Spain is the FIFA World Cup champion for the second time ever after a 1-0 extra-time victory over Lionel Messi and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday to close the largest edition of the tournament in history.
With the first 48-team World Cup now complete, there were many players who put together fabulous performances throughout the tournament. But only 11 can be picked for the World Cup Best XI.
So as the world looks back on an unbelievable tournament, here is FOX Sports analyst Alexi Lalas World Cup Best XI.
Unai Simón gets in goal after winning the Golden Glove.
It was a historic World Cup campaign for Simón, who kept seven clean sheets and conceded only one goal. That was the fewest goals conceded by a team on the way to winning a World Cup.
Simón was pivotal with his shot-stopping, his ability to play out from the back and his sweeper-keeper role, constantly sniffing out attacks coming in behind Spains back line.
Marc Cucurella came into this tournament widely recognized as one of the premier left backs in the world, and he showed that at the World Cup.
He was defensively stable in the best defense in the tournament while also being a constant presence in attack with his energy to go up and down the pitch.
Aymeric Laporte turned back the clock with a great World Cup for Spain, anchoring the back line as the experienced partner next to teenage center back Pau CubarsÃ.
Laporte helped lead a defense that conceded the fewest goals ever by a World Cup-winning team. His ability to play out from the back and his defensive stability were cornerstones for Spain throughout the tournament.
Cristian Romero was a vital piece of Argentinas 2022 World Cup-winning campaign, and he continued to be one in this tournament.
Not only was he willing to put everything on the line defensively, but he also made an impact in the attacking box as a goalscoring threat. That included his goal against Egypt to bring Argentina back into that match, as well as the header that was deflected in as an own goal to win the round of 32 match against Cape Verde.
Pedro Porro showed his true level playing for Spain at this World Cup.
After an inconsistent season at Tottenham, Porro put together a strong tournament. Spain initially started Marcos Llorente at right back, but Porro eventually earned the starting spot and became a key player throughout the tournament.
He was not only solid defensively, but also a presence in attack, scoring in the round of 32 against Austria and again in the <a href="https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/spain-france-world-cup-semif
