Catch-up on all the action from the FIFA World Cup 2022™ with highlights, mini matches and full replays now on the
GK: Dominik Livakovic (Croatia)
Livakovic looked impenetrable between the sticks in Qatar but was ultimately unable to prevent Argentina from reaching the World Cup final.
The 27-year-old produced two clean sheets in the group stage before saving three of four penalties against Japan in the Round of 16, and one of two missed attempts against Brazil in the quarter-final.
His production was undoubtedly a key factor driving the Vatreni towards the tail end of the tournament for the second successive edition, where they finished third.
LB: Theo Hernandez (France)
Hernandez replaced brother Lucas 13 minutes into France’s opener against Australia and never looked back, becoming a pivotal piece in their pursuit of back-to-back World Cup titles.
What the defending champions lacked in solidity they more than made up for through the 25-year-old’s attacking prowess, complete with two assists, one clean sheet and a vital goal.
The Milan wing-back scored the opening goal in the semi-final against Morocco and averaged a 7.74 match rating, per Opta, which was a tournament-high among defenders.
CB: Josko Gvardiol (Croatia)
Gvardiol caught the world’s attention with his displays in Qatar, where he was labelled by many as the best defender in the tournament.
Aged 20 and currently linked with the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea, Gvardiol forged a strong partnership with veteran Dejan Lovren as Croatia reached the semi-finals following several defensive displays.
The subsequent meeting with Argentina was the only blemish on the RB Leipzig star’s resume, but his goal against Morocco to help seal third place more than made up for it.
CB: Romain Saiss (Morocco)
Saiss literally put his body on the line for Morocco in Qatar as the Atlas Lions finished in fourth place – the highest-ever placing by an African nation.
Their historic run was built on the back of a defence that didn’t concede a single goal to an opposition player until the semi-finals, despite facing heavyweights Croatia, Belgium, Spain, and Portugal along the way.
A hamstring injury ultimately forced the captain off in Morocco’s penultimate game against France, but not before the 32-year-old tallied four clean sheets, one goal, 28 recoveries and 30 clearances.
RB: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
A pivotal part of Morocco’s plans, Hakimi carried his group stage form into the knockout stages against Spain, Portugal, France, and third-place play-off opponents Croatia.
Better known for his offensive output, the 24-year-old impressed even more with his defending as the tournament wore on, making more tackles than any other player.
Hakimi was the only consistent member of Walid Regragui’s back four by the tournament’s end, which is a testament to his durability amid injuries to his fellow defenders.
CM: Enzo Fernandez (Argentina)
Fernandez had an incredible campaign in Qatar, where he was named Young Player of the Tournament for his efforts in midfield.
The 21-year-old registered the most tackles and passes into the final third for Argentina, as they defeated France for their third World Cup crown.
Lionel Scaloni placed a lot of responsibility on the Benfica enforcer’s shoulders heading into the tournament, and it’s safe to say he delivered.
CM: Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco)
The enforcer in Morocco’s midfield, Amrabat stole headlines in Qatar with his incredible displays.
No other player won possession more times than the 26-year-old, whose 57 was the most by an African player at any tournament since 1966.
Deployed at the base of the Atlas Lions’ three-man midfield, Amrabat also covered the most distance and completed the most passes in a campaign that punched above its weight in historic fashion.
CM: Luka Modric (Croatia)
In what was his last World Cup campaign, Modric ensured he exited the international stage with one last reminder of his quality.
The 37-year-old was the metronome in an experienced midfield for Croatia but one that increased the tempo with each passing match, culminating in their third-place play-off win over Morocco.
Zlatko Dalic’s men achieved their second successive place on the podium thanks to the presence of Modric, who finished second for balls won in the middle third (45) and led the way with passes into the final third.
CAM: Antoine Griezmann (France)
Deployed in midfield, just behind France’s formidable front three, Griezmann added an extra layer to his game in Qatar.
The 31-year-old was ever-present in both attack and defence and led Les Bleus in almost every statistical category.
Griezmann produced the most assists, crosses, chances created and passes into the opponents' box for his country, but also earned plaudits for his recoveries in the final third.
ST: Kylian Mbappe (France)
Is there anything Mbappe can’t do? The 23-year-old carried France to the World Cup final, where his hat-trick ensured penalties would decide the victor.
Despite falling short in the shootout, Mbappe became the first man to score three goals in the final since 1966 and took home the Golden Boot award for good measure with eight in total.
The pacey and powerful attacker also tied Pele’s record of 12 goals in 14 games, before falling just short of his second straight World Cup crown.
ST: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Messi saved his best World Cup campaign for last in Qatar as Argentina lifted the trophy for the first time since 1986.
It was billed as the 35-year-old’s last chance to secure the elusive trophy, and he certainly played like it, producing seven goals and three assists to earn a record second Golden Ball award.
The World Cup was long believed to be the final piece needed to cement Messi’s legacy in the beautiful game, and now, he perhaps stands above all as its greatest.
