Best team, moments, matches and players of the group stage

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Best team, moments, matches and players of World Cup group stageImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Lionel Messi is playing in his sixth World Cup for ArgentinaPublished48 minutes agoAfter 72 matches across three countries, 48 teams who qualified for the 2026 World Cup have been whittled down to 32. Records have been broken by some of the star players who have delivered on football's biggest stage, while new heroes have emerged. A group of reporters in the United States, Canada and Mexico have picked their best teams, players, matches and moments from the group phase.

Best teamIan Dennis, Radio 5 LiveFrance. I've seen all of their group games and they've made it three wins from three for the first time since they won the World Cup in 1998. They're still not perfect, so room to improve as they get stronger under a manager who has the experience to draw on, as Didier Deschamps seeks a third successive World Cup final.

The Details

Phil McNulty, Sport's chief football writerFrance. Just looking at their attack with Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele and what it can do when it clicks - and the strength of Didier Deschamps' squad as a whole - makes me think they will be very difficult to stop. There are other strong contenders, but they are the most dangerous team in the tournament.

John Bennett, World ServiceAfter a sloppy start against Senegal, France exploded into life when Michael Olise was moved into the number 10 position. Their front four is frightening (with Desire Doue or Bradley Barcola), Kylian Mbappe's the happiest I have ever seen him at a major tournament, William Saliba is one of the best defenders at the tournament, unsung Adrien Rabiot links things brilliantly and there is also so much strength in depth. I saw them live twice, in New Jersey and Philadelphia, and I would be stunned if they do not make it to the final.

Alex Howell, Sport's England reporterFrance look like they are going to take some stopping. They have the best front three of the tournament and their strength in depth means that they can rotate as the tournament goes on. Kylian Mbappe is already firing and now he's up and running he will be hard to stop.

What Experts Say

Liz Conway, Sport journalistI said Spain from the start and I'm going to stick with them. We still haven't seen them hit top gear and we know they have far more potential to show, especially with key players Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams coming back from injury. This is a long tournament and their momentum will build.

They could face France in the semi-final, which would be a huge test, but if they can come through that I think they can go all the way. Gary Rose, Sport journalistLionel Messi is grabbing the headlines and rightly so with his six goals from three games so far at this World Cup, but it would be unfair to say Argentina are all about him and him alone.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.