FIFA nonsense: best WC centre-back duo snubbed from Best XI nominations
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 22.07.26. | 19:18
Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte have not been included among the defenders shortlisted for the FIFA World Cup Best XI
Despite anchoring Spain's World Cup-winning defense, Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte have been surprisingly overlooked in FIFA's nominations for the tournament's Best XI.
The Spanish duo were among the biggest reasons La Roja lifted their second World Cup trophy. Throughout the competition, Cubarsi and Laporte formed one of the most reliable center-back partnerships on the international stage, helping Spain concede just a single goal—the one scored by Belgium.
Incredible: Cubarsí and Laporte, out of the nominees for the World Cup's best XI.
— Barça Notes 🗒 𝕏 (@BarcaNotes) July 22, 2026
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Cubarsi's performances were particularly eye-catching. The 19-year-old not only impressed with his composure and maturity beyond his years but also walked away with FIFA's Best Young Player award, an honor few would dispute after his exceptional tournament.
Yet, despite their defensive dominance, neither player has been included among the six center-back candidates for a place in FIFA's Team of the Tournament, a decision that has left many fans puzzled.
Instead, the shortlist features Spain's full-backs Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro, alongside Argentina duo Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero, Brazil's Gabriel Magalhaes, France's Dayot Upamecano, and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk.
Pau Cubarsi & Ayermic Laporte - 2026 WC pic.twitter.com/GFvEfGQDUv
— 𝒈 (@gxrwayne) July 20, 2026
Spain remain well represented elsewhere in the nominations. Goalkeeper Unai Simon has been shortlisted, as have midfield maestro Rodri and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal—who has been classified as a midfielder—as well as striker Mikel Oyarzabal.
While Spain dominated the World Cup and finished as champions, the absence of Cubarsi and Laporte from FIFA's defensive shortlist is certain to spark debate over how the tournament's best performers have been recognized.