The North American odyssey is over. Here are the stars putting their best foot forward.Pedro Porro (ESP, Defender) One of the most attacking full-backs in the tournament, Porro has balanced defensive discipline with frequent overlapping runs. His accurate delivery and relentless energy gave Spain width, while his recovery pace helped neutralize dangerous wingers in knockout games.Cristian Romero (ARG, Defender) Romero is Argentina’s defensive fighter, combining aggression with intelligent positioning. The centre-back thrives in high-pressure knockout matches, making crucial interceptions and blocks while providing steel at the back of Lionel Scaloni’s side as they play another World Cup final.Unai Simon (ESP, Goalkeeper) Spain’s last line of defense has been calm personified throughout the tournament. Simón made crucial saves in the knockout rounds while commanding a backline that conceded only once. His strength, positioning and distribution were instrumental in Spain’s march to the title.Pau Cubarsi (ESP, Defender) Still a teenager, Cubarsi played with remarkable maturity on the biggest stage. Calm under pressure and dominant in individual situations, the Barcelona defender marshalled Spain’s defense with authority, helping champions La Roja boast the tightest backline in the tournament.Marc Cucurella (ESP, Defender) Enjoyed an incredible World Cup, stopping elite attackers while contributing possession. Tirelessly up and down the left flank, he combines defensive tenacity with attacking support, earning widespread praise as one of Spain’s most consistent performers.Michael Olise (FRA, attacking midfielder) Olise emerged as France’s chief creator, dazzling with his dribbling, vision and accurate last ball. His creativity repeatedly opened up stubborn defences, making him one of the standout players of the tournament despite Les Bleus missing out on another World Cup final.Rodri (ESP, Midfielder) The heartbeat of Spain’s midfield, Rodri dictates the tempo with supreme composure. His interceptions, passing range and tactical intelligence allowed Spain to dominate possession throughout. He once again showed why he remains the best holding midfielder in football. He won the Golden Ball. Jude Bellingham (ENG, Attacking midfielder) England’s driving force in midfield, Bellingham has mixed charm with relentless intensity. He scored crucial goals, created chances and controlled games with a maturity beyond his years, standing out even as England crashed out in the World Cup final.Lionel Messi (ARG, Forward) At 39, Messi continues to repeat the greatness. The Argentina captain led from the front with decisive goals, assists and moments of brilliance, inspiring his team to a second consecutive World Cup final. His vision, composure and leadership have once again made him the gold standard of the game.Erling Haaland (NOR, Striker) Haaland announced his arrival in Norway among the world’s football elite with a thrilling tournament. His physical dominance, clinical finishing and relentless movement powered Norway into the quarterfinals. He staked his claim as the leading marksman in the game and bested No. 9 positions.Kylian Mbappe (FRA, Forward) France’s biggest attacking threat once again, Mbappe combined powerful shots with ruthless finishing all the way to the semifinal. Whether scoring or creating, he tormented defenders in every phase and claimed the Golden Boot despite France’s semifinal exit.Coach Luis de la Fuente SPAIN: Spain’s masterminded campaign was victorious with a fluid possession game, relentless pressing and collective discipline. Nurturing many players through Spain’s youth ranks, he built a cohesive unit that won every match, proving once again that team strength trumps individual brilliance.SUBSTITUTES: Goalkeeper Defenders Forwards VOZINHA (CPV) ENZO FERNANDEZ (ARG) WILLIAM SALIBA (FRA) DANI OLMO (ESP) ACHRAF HAKIMI (MAR) MIKEL MERINO (ESP) HARRY KANE (ENG)