Only player from eliminated nation to make the list

Lee Kang-in [Getty Images]
Lee Kang-in [Getty Images]

South Korea failed to advance to the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, but midfielder Lee Kang-in of Paris Saint-Germain drew recognition from the international press for his performances.

Spanish sports daily Marca published its group-stage best XI for the tournament Sunday, after all group-stage matches had concluded.

Based on its own power rankings, Marca selected a best XI — the "Gold Team" — and a runner-up best XI — the "Silver Team" — each arranged in a 3-4-3 formation.

Lee played the full 90 minutes in all three of South Korea's group-stage matches, earning a power ranking score of 23.96 to earn a spot as attacking midfielder in the best XI. He was the only Asian player selected and the only player from a nation that did not advance to the round of 32.

Marca described Lee as a pick "many would not have expected," noting that the Atletico Madrid transfer candidate ranked second among midfielders in the power rankings. The top-ranked midfielder was Spain's Rodri, with 24.82 points.

South Korea was eliminated after coach Hong Myung-bo's tactical decisions proved costly. Lee, however, started every match and led the attack with his trademark incisive passing.

The best XI's forward line featured Lionel Messi (Argentina), Harry Kane (England) and Kylian Mbappe (France).

Joining Lee and Rodri in midfield were Granit Xhaka (Switzerland) and Pedri (Spain). The defensive line consisted of Gabriel Magalhaes (Brazil), Aymeric Laporte (Spain) and Jan Paul van Hecke (Netherlands), while Mostafa Shobeir of Egypt claimed the goalkeeper spot.


yeongdai@heraldcorp.com