The 2026 World Cup team of the tournament so far (without the superstars)

Vozinha (Cape Verde, goalkeeper) A star was born, at 40, when a player whose highest-profile employers were Portugal’s Gil Vicente, denied Spain’s all-stars in that historic 0-0 draw . His Christian name being Josimar may well have pointed to him being a nascent World Cup cult hero. So huge was his impact that the US authorities, on the orders of House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, waived the visa fee and $15,000 (£11,300) bond for his mother, now able to fly in for her boy’s continuing adventures. Seven saves from Spain have made him a global social media sensation, too. Vozinha Vladimir Coufal (Czechia, right-back) With set-piece football so voguish in the club game, long-throw experts are at a premium. Coufal is 33, and a Hoffenheim player these days, though is widely recalled as a West Ham player. That the Hammers let go the man with the golden arm who created his country’s best chances – and their goal - against South Korea will not have escaped Hammers fans. In North America, he has been employed as a wing-back in a team who have best embodied the physical approach of the European mid-rankers. Chancel Mbemba (DR Congo, centre-back) The passage of time means there are now tougher tasks in football than denying Cristiano Ronaldo a goal but Portugal still possess other players of high attacking class. The Democratic Republic of the Congo closed every door down. …