BBC Reporters Name Their World Cup Standouts

The 2026 World Cup has concluded after 104 matches over nearly six weeks, delivering unforgettable drama and surprises. History was written, records broken, and heroes old and new made their mark on football's most coveted tournament. BBC Sport reporters offer their reflections from the United States, Canada, and Mexico, while chief football writer Phil McNulty selects the best goal and best save.

Player of the Tournament

Spain captain Rodri won the official World Cup Golden Ball trophy as the tournament's best player. Lionel Messi received the Silver Ball as the second-best player, and Kylian Mbappe was named the Bronze Ball winner. However, BBC reporters offered diverse opinions on who stood out most.

Phil McNulty, BBC Sport chief football writer, highlighted Messi: "Surprise, surprise. Lionel Messi. Not simply a swansong for a 39-year-old closing down his career, but the enduring inspiration of a nation and a football team. Look at how he controlled the game and pulled the strings when Argentina chased England down in a dramatic semi-final."

John Bennett, BBC World Service, noted Mbappe's demeanor: "I was in a Kylian Mbappe news conference early in the World Cup and I remember thinking that I'd never seen him looking more relaxed, more confident and more determined to make this his tournament. That demeanour off the pitch was reflected in some brilliant performances on the pitch – great goals, leadership, flair, composure under pressure and more work off the ball than I've ever seen from him."

Alex Howell, BBC Sport's England reporter, praised Jude Bellingham: "The player of the tournament has been Jude Bellingham. The Real Madrid midfielder dragged England through by sheer force of will in some games and took his game to another level during the tournament."

Liz Conway, BBC Sport journalist, emphasized Messi's leadership: "Lionel Messi's leadership, football intelligence and ability to decide the biggest matches has proven vital for Argentina. He was the driving force behind their run to the final and that makes him the competition's standout player."

Gary Rose, BBC Sport journalist, cited Messi's statistics: "With eight goals and four assists in eight games at this World Cup, it has to be Lionel Messi. England did their best to keep him quiet in the semi-final and succeeded in the first half, but Messi often finds a way and his two assists proved decisive."

Neil Johnston, BBC Sport journalist, selected Michael Olise: "Michael Olise. Marked out of the semi-final against Spain but the former Crystal Palace forward, who started his journey aged six at Hayes & Yeading United, has left his mark on this tournament with his seven assists. At just 24, Olise has another World Cup or two up his sleeve. I'm still playing replays in my mind of that spectacular scissor-kick against Sweden in the last 32. The whole press box erupted thinking it was going in, only for the ball to crash against a post."

Ian Dennis, BBC Radio 5 Live, chose Rodri: "Rodri. He has proved to be irreplaceable for his country as he is for Manchester City. Exceptional and so effective at the heart of the best team in the tournament."

John Murray, BBC Radio 5 Live, also picked Messi: "Easy choice but it has to be Lionel Messi. Doing this at the age of 39 is almost defying the law of physics. He is cementing his place as the greatest."

Breakout Star of the Tournament

Spain's 19-year-old centre-back Pau Cubarsi received the FIFA award for the tournament's best young player after playing every minute of their World Cup campaign. He was a key figure in the Spain defence that conceded only one goal all tournament.

Phil McNulty commented: "I am going for Spain's 19-year-old central defender Pau Cubarsi. The Barcelona youngster was magnificent against France in the semi-final and is a star of the future."

John Bennett added: "Lille fans, regular viewers of Ligue 1 and recruitment teams from the top clubs knew all about his potential but Morocco's Ayyoub Bouaddi burst on to the world stage in style with an exceptional performance in their opening match against Brazil."