The 2026 FIFA World Cup has crowned Spain as its champions, and the individual awards have been announced. Rodri, the 30-year-old Manchester City midfielder, was named the best player of the 2026 World Cup.
Rodri, who was also the FIFA Ballon d'Or winner in 2024, led the Spaniards to a 1-0 victory over Argentina in extra time in New Jersey, USA. This is Spain's second World Cup title, after their first win in 2010.
Kylian Mbappé, the 23-year-old French forward, finished as the tournament's top scorer with 10 goals, but did not win the individual award. The Golden Boot award went to Mbappé, who played for France in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The tournament's best young player was 19-year-old Pau Cubarsí, a Barcelona center-back. Unai Simón, a 29-year-old goalkeeper from Athletic Bilbao, was named the best goalkeeper of the World Cup, after conceding just one goal in eight matches.
Lionel Messi, who led Argentina to the final at the age of 39, and Lamine Yamal, a 19-year-old Spanish forward, are some of the contenders for the "Best in the World" award, besides Rodri and Mbappé.
England's Harry Kane, who finished as the top scorer in world football in the 2025/26 season, with 73 goals for Bayern Munich and the England national team combined, is also in the running. However, only Rodri and Messi have had a taste of being named "Best in the World" previously.
The question remains, who will be the world's best? The individual awards and the World Cup title have set the stage for a thrilling competition. The comments section is open for readers to vote and share their opinions.
FIFA will announce the updated ranking of World Cup champions soon. Social media has exploded with joy over Argentina finishing as runners-up.
Source: Yahoo Sports
