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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Ewan Ross-Murray

The 10 Best Defenders at the 2026 World Cup—Ranked

World Cup Nuno Mendes Jurriën Timber Reece James Achraf Hakimi Marquinhos William Saliba Willian Pacho Ruben Dias’ the 2026 World Cup

Defense wins championships. That’s what grizzled former players often quip on punditry duty.

Italy’s impenetrable title-winning backline from 2006 would concur, as would the defiant Brazilian champions of 1958. The art of defense is often overlooked in the modern game, but history underscores its significance at soccer’s most prestigious tournament.

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