez (Argentina), Dayot Upamecano (France), Cucurella
• Midfielders: Rodri, Michael Olise (France), Jude Bellingham (England)
• Forwards: Messi (Argentina), Haaland (Norway), Mbappé (France)

The attacking trio brings together some of world football's most resonant names. Mbappé finished as top scorer with 10 goals, while Messi and Haaland bring experience and raw power respectively. In the engine room, Rodri shares space with Bellingham's youth and Olise's versatility.

The paradox of an undefeated championship

What is truly ironic is that a team that won by being practically impenetrable defensively barely sees its defenders recognised in the best XI. Spain conquered through their defence; it was that solidity that allowed them to concede just one goal in eight matches. But individual awards seem to lean more towards those who generate goals than those who prevent them.

Does this reflect a weakness in voting criteria, or simply the reality that attack sells more than defence? Either way, no Barcelona player features in the XI, adding another layer of oddity to a selection that will undoubtedly fuel debate in studios and bars for weeks to come.