The best XI from the 2026 World Cup Round of 32

Netherlands and Morocco produced one of the clashes of the tournament, while Germany continued their knockout woes by succumbing to Paraguay in a penalty shootout.

There were plenty of standout performances across the round, but which players make it into DAZN News' best XI from the Round of 32?

Goalkeeper: Orlando Gill (Paraguay)

There were some incredible goalkeeping performances in the Round of 32, with the Netherlands' Bart Verbruggen deserving an honourable mention, but if it were not for Orlando Gill, then Paraguay may well be out.

The 26-year-old produced a stellar performance over 120 minutes, preventing 0.87 goals, according to Fotmob, and then made two saves in the penalty shootout to deny Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade.

Germany had won their last six shootouts, so if you are the man to foil Die Manschaft, then you are well worthy of a place in the best XI.

Full-back: Pedro Porro (Spain)

Tottenham are undergoing a revolution this summer, and one man who will certainly be a part of it is Spain's Pedro Porro, who flourished on a night to remember for La Roja.

The right-back is not famed for his aerial ability but converted Alex Baena's pinpoint delivery with a thumping header to score his first international goal against Austria.

Not only that, but the 26-year-old was at his attacking best, creating the joint-most chances as Luis de la Fuente's men reminded everyone why they are contenders for the trophy.

Centre-back: Gabriel (Brazil)

There were plenty of clean sheets in the Round of 32, but Gabriel earned his place in the best XI after producing a performance Arsenal supporters are accustomed to seeing as Brazil knocked out Japan.

The centre-back had more touches than any other player as Japan sat back for the majority of the contest, but it was his attacking exploits that once again caught the eye.

Gabriel is renowned for his aerial ability and headed Lucas Paqueta's corner across goal to set up a trademark Casemiro-headed finish.

Getty Images

Centre-back: Issa Diop (Morocco)

Another central defender who has made the best XI for his attacking contributions is Issa Diop, who's bullet header saved Morocco in stoppage time against the Netherlands, taking the game to extra time and then penalties.

The 29-year-old has been a squad player for most of Fulham's season but has been reliable at the back for the Atlas Lions as they progressed to the Round of 16.

Not only did he find the equaliser, but he won all of his aerial duels and completed 97 per cent of his passes against a dangerous Netherlands side.

Full-back: Marc Cucurella (Spain)

Love him or loathe him, Marc Cucurella was built for the biggest stage and showed everyone why Real Madrid have signed him with a masterclass at left-back.

The 27-year-old produced two assists for forward Mikel Oyarzabal as he constantly found himself in attacking positions down Austria's left.

His all-round ability is again proving priceless for La Roja as he emulates his fine displays from Euro 2024.

Central-midfield: Youri Tielemans (Belgium)

Belgium were 2-0 down after 85 minutes against Senegal and appeared dead and buried, but by some miracle they flipped the narrative and ran out 3-2 winners after extra time.

Romelu Lukaku's introduction certainly helped the Europeans, but it was prized asset Youri Tielemans who was the puppeteer behind the turnaround.

The Aston Villa midfielder had the joint-most touches in the opposition box, scored the equaliser in the 89th minute, then won and converted the all-important penalty in the 125th minute.

Central-midfield: Stephen Eustáquio (Canada)

Co-hosts Canada have made history by reaching the Round of 16 of the World Cup for the first time and captain Stephen Eustáquio has been a driving force behind their success.

South Africa and Canada played out one of the more stale encounters in the Round of 32, but Eustáquio arrived late in the box to put away Tajon Buchanan's cutback.

The 29-year-old created more chances than any player in the clash with Bosnia and is an integral member of Les Rouges' side.

Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images

Attacking-midfield: Michael Olise (France)

Everybody knew that Michael Olise would star at the World Cup, but somehow he has managed to surpass expectations with another masterful performance.

The former Reading man was yet again the creative spark behind Kylian Mbappe as France dismantled Sweden, providing two assists, one for the Real Madrid man and one for Bradley Barcola.

Olise had more shots and more touches than any other player against Graham Potter's men and is going to take some stopping as the tournament progresses.

CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / Contributor

Forward: Kylian Mbappe (France)

Kylian Mbappe is on the hunt for successive Golden Boots, having received the accolade for scoring eight in Qatar 2022, and he is well on his way to winning another.

The Real Madrid man was at his devastating best against a poor Sweden side, scoring twice, and created the joint-most chances and completed the joint-most dribbles in the encounter.

Mbappe has now scored 18 World Cup goals, behind only Lionel Messi, and it is only a matter of time until he surpasses the Argentinian magician.

Forward: Harry Kane (England)

Where would England be without Harry Kane? When the Three Lions are in desperate need of inspiration, the Bayern Munich hitman pops up with not one but two goals to guide his country to victory.

The 32-year-old has a knack for powering home headers and did so to equalise against DR Congo before manoeuvring space in the box to power home a sublime strike past Lionel Mpasi-Nzau.

His brace against the African side takes him to 72 goals for club and country this season, and he is firmly in the race for the Golden Boot on five.

Forward: Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain)

Perhaps the most underrated player in international football, Mikel Oyarzabal bagged a cool brace to guide Spain through against Austria.

The Real Sociedad man is on a hot streak for La Roja, scoring 18 in his last 17, and is benefiting from his country's talent in wide positions.

Oyarzabal was key to Spain's European success, and if De la Fuente's men are going to go all the way, then he will play an instrumental part.

JOSE JORDAN / Contributor

Watch the world's best football on DAZN

After the World Cup is over, there is so much great football still to watch on DAZN.

Premier League: All English top-flight matches live and in full in Canada

Serie A: Watch all 380 matches of the Italian league live in the UK and Canada. Also in the US in Spanish language

Champions League: Watch every match of the 2026/27 campaign in Canada. Three matches per round exclusively in the US, in Spanish language

National League: DAZN is the home of the National League, with every game available either live or on-demand, plus selected North and South matches

FIFA+ on DAZN: Watch over 7,000 live matches a year, plus World Cup archive, iconic documentaries, films, and player profiles for FREE

For more details and to subscribe to a DAZN football package, click here