World Cup 2026: SofaScore Crowns Group Stage Stars as Messi Misses Elite XI
The final group stage concluded with explosive performances, shaping an ideal lineup that surprisingly omits Lionel Messi despite his goal.
Early Sunday morning, the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage climaxed in a series of nail-biting finishes, with several Round of 32 berths secured only in the final moments. Amidst the drama, football analytics platform SofaScore unveiled its coveted ‘Team of the Week’ for Matchday 3, a lineup brimming with standout performers who propelled their nations forward. While stars like Ousmane Dembélé and Vinicius Junior earned their spots with spectacular displays, the biggest talking point emerged from a notable absence: Argentinian maestro Lionel Messi, despite finding the net, surprisingly missed the cut.
Stars Ignite Final Group Stage Battles
The third matchday delivered a spectacle of individual brilliance, crucial for teams battling for knockout stage qualification. France’s Ousmane Dembélé spearheaded the charge, earning a perfect 10 rating for his historic hat-trick against Norway, a performance that undoubtedly solidified his place in the elite selection. Brazil’s Vinicius Junior also delivered a dazzling display, netting two goals against Scotland and securing a formidable 9.3 rating, underscoring his pivotal role in Brazil’s campaign. England’s midfield engine, Jude Bellingham, equally impressed, registering a 9.3 rating for his commanding presence and contribution.
Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi emerged as the sole Arab representative in SofaScore’s ideal XI. With a solid 7.9 rating, Hakimi masterminded his nation’s crucial victory over Haiti, guiding the Atlas Lions to the Round of 32 as group runners-up, narrowly behind Brazil on goal difference. These performances highlight the intensity and high stakes that defined the final days of the group stage.
SofaScore’s Elite XI and Notable Omissions
SofaScore’s comprehensive analysis positioned Switzerland’s Gregor Kobel in goal with an 8.9 rating. The defensive line featured Brazil’s Gabriel Magalhães (8.1), Netherlands’ Jan-Paul van Hecke (9.1), Mexico’s Mateo Chávez (8.1), and Morocco’s standout Achraf Hakimi (7.9). The midfield was a powerhouse of talent, including Senegal’s Pape Gueye, who scored an impressive 9.9, alongside Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne (9.0), England’s Jude Bellingham (9.3), Brazil’s Vinicius Junior (9.3), and the top-rated Ousmane Dembélé (10) from France.
Senegal’s Iliman Ndiaye completed the formidable lineup as the lone striker, earning an 8.7 rating for his impactful performance. The most discussed exclusion remains Lionel Messi, who, despite scoring against Jordan in the third matchday, did not feature in the starting lineup, a factor that ultimately influenced his overall rating and kept him out of this prestigious selection. His absence marks a rare occurrence after his prominent inclusion in the previous two matchday lineups, sparking debate among fans and pundits alike.
