The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage has been a thrilling ride, filled with outstanding performances from the world's top players. From impressive hat-tricks to incredible comebacks, the group stage has had it all, and it's also been a platform for new stars to emerge and make their mark on the tournament.
First and Second All-Group Stage Starting Lineups
To commemorate this historic and entertaining group stage, the First and Second All-Group Stage starting lineups have been selected, featuring the best players from each position.
Goalkeeper
Spain's goalkeeper had a remarkable group stage, keeping three clean sheets in as many games, barely breaking a sweat in the process.
Defenders
Japan's defender was a rock at the back, playing the full 90 minutes against the Netherlands and Tunisia, and also excelled as a build-up engine, leading the Samurai Blue in line-breaking passes.
Germany's defender was instrumental in his team's nine-goal flying start, before an ankle injury ended his tournament, but his impressive performance in the group stage couldn't be ignored.
Switzerland's defender was the calm and composed head at the heart of the defense, helping his team win their group and stymie Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Morocco's right-back and captain scored a goal and helped set one up in the 4-2 comeback over Haiti, and was a constant threat down the flank throughout the tournament.
Midfielders
Brazil's midfielder was the maestro, pulling the strings and laying on two assists in the 3-0 win over Scotland, saving his best for last.
Senegal's midfielder was the brightest spark, scoring three goals, including the tap-in that sealed the day in a must-win 5-0 performance over Iraq.
England's midfielder was the most creative player, creating ten chances in the first two games, and was the metronome of Group L winners England before earning a breather against Panama.
Forwards
France's forward spearheaded his team's perfect nine-point sweep of their group, scoring back-to-back braces against Senegal and Iraq, totaling four goals.
Argentina's Messi scored every single one of his team's goals in the opening two matches, a hat-trick against Algeria and a brace against Austria, becoming the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.
The PSG star reminded everyone he's the reigning Ballon d'Or winner with a stunning video game-esque first-half hat-trick against Norway, one of the fastest in World Cup history, totaling four goals in the group.
Second Team Goalkeeper
The 40-year-old goalkeeper stole the show with a Man-of-the-Match performance in the goalless draw against Spain, keeping Cape Verde's debut fairytale alive across three draws and into the last 32.
Second Team Defenders
The breakout fullback of the group stage scored a towering header to seal a 2-0 win over Australia, the first World Cup goal by a U.S. defender in over a decade, as the Americans topped Group D.
The Dutch defender was steady at center-back and a threat from set pieces, heading home in the win over Tunisia as the Dutch cruised to the top of Group F.
The 19-year-old Spanish defender anchored a back line that didn't concede a single goal across the entire group stage, looking completely unbothered throughout.
The Colombian right-back scored like a winger, netting in back-to-back wins over Uzbekistan and DR Congo as Colombia stormed through the Group K unbeaten.
Second Team Midfielders
The 20-year-old announced himself with a super-sub brace against Bosnia and Herzegovina, then a goal and an assist on his first start to beat Canada, becoming Switzerland's top scorer with three goals.
The midfielder scored in all three games, becoming the first player on an African squad to find the net in every group match, including the opener against Brazil, winner against Scotland, and an equalizer against Haiti.
The Ecuadorian midfielder was one of the tournament's top ball winners, running the show in the stunning 2-1 upset of Germany, stealing the ball to tee up the equalizer before delivering the pass for the winner that sent his country through.
Second Team Forwards
The Brazilian forward scored in every game, including a brace against Scotland, carrying Brazil to the top of Group C with four goals.
The striker arrived on the World Cup stage with back-to-back braces against Iraq and Senegal, totaling four goals, before being wrapped in cotton wool for the France game.
The German super sub had five goal involvements, including three goals and two assists, off the bench, repeatedly rescuing his team when the starters couldn't.
