The 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany delivered unforgettable drama, breathtaking goals, and a final etched into history. Italy lifted their fourth World Cup title after a penalty shootout victory over France, capping off a tournament rich with talent and intensity.
FIFA selected an official 23-man Team of the Tournament, honoring the standout performers across every position. The team reflected Italy’s defensive dominance, France’s resurgence led by Zinedine Zidane, and a host of individual stars who made the tournament so memorable.
Below is a spotlight on the standout XI from that squad — a dream team that truly defined the 2006 World Cup.
🧤 Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)
Commanding, calm, and utterly reliable — Buffon was the backbone of Italy’s title-winning side. He conceded just two goals in seven matches (one an own goal, the other a penalty) and made a string of decisive saves, including in the final. Awarded the Lev Yashin Award as the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
🛡️ Defenders
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RB: Gianluca Zambrotta (Italy)
A tireless presence on the right flank, Zambrotta impressed with both defensive solidity and attacking flair. His thunderous goal against Ukraine showcased his technique and power. -
CB: Lilian Thuram (France)
A veteran leader at the back, Thuram’s experience and reading of the game were crucial to France’s journey to the final. Impeccably timed challenges and calm distribution made him indispensable. -
CB: Fabio Cannavaro (Italy)
Nicknamed "Il Muro di Berlino" ("The Berlin Wall"), Cannavaro was a rock in Italy’s defence. His performance throughout the tournament — especially without the suspended Nesta — earned him the Ballon d’Or later that year. -
LB: Philipp Lahm (Germany)
The then-22-year-old burst onto the world stage with a stunning opening goal against Costa Rica. Intelligent, versatile, and composed, Lahm’s performances made him a breakout star of the tournament.
⚙️ Midfielders
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CM: Gennaro Gattuso (Italy)
The engine room of Italy’s midfield. Gattuso’s tireless work rate and relentless pressing disrupted opponents and protected Italy’s backline. The ultimate team player. -
CM: Andrea Pirlo (Italy)
Pirlo’s vision and control were unmatched. He dictated the tempo of matches with elegance and provided vital assists, including a clever corner for Materazzi’s goal in the final. -
RM: Luís Figo (Portugal)
In his final World Cup, Figo rolled back the years with moments of brilliance. He led Portugal to the semi-finals and remained their creative heartbeat throughout the tournament. -
AM: Zinedine Zidane (France)
A tournament swansong worthy of a legend. Zidane scored three goals, including a penalty in the final, and produced majestic displays against Brazil and Spain. Despite the infamous red card in the final, his impact was undeniable — winning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. -
LW: Thierry Henry (France)
Henry was crucial to France’s attacking thrust, scoring key goals against Brazil and Togo. His movement and link-up play allowed Zidane and Ribéry to flourish.
🎯 Striker: Miroslav Klose (Germany)
The Golden Boot winner with five goals, Klose was the focal point of Germany’s exciting attack. His aerial prowess and poacher’s instinct made him one of the tournament’s deadliest threats.
🏆 Legacy of the 2006 Team of the Tournament
This team encapsulates the best of the 2006 World Cup — world-class defenders, metronomic midfielders, and attackers capable of changing games in an instant. It showcased the twilight brilliance of legends like Zidane and Cannavaro, while also launching the international careers of players like Philipp Lahm and Andrea Pirlo onto the world stage.
FIFA’s Full 23-Man Squad of the Tournament
