- Cape Verde Hero Vozinha Joins Haaland, Messi and Mbappe in Fans’ FIFA World Cup Dream Team
The remarkable rise of Cape Verde at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has received another fitting reward after veteran goalkeeper Vozinha was voted into the fans’ Team of the Tournament alongside global superstars Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup may have ended with Spain lifting the trophy in New Jersey, but one of the tournament’s most enduring stories continues to belong to Cape Verde and their inspirational goalkeeper Vozinha, whose heroic performances have earned him a place in the fan-voted FIFA World Cup Dream Team.
The 40-year-old shot-stopper emerged as one of the surprise stars of the expanded 48-team tournament, winning nearly 40 percent of the public vote to secure the goalkeeper’s position ahead of Spain’s Unai Simón, who officially claimed the Golden Glove award as the competition’s best goalkeeper.
Vozinha’s selection is a remarkable achievement considering Cape Verde were making only their first-ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup. The island nation entered the tournament as one of the lowest-ranked teams but quickly won admirers with fearless displays against some of football’s biggest powers.
The veteran goalkeeper was central to that unforgettable campaign.
His finest performance came during Cape Verde’s stunning goalless draw against eventual champions Spain in the group stage, where he produced a series of breathtaking saves to frustrate one of the tournament’s most dominant attacking teams. He followed that performance with another masterclass in the Round of 32 against defending champions Argentina, making several outstanding stops—including denying Lionel Messi in a one-on-one situation—to force the South Americans into extra time before Cape Verde were finally eliminated.
By the end of the tournament, Vozinha had become the symbol of Cape Verde’s remarkable adventure, proving that determination, experience and resilience can compete with the world’s biggest footballing nations.
His story became even more extraordinary because he entered the tournament without a club after leaving Portuguese second-division side Chaves before the World Cup. His performances are now expected to attract interest from clubs across Europe, Africa and beyond.
Joining Vozinha in the dream team is Norway’s Erling Haaland, whose spectacular World Cup campaign confirmed his status as one of the game’s deadliest strikers.
The Manchester City forward received more than a quarter of the fan vote among attackers after scoring seven goals in just five appearances. Haaland inspired Norway to their first World Cup quarter-final since 1998, including a memorable brace that eliminated five-time champions Brazil in the Round of 16.
Although Norway’s dream eventually ended against England in the quarter-finals, Haaland’s explosive performances established him among the standout players of the tournament.
The attacking trio is completed by Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, whose captivating duel for the Golden Boot became one of the defining stories of the competition.
Messi inspired Argentina to a second successive World Cup final, producing moments of brilliance throughout what is widely expected to be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage. Although Argentina fell 1-0 to Spain after extra time in the final, the 39-year-old once again demonstrated why he remains one of the greatest players in football history.
Mbappe, meanwhile, finished the tournament as the adidas Golden Boot winner after scoring 10 goals for France. The French captain broke several World Cup scoring records and once again showcased his devastating pace and clinical finishing despite Les Bleus narrowly missing out on another final appearance.
England midfielder Jude Bellingham also earned a place in the supporters’ selection following another outstanding international tournament. The Real Madrid star controlled matches with remarkable maturity, scoring crucial goals and helping England secure third place—their best finish on foreign soil at a FIFA World Cup.
France’s Michael Olise joined Spain’s Rodri in midfield after both enjoyed exceptional tournaments.
Olise created numerous chances throughout France’s run to the semi-finals and finished as the competition’s leading assist provider, while Rodri once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the world’s finest midfielders. The Spanish playmaker orchestrated the champions’ possession-based style and completed more successful passes than any player in a single World Cup.
The defensive line is dominated by Spain’s championship-winning backline.
Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella earned places at full-back after playing key roles in a Spanish defence that conceded just one goal throughout the tournament—the fewest ever by a World Cup-winning team.
Argentina’s Lisandro Martínez and France’s Dayot Upamecano complete the defence after producing commanding performances throughout the competition.
The final fan-selected World Cup Dream Team is: Goalkeeper: Vozinha (Cape Verde).
Defenders: Pedro Porro (Spain), Lisandro Martínez (Argentina), Dayot Upamecano (France), Marc Cucurella (Spain).
Midfielders: Rodri (Spain), Michael Olise (France), Jude Bellingham (England).
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Argentina), Erling Haaland (Norway) and Kylian Mbappe (France).
