The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage is over, and 48 teams have been reduced to 32 after 72 matches played across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Records have been shattered, new stars have announced themselves, and familiar names have confirmed their greatness. A group of BBC reporters — watching from stadiums across North America — have shared their standout picks.

Best team of the group stage

France emerged as the overwhelming consensus choice among the BBC panel. Ian Dennis of BBC Radio 5 Live noted that France have achieved three wins from three for the first time since their 1998 World Cup triumph, while Phil McNulty, BBC Sport's chief football writer, called them