Rabat – Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha has been voted into FIFA’s fan-selected Best XI of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming one of the tournament’s biggest surprise inclusions after leading his nation on a historic debut campaign.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper received 39.6% of the fan vote among goalkeepers, earning a place in the Team of the Tournament despite Spain’s Unai Simón winning the official Golden Glove Award, which is selected by FIFA’s Technical Study Group.
Vozinha entered the tournament as a free agent following his departure from Portuguese second-division side Chaves. He produced several outstanding performances throughout Cape Verde’s memorable World Cup run, including a seven-save display in a goalless draw against eventual champions Spain.
His heroics also helped Cape Verde push eventual finalists Argentina into extra time in the Round of 32 before narrowly bowing out of the competition.
Erling Haaland
Norway’s Erling Haaland was another major winner in the fan vote, claiming 27.5% of the ballots among forwards after inspiring his country to its first-ever World Cup quarterfinal appearance.
The Manchester City striker finished the tournament with seven goals in five matches, including a decisive brace in Norway’s stunning 2-1 victory over five-time world champions Brazil in the Round of 16. Norway’s remarkable journey ended in the quarterfinals against England.
Haaland and Vozinha join several of football’s biggest stars in FIFA’s fan-selected Team of the Tournament, including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Rodri, and Michael Olise.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan-Selected Best XI
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:
- Lionel Messi (Argentina)
- Erling Haaland (Norway)
- Kylian Mbappé (France)
