2026 World Cup Football Central Awards!

Photo: Fox Sports

Player of the World Cup: Pau Cubarsi
Young Player of the World Cup: Pau Cubarsi

I got Pau Cubarsi taking both awards in this one. Rodri won the real one, but Pau Cubarsi has been insane for Spain this World Cup. Cubarsi at just 19, was incredible at the back for Spain, not just with his 1 on 1 defence, but his composure on the ball and his ability to control the temp of Spain's build up is the reason they won.

His final stats for the World Cup read, played all 8 games, 7 clean sheets, 96% pass accuracy from over 650 passes, 33 clearances, and just 1 yellow card.

Best Keeper: Vozinha
Cult Hero of the World Cup: Vozinha

I know Unai Simon only conceded 1 but the cult hero of this tournament is Vozinha. Simon rarely had to make saves, compare that to Vozinha who was constantly on alert.

Without a club, and in a small group of players who have appeared over the age of 40 at the World Cup, on a side who beat the odds to qualify. He had all the odds against him. But Vozinha kept 2 clean sheets, and had heroic performances against Spain and Argentina, ball rolling Lautaro Martinez twice in their first ever knockout game.

Best Team: Spain

No questions with this one. They were the best team, and they won. It doesn't get more clear cut than that. They had a much harder draw to the final than Argentina, beating Portugal, Belgium, and France on their way to the World Cup.

This Spanish side also conceded the least number of goals ever in a World Cup, keeping 7 clean sheets from 8 games. Their performance over France was the performance of the tournament, then in the final kept Argentina from shooting until late in extra time. True champions.

Best XI:

Best Young XI:

Best Fans: Japan/Scotland/Norway/Australia/Mexico

I got a 5-way tie for the best fans. Japan fans always get huge credit for their respect and tidiness, and this World Cup was no difference. Has anyone ever had an issue at a game with a Japanese fan?

Scotland and Australian fans were elite at this tournament. The songs, the vibes, the energy was amazing no matter how their team was playing. A Scotland v Australia match would've been an amazing spectacle.

Mexico were by far the best of the home nations fans. The songs, the atmosphere, the cauldron they created, the camera shaking every time they scored. The Mexican fans were elite.

Norway were probably the most talked about fans with their viking antics. It was great for the World Cup, with so many people involved they made their fanbase ones to remember.

Best Goal: Julian Alvarez v Switzerland

There were some great goals but none better than this one. This goal was unsaveable, and to put Argentina back ahead in extra time. A long-range curler, right into the top corner from Alvarez was world class.

Best Underdogs: Norway

Norway were super impressive and were so close from qualifying to the semi-finals. With Erling Haaland up front anything is possible. Norway will be keen to get another crack with this side in 4 years time.

Biggest Team to Flop: Portugal

Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bruno Fernandes. Cristiano Ronaldo's last World Cup. This World Cup looked a huge opportunity for Portugal to challenge for the World Cup. But poor management and internal politics stopped this Portugal team from coming anywhere near the World Cup trophy. An underwhelming way for Ronaldo to bow out from his final World Cup.

Biggest Overachievers: Paraguay

Based off their brand of football, the fact Paraguay made it so far was super impressive. They played underdog football in every game they played, managing to beat Turkiye and Germany along the way. Cape Verde obviously are another shout, but they genuinely played much better football.