The first World Cup round is in the books — and Sofascore has named its Team of the Week: the eleven highest-rated players of the opening round, by single-match ratings. Who's in tells you where the first World Cup stories were written.
As of 18 June 2026
The Team of the Week
- GK: Vozinha (Cape Verde) — 9.7
- DEF: R. Laryea (Canada) 8.1 · Nico Schlotterbeck (Germany) 8.4 · Diney (Cape Verde) 8.5 · Ramin Rezaeian (Iran) 9.2
- MID: Yasin Ayari (Sweden) 8.7 · Hwang In-beom (South Korea) 8.8 · Pedri (Spain) 9.0
- FWD: E. Just (New Zealand) 9.0 · Folarin Balogun (USA) 9.0 · Lionel Messi (Argentina) 10
The stories behind the ratings
Messi, the perfect 10. Lionel Messi earned the perfect Sofascore rating — the top mark reserved for a totally dominant display. Especially relevant for tiptilldone tippers: this is exactly the Messi waiting for Austria on 22 June.
Cape Verde place two players. Goalkeeper Vozinha (9.7) and Diney (8.5) are the story of the round: the World Cup debutants held European champions Spain to 0-0, with Vozinha making seven saves. If you read our piece on Spain's embarrassment, you know why the 40-year-old is here.
Schlotterbeck, the lone DACH name. Nico Schlotterbeck (8.4) is rewarded for Germany's 7-1 over Curaçao — the only German-speaking player in the XI.
And Austria? Despite the 3-1 over Jordan, no Austria player made the Team of the Week. A "flattering" win, after all — the top marks went elsewhere.
What it means for your round
The Team of the Week is also a tipping signpost: players in this form decide games. Messi's 10 underlines how tough Austria's task is on 22 June — and Vozinha's 9.7 is a reminder that a red-hot keeper can tip over any favourite pick. Exactly the factors that separate the bold from the cautious in a prediction game.
World Cup today: all matches & AI picks · AI League: human vs. machine
Who is in the World Cup 2026 Team of the Week (round 1)?
In goal Vozinha (Cape Verde); in defence Laryea, Schlotterbeck, Diney and Rezaeian; in midfield Ayari, Hwang In-beom and Pedri; up front E. Just, Balogun and Messi.
Who has the best Sofascore rating?
Lionel Messi with a perfect 10, followed by Vozinha (9.7) and Ramin Rezaeian (9.2).
How is the Team of the Week chosen?
Sofascore selects the highest-rated players per position for a round, based on single-match ratings within the same competition. They are performance ratings, not predictions.
Is there an Austrian in the Team of the Week?
No. Despite their 3-1 opening win over Jordan, no Austria player made the first round's Team of the Week.
Explore more: Spain embarrassed by Cape Verde · Argentina – Austria: the blockbuster pick · World Cup today: all matches & AI picks
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