Barça won the World Cup. FIFA just hasn’t Realised it yet

After the final, Barcelona had already managed to claim half the trophy, eight medals and several of Lamine Yamal’s records as their own. The problem only appeared when FIFA published its fan-voted “World Cup Dream Team”. Not a single current Barça player made the side. Even Pau Cubarsí, officially named the tournament’s best young player, was overlooked in favour of Upamecano and Lisandro Martínez.

As FIFA explains on its website, supporters voted after each round. Following the final, they selected players from the previous winners as well as additional candidates nominated by the organisers. FIFA also retained the right to “confirm” the results. Vozinha was chosen in goal, with Pedro Porro, Upamecano, Lisandro Martínez and Cucurella in defence. Rodri, Olise and Bellingham formed the midfield, while Haaland, Messi and Mbappé completed the attack. Unai Simón, officially the best goalkeeper at the World Cup, can also enjoy looking at the team on FIFA’s website.

Of course, votes like this are closer to popularity contests than serious tournament analysis. Barcelona can therefore safely count Messi as one of their own, award Cubarsí a moral victory and blame the absence of everyone else on a global conspiracy. After all, Barça won the World Cup — unless someone asks for the names.