Vozinha and Haaland headline fan-picked World Cup XI after stunning campaigns

Cape Verde’s veteran goalkeeper Vozinha and Norway star Erling Haaland have been voted into a FIFA World Cup fan-selected dream team, capping remarkable underdog campaigns that defied pre-tournament expectations.

The online poll, organised around the World Cup, saw supporters choose their standout performers in each position, producing a star-studded XI that also includes Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Jude Bellingham.

Vozinha beats Golden Glove winner to top spot

Vozinha, 40, claimed an overwhelming 39.6% of the fan vote for the goalkeeper position, edging out Spain’s Unai Simon, who had earlier been awarded the official Golden Glove by a FIFA technical panel.

World Cup debutants Cape Verde stunned many observers with their resilience, and Vozinha’s performances were central to that surprise run. He produced seven saves in a heroic display as Cape Verde held eventual world champions Spain to a 0-0 draw in the group stage.

The experienced keeper, who came into the tournament without a club after leaving Portuguese second-tier side Chaves, also helped push eventual runners-up Argentina into extra time in the last 32 before Cape Verde were finally eliminated.

His selection in the fan XI is seen as a reward not just for his shot-stopping, but for symbolising one of the tournament’s most unexpected stories – a small island nation holding its own against football’s giants.

Haaland fires Norway to historic quarter-final

At the other end of the pitch, Erling Haaland emerged as the leading forward choice among fans, securing 27.5% of the vote after spearheading Norway’s best ever World Cup showing.

The Manchester City striker scored seven goals in just five matches as Norway reached the quarter-finals for the first time in their history. His standout performance came in the round of 16, where he struck twice in a 2-1 victory over five-time world champions Brazil, knocking out one of the tournament favourites.

Norway’s campaign ended in the last eight against England, but Haaland’s prolific form and decisive goals ensured his impact on the competition was unmistakable and cemented his place in the fan-selected team.

Star names join surprise heroes

The fan-voted World Cup XI blends breakout performers with some of the game’s biggest stars.

Alongside Vozinha in defence are Spain full-back Pedro Porro, Argentina centre-back Lisandro Martinez, France’s Dayot Upamecano and Spain’s Marc Cucurella – a back line that reflects the strength of the eventual finalists and other European heavyweights.

In midfield, Spain’s Rodri is joined by France’s Michael Olise and England’s Jude Bellingham, whose dynamic displays and creativity made them central figures for their national sides.

The attack features a formidable trio: Argentina captain Lionel Messi, Norway’s Erling Haaland and France’s Kylian Mbappe – combining established legends with one of the most feared finishers in the modern game.

Full fan-voted World Cup Dream XI

Goalkeeper: Vozinha (Cape Verde)

Defenders: Pedro Porro (Spain), Lisandro Martinez (Argentina), Dayot Upamecano (France), Marc Cucurella (Spain)

Midfielders: Rodri (Spain), Michael Olise (France), Jude Bellingham (England)

Attackers: Lionel Messi (Argentina), Erling Haaland (Norway), Kylian Mbappe (France)

While FIFA’s technical awards recognised players like Unai Simon through expert assessment, the fan selection highlights how global audiences connected with the drama and narrative of the tournament – from Cape Verde’s fairytale debut to Norway’s historic breakthrough on the world stage.