World Cup Team of the Tournament: Our XI picks exclude Harry Kane

Seven writers evaluated the 2026 World Cup performances and selected their best XI, adhering to a two‑player‑per‑nation limit. While stars from Brazil, Argentina and France dominate the lineup, England’s striker Harry Kane is notably absent, marking a major surprise.

The writers attribute Kane’s omission to limited tournament minutes and tactical choices made by his national team. This selection reflects the tournament’s most influential players and the tactical balance across nations.