Ranking: The Best Players of the 2026 World Cup

Played against relegation with Spurs, but at the World Cup, he's suddenly one of the best in the world in his position.

He proved his goal threat not only against the Austrian national team. And there's not much more to say about the defensive capabilities of the Spaniards anyway.

Two assists, no goals - Olmo isn't that good at this World Cup, is he? Yes, he is. The Catalan is emblematic of the entire team and appears almost inconspicuous. Yet, his game is often close to perfection.

Especially in crucial moments, the number ten delivers, for instance, being arguably the best player on the field against France (97% passing accuracy).

One of the most consistent players of this World Cup up to the quarter-final against France.

Had more impact from his right "defender" position than most of his positional colleagues and contributed two assists.

The defensive lynchpin of "La Roja" excels with and without the ball at this World Cup. Together with his teammates, he has conceded only one goal so far and delivered 93 percent of his 567 passes (third highest) to their target.

In Luis de la Fuente's system, the center-backs act as the primary playmakers, a role the Bilbao player executes with flying colors: almost 100 of his passes reached the final third.

Still referred to as an "unsung hero," yet the 29-year-old is already on par with David Villa and Emilio Butragueño. Only these three have scored five goals for Spain at a World Cup.

And yet, his goals don't even define him.

Already the third Spanish defender in our ranking.

And rightly so. Neither Ousmane Dembélé nor Michael Olise - when he switched to the right side - had anything to say against the new Real player. Apart from his intense work off the ball, he always wants to have possession himself; he initiates numerous chances and even has two assists (both against Austria).

Not a great start and not a great end to this World Cup for the Ballon d'Or winner.

In between, however, the two-time Champions League winner delivered, but in our opinion, he was still only the third-best Frenchman in this tournament.

The Spanish defensive quartet is complete. We have the youngest of the bunch highest on our list.

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Firstly, because of his impressive passing quality (96%, only Rodri played more successful passes) and secondly, due to his work off the ball. Especially under pressure, he always finds the right solutions.

Presented himself on the biggest stage for the first time and made a huge impact at the start. No player accumulated more assists (five) than Olise.

With his playing brilliance, he created great moments, almost scoring the goal of the tournament with a bicycle kick.

The top six are in a league of their own: Almost 40 points separate the England captain from his Bayern teammate in our ranking.

He was among the superstars who delivered at this World Cup, leading his "Three Lions" as captain with mostly strong performances. In the quarter- and semi-finals, however, little came from the English record goalscorer either.

These numbers are incredible: Rodri completed the most passes of all players, had the most successful passes into the final third, by far the most touches (1,459), and covered the most kilometers (83.8).

The Man City star is the heart of the Spanish team, the mastermind and conductor. The orchestrator who is simply impossible to press and neutralizes even the best offensive players in the world.

At the latest with this World Cup, it's clear: The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner is well and truly back.

The best Englishman in this tournament narrowly misses the podium.

Especially in the round of 16 and quarter-finals, Bellingham became the talisman of the "Three Lions" and single-handedly decided the duels against Mexico and Norway. The Real star was crucial for his team not only as a finisher but also as an option in all situations.

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But against Argentina, he ran out of gas. Moreover, Bellingham made a mistake against the "Albiceleste": He provoked Messi.

Seven goals in his first World Cup - that's not even normal for Haaland.

Until the clash with England, the goalscorer carried his Norwegians on his shoulders, leading the small footballing nation à la Gareth Bale to the quarter-finals with at least one goal in each of his first four appearances.

At World Cups, the France star always steps up his game: in five of his seven matches, he had two goal contributions each, plus the winning goal against Paraguay.

Only against Spain did Mbappé, like the French in general, remain absolutely quiet. However, his will cannot be denied.

He has caught up with Miroslav Klose and now stands at 20 World Cup goals. Mbappé will be surpassed by someone in more than just this ranking...

Actually incredible: At 39 years old and after three years in the MLS, Lionel Messi is probably still the best player in the world.

Even if one only considers the individual performance of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, he belongs at the top of this list. With eight goals and four assists, he's the top scorer of the tournament, despite two missed penalties.

Further stats: Per 90 minutes, "La Pulga" has more expected assists, more successful passes, crosses, and dribbles, as well as more touches than anyone else in his position.

And then there's his influence on his entire team. Probably never has an entire team sacrificed itself for a single player as much as Argentina has for him.