40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha leads official 2026 FIFA World Cup best XI
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has been voted into the official fans’ Team of the Tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming one of the surprise selections after helping his country enjoy a historic campaign.
The 40-year-old received almost 40% of the votes in the goalkeeping category, finishing ahead of Spain’s Unai Simón, who won the tournament’s Golden Glove award.
The team was selected through a global fan vote organised by FIFA in partnership with tournament sponsor Aramco.
World champions Spain had three players included in the final XI, more than any other nation. Defenders Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella were joined by midfielder Rodri, who was named the tournament’s best player.
France also had three representatives, with Dayot Upamecano, Michael Olise and Kylian Mbappé making the team.
Argentina’s Lisandro Martínez and Lionel Messi were also selected, while England midfielder Jude Bellingham and Norway striker Erling Haaland completed the line-up.
Vozinha’s inclusion was one of the biggest talking points after the Cape Verde captain played a key role in his country’s impressive run at the tournament, producing a series of standout performances.
Several notable players missed out despite strong tournaments.
England captain Harry Kane was among those omitted, while Spain defenders Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte also failed to make the final XI.
Mbappé attracted the highest overall support in the fan vote, with the France forward, Haaland and Messi each receiving more than 20% of the votes in the attacking positions.
No players representing Arab nations were included in the final selection.
Fans’ Team of the Tournament
Goalkeeper: Vozinha (Cape Verde)
Defenders: Pedro Porro (Spain), Lisandro Martínez (Argentina), Dayot Upamecano (France), Marc Cucurella (Spain)
Midfielders: Rodri (Spain), Michael Olise (France), Jude Bellingham (England)
Forwards: Kylian Mbappé (France), Erling Haaland (Norway), Lionel Messi (Argentina)