Top 50 2026 World Cup players ahead of the final

The world’s best thrived this summer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, helping to make it the best edition of the tournament ever. Ahead of the final between Spain and Argentina, we ranked the 50 best players of the tournament. Most of the players at the top of this list are household names and are among the best in the world. Others, however, had a blast and became stars during the tournament. We’ll start our list with a player who fits this profile and is poised to become a star for Mexico in the future. The 17-year-old Mexican talent entered the World Cup with the opportunity to establish himself as one of the brightest young players in international football. Mora had already broken into Tijuana’s first team, playing 20 Liga MX matches and scoring six goals during the season, while his performances attracted the interest of several major European clubs. Mexico carefully managed Mora during the early stages of the tournament, featuring him from the bench in the opening match against South Africa. He then earned his first start in the final group stage match against Czechia before retaining his place for the knockout matches against Ecuador and England. Mora showed remarkable composure, technical quality and creativity for a player of his age. He finished the tournament with four appearances and three starts, becoming the youngest Mexican to appear in a World Cup and the second youngest player to start a World Cup knockout match. Mora’s performances confirmed his enormous potential and further increased interest in his future. Vitinha came into the World Cup after another stellar season with Paris Saint-Germain, continuing to demonstrate why he is considered one of the best midfielders in the world. His composure in tight spaces, resistance to the press and ability to dictate the tempo were instrumental in PSG winning a second consecutive Champions League title, with Vitinha taking Player of the Match honors in the final. Vitinha produced a strong individual World Cup despite Portugal being eliminated by Spain in the round of 16. Playing alongside PSG teammate João Neves, he helped Portugal control games from midfield and completed 96% of his passes throughout the tournament. Guéhi progressed to the World Cup after an excellent season which saw him leave Crystal Palace for Manchester City in January. He quickly established himself in Pep Guardiola’s starting lineup, bringing composure, leadership and defensive stability to a City side that recovered from their early season struggles and pushed Arsenal deep into the Premier League title race. Guéhi made his World Cup debut from the bench in England’s opening win over Croatia before returning to the starting XI against Ghana and becoming a central figure in Thomas Tuchel’s defence. His strength, positioning and composure in possession provided England with consistent stability at the back, highlighted by an excellent quarter-final performance against Erling Haaland and Norway. Guéhi continued to start in England’s semi-final defeat to Argentina, completing an impressive debut World Cup campaign. Cunha came into the World Cup after a productive first season with Manchester United. He gradually grew in the countryside and became an important part of a United side that recovered from a difficult start to finish third and secure a return to the Champions League. Cunha started Brazil’s opening match against Morocco on the bench, but impressed after being introduced late in the 1-1 draw. That performance earned him a start against Haiti, where he scored twice in a 3–0 win and established himself as a key part of Carlo Ancelotti’s attack. Operating in a roaming central role, Cunha contributed both as a goalscorer and as a creative link between Brazil’s midfield and attack. His movement, combination play and ability to find space gave the team better balance. He also earned an early penalty against Norway in the round of 16, although Bruno Guimarães failed to convert it as Brazil suffered a disappointing 2–1 defeat. Romero played in all of Argentina’s matches except the final group stage match against Jordan. He even scored against Egypt in the round of 16, and his header led to the own goal that gave the defending champions their victory over Cape Verde in the round of 16. The Tottenham defender may be on the move this summer, but he is known for his passing ability and fiery attitude. He fits very well into this Argentina team and has developed a strong partnership with Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez in the center of the pitch. Trossard came into the World Cup having helped Arsenal win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final. He contributed six goals and six assists in the league, including one of the most important strikes of Arsenal’s title-winning campaign. His 83rd-minute winner against West Ham secured a crucial 1-0 win in the penultimate game of the season, keeping the Gunners in the driver’s seat in the title race before securing their first league title since 2004. He carried that form through to the World Cup, recording two goals and two assists as Belgium reached the quarter-finals. His creativity, intelligent movements and ability to operate between the lines have made him one of Belgium’s most influential strikers. Trossard was particularly impressive in the round of 16 victory over the United States, repeatedly causing problems down the left side as Belgium cruised to a convincing 4-1 victory. He enters the final tied for second in chances created at the World Cup, behind Lionel Messi. Canadian-born Bounou came into the World Cup after another good season with Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. The veteran recorded 14 clean sheets in 26 league matches, once again demonstrating the composure, concentration and shot-stopping ability that has made him one of Africa’s best goalkeepers. Before the World Cup, he maintained this form and was once again successful in the decisive moments for Morocco. He kept a clean sheet in the crucial 1-0 group stage win over Scotland before saving Crysencio Summerville’s penalty in a penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands in the round of 16. Bounou then recorded another clean sheet in the 3-0 victory over Canada which made Morocco the first African nation to reach the quarter-finals of consecutive World Cups. Although the Atlas Lions were ultimately eliminated by France, Bounou also denied Kylian Mbappé from the penalty spot in another impressive tournament. Van Dijk came into the World Cup after a difficult season with Liverpool, who failed to defend their Premier League title and failed to live up to expectations. The club’s defense endured several difficult periods, with Van Dijk also struggling to consistently reach his usual standards, but Liverpool recovered sufficiently to secure Champions League qualification. The Netherlands captain started the tournament strongly, scoring in the 2-2 draw against Japan. He then anchored the defense in convincing wins over Sweden and Tunisia as the Dutch finished top of their group, while also providing an assist in the 3-1 win over Tunisia. Van Dijk produced another composed performance against Morocco in the round of 16 and helped the Netherlands maintain a 1-0 lead into stoppage time. However, Issa Diop’s 91st-minute header forced extra time before Morocco won 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. It was a heartbreaking conclusion for the veteran captain, who will be 38 when the 2030 World Cup begins and 39 during the tournament. Neves came into the World Cup after another impressive season with Paris Saint-Germain. Playing alongside Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz, he remained an integral part of PSG’s midfield as the club won a second consecutive Champions League title. His inexhaustible energy, technical quality and ability to contribute on both ends of the pitch have made him a key figure in one of the strongest teams in Europe. Neves continued in this midfield role for Portugal alongside Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes. He scored the opening goal and was named Player of the Match in Portugal’s 1–1 draw against DR Congo, making an immediate impact in the first match of the tournament. The 21-year-old remained an important figure as Portugal reached the last 16 before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to eventual finalists Spain. Pickford came into the World Cup after another reliable season with Everton, playing every minute of their 38 Premier League matches and keeping 11 clean sheets. His position as England’s first-choice goalkeeper had long been secure as he prepared to compete in his third World Cup and fifth major international tournament. Pickford produced arguably his best major tournament for England, repeatedly making important saves in crucial moments. Even in the 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina, he came to England’s rescue on several occasions after they took the lead, keeping Argentina at bay before the pressure became too much. Although England narrowly missed out on the final, Pickford was one of their most consistent and reliable players throughout the tournament. Alvarado came into the World Cup after another productive season with Chivas, making 35 appearances in all competitions while recording four goals and five assists. He remained one of the club’s main creative outlets, using his movement, technical quality and left-footed play to consistently create opportunities in wide areas. Alvarado carried these qualities onto the international stage, repeatedly cutting in with his left foot and delivering dangerous crosses into the penalty area. He recorded three assists during Mexico’s run to the round of 16, including Raúl Jiménez’s first career World Cup goal in the opening victory over South Africa. Alvarado’s total in the tournament made him Mexico’s all-time leading passer at the World Cup. Salah took part in his second World Cup after the most difficult season of his career at Liverpool. The reigning Premier League champions fell to fifth place, while Salah lost his guaranteed place in the starting line-up due to a public breakdown in his relationship with Arne Slot, who was subsequently fired. Despite these difficulties, Salah finished his final campaign at Liverpool with 12 goals and 10 assists in 41 appearances. Salah rediscovered his spark with Egypt and led the nation on a historic run. He scored the go-ahead goal and assisted Mahmoud Trezeguet as Egypt came from behind to defeat New Zealand 3–1, securing the first World Cup victory in the country’s history. He then helped the Pharaohs defeat Australia on penalties to record their first victory in the round of 16 before their t our tournament ended in heartbreaking fashion with a 3-2 defeat to Argentina after giving up a two-goal lead. After failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and exiting in the group stage in 2018, Salah finally achieved the historic tournament run that had previously eluded him with Egypt. His performances further cemented his place as one of the greatest African footballers of all time. Along with Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister was a mainstay of Argentina’s midfield before the World Cup triumph in 2022. He was at Brighton then. He has since moved to Liverpool, where he has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world. Mac Allister is an action player who covers every blade of grass on the field. He didn’t start in Argentina’s insignificant match against Jordan in the group stage (he played just 29 minutes), but he otherwise played every second of the tournament for the defending champions. While Fernández brings more tenacity, Mac Allister is more technical and thrives on the ball. Another World Cup victory would put him in rarefied air. Manzambi came into the World Cup after a stellar season with Freiburg, recording seven goals and nine assists in 47 appearances. The versatile 20-year-old helped Freiburg reach the first European final in the club’s history, where they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa in the Europa League final. His energy, ball-carrying ability and ability to operate in multiple offensive roles have made him one of the most exciting young players on the Swiss team. Manzambi started the tournament as a substitute but changed the trajectory of his World Cup with a brilliant late brace in Switzerland’s 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. This performance earned him his first start against Canada, where he recorded a goal and an assist in a 2–1 victory. Manzambi held on for the round of 16 win over Algeria, producing an excellent ability to tackle the Algerian defender before setting up Breel Embolo for the opening goal. Manzambi finished the tournament with three goals and two assists before suffering a knee injury in training that ruled him out of Switzerland’s victories over Colo. mbia and their heartbreaking quarter-final overtime loss to Argentina. Despite his campaign ending prematurely, he became one of the star players of the World Cup. Gill plays his club football for San Lorenzo in the Argentine Primera División and has become an important part of Gustavo Alfaro’s Paraguayan team. In a team that defends deep, invites pressure and often operates in a low block, Gill’s concentration, shot-stopping and reliability provide a reliable last line of defense. Gill endured a difficult start to the World Cup as Paraguay suffered a 4-1 defeat to the United States, but he responded with consecutive clean sheets in a 1-0 win over Turkey and a goalless draw against Australia. He made six saves against Turkey and five more against Australia, helping Paraguay pick up the four points needed to move into the top teams in third place. Gill then produced his breakthrough performance in the round of 16 against Germany. He made five saves in 120 minutes before saving two penalties in the shootout, helping Paraguay advance 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Díaz came into the World Cup after arguably the best club season of his career during his debut campaign with Bayern Munich. The Colombian has scored 15 goals and 14 assists in the Bundesliga, forming one of the most dangerous attacking trios in world football alongside Harry Kane and Michael Olise. He finished with 26 goals and 19 assists in all competitions as Bayern won the Bundesliga and German Cup while reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League. Díaz arrived as Colombia’s main attacking threat as the nation attempted to capitalize on its run to the 2024 Copa América final. He recorded a goal and an assist at the World Cup, achieving both in Colombia’s 3–1 win over Uzbekistan in the group stage. Although Díaz remained dangerous with his direct running and ability to beat defenders, he did not influence the tournament as consistently as he would have hoped. Colombia often failed to convert their promising attacking play into goals before being held to a draw by Switzerland and eliminated on penalties in the round of 16. Modrić turned back the clock in his first season with AC Milan. Even at 40, the Croatian remained one of the club’s most influential players, with his composure, passing range and ability to control matches translating seamlessly to Serie A. Although Milan had a disappointing campaign, Modrić continued to demonstrate that he could play at the highest level. Their World Cup got off to a poor start as Croatia lost 4–2 to England, with Modrić conceding the penalty that led to the opening goal. However, he grew in the tournament and produced his best performance against Ghana, becoming the oldest player in World Cup history to record an assist as Croatia secured their place in the round of 16. Modrić also performed well against Portugal in the round of 16, but Gonçalo Ramos’ stoppage-time winner eliminated Croatia in a 2–1 defeat. It was likely the final World Cup appearance of his storied career, which included leading Croatia to second place in 2018 and third place in 2022. Whatever happens next, Modrić will be remembered as one of the greatest midfielders in World Cup history. Díaz came into the World Cup after a solid season with Real Madrid, making 30 appearances in La Liga and starting 13 matches. His most impressive performances, however, came at the Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored five goals and played a starring role in Morocco’s run to the final. After initially losing 1-0 to Senegal after extra time, Morocco went on to win the title following a controversial CAF decision. Díaz carried this form through to the World Cup and remained one of Morocco’s main creative outlets. Although he didn’t fill up the scoresheet in the same way he did during the AFCON, he recorded four assists and constantly created opportunities for his teammates during the Atlas Lions’ run to the quarterfinals. Morocco thus became the first African nation to reach at least the quarter-finals in consecutive World Cups, with Díaz playing an important role in another historic campaign. Tielemans came into the World Cup after an impressive season with Aston Villa, helping the club win the Europa League. This was his first major international tournament as permanent captain of Belgium after being handed the armband in September 2025. Tielemans proved to be an ideal leader for a team transitioning from an experienced golden generation to a younger group of emerging players. He was instrumental in Belgium’s run to the quarter-finals, notably scoring twice in their spectacular comeback against Senegal in the round of 16. Tielemans equalized in the 89th minute before converting a penalty in the fifth minute of stoppage time at the end of extra time to secure a remarkable 3-2 victory. Unfortunately, he injured his hamstring in the warm-up before Belgium’s quarter-final against Spain and was forced to withdraw from the starting XI as his country was knocked out in a 2–1 defeat. His performances further boosted his reputation, with Manchester United signing him days after Belgium’s exit from the tournament. Rice came into the World Cup after a stellar season with Arsenal, playing a pivotal role as the club won their first Premier League title since the unbeaten 2003-04 campaign and reached the Champions League final. Rice controlled games from midfield, provided always dangerous set pieces and established himself as one of the team’s leading figures alongside captain Martin Ødegaard. His performances in the World Cup were more discreet since he operated in a double pivot alongside Elliot Anderson. Rice continued to work tirelessly, protecting the England defense and posing a threat against dead ball situations, although he did not dictate games as consistently as he had for Arsenal. An illness affected him during the latter stages and forced him to retire at half-time in the quarter-final against Norway. Rice recovered to start the semi-final as England suffered a painful 2-1 defeat to Argentina, and it is perhaps no coincidence that both goals England conceded came after the midfielder had been taken out of the match. Tillman entered the World Cup following his first season with Bayer Leverkusen having completed a club record transfer from PSV Eindhoven. He scored six goals and one assist in the Bundesliga, becoming an important part of a Leverkusen team in transition following Xabi Alonso’s departure for Real Madrid. Tillman enjoyed a breakout tournament while operating as an attacking midfielder for the United States. His ability to occupy different pockets of space, make late runs into the penalty area and produce moments of individual quality has made him one of the team’s most influential players. He scored two crucial free-kick goals in the round of 16. His goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina sealed a 2-0 victory after the United States had been reduced to 10 men, while his deflected shot against Belgium briefly brought the United States level in the round of 16. Tillman finished the tournament as one of the United States’ top contributors and, at just 24 years old, put himself in a strong position to remain a central figure on the national team. Quiñones entered the World Cup having re-established himself as a key player for Mexico following a sensational season with Al-Qadsiah. He led the Saudi Pro League with 33 goals in 31 appearances, establishing himself in Javier Aguirre’s plans ahead of the tournament. Operating from the left, Quiñones scored four goals and delivered whenever Mexico needed it most. He scored the first goal of the entire World Cup against South Africa before finding the net in Mexico’s two knockout matches, against Ecuador and England. His remarkable tournament propelled him to the top of Mexico’s all-time World Cup goalscoring list, capping one of the finest individual campaigns by a Mexican player on the sport’s biggest stage. Costa, who plays for FC Porto in Portugal, entered his second World Cup as Portugal’s undisputed number one, having also started all of his country’s matches at the 2022 tournament. Costa came to Portugal’s rescue on several occasions, most notably in the goalless draw against Colombia in the group stage. As Colombia created chance after chance, he made several important saves to preserve a clean sheet and help Portugal escape with a point. His performances further cemented his reputation as one of Europe’s best goalkeepers. Now 26 and entering his prime, Costa is said to have attracted interest from Chelsea as speculation grows continue on a possible departure from Porto. Wirtz came into the World Cup after an uneven first season with Liverpool after completing his high-profile move from Bayer Leverkusen. He initially struggled to adapt to the physicality and intensity of English football, but gradually gained confidence and produced several encouraging performances during the second half of the campaign. The World Cup offered Wirtz the opportunity to regain his momentum in an environment where he has always seemed comfortable. Although the German tournament ended in disappointment with a round of 16 loss to Paraguay, Wirtz was one of their few bright spots. He recorded three assists in four appearances and was the team’s main creative outlet throughout the competition. The RB Leipzig winger entered the World Cup with considerable enthusiasm around him following a stellar Bundesliga campaign in which he scored 12 goals and provided eight assists in 33 appearances. His performances earned him the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award and attracted the attention of several major clubs in Europe. Diomandé immediately announced himself on the international stage with a stunning performance in Ivory Coast’s opening victory against Ecuador, earning Player of the Match honors. His directness, explosiveness and willingness to constantly run at defenders created problems for every opponent he faced. Diomandé helped Ivory Coast reach the round of 16 of the World Cup for the first time and became one of the tournament’s star players, demonstrating that he possesses the ability to reach the pinnacle of the game. The Crystal Palace winger came into the tournament after the best club season of his career, scoring 21 goals and providing two assists in all competitions. He played a central role in Palace’s Conference League triumph, finishing as the competition’s top scorer with nine goals and being named player of the season. Sarr carried this form through to the World Cup, becoming Senegal’s main attacking threat. He scored four goals in four appearances and also registered an assist. Although he was a bit useless in Senegal’s opening match against France, he grew in the tournament and always looked lively and dangerous every time he received the ball. Balogun came into the World Cup after an impressive season with Monaco. He scored 13 goals in Ligue 1 and finished the campaign with 19 goals and three assists in all competitions, earning him the opportunity to showcase his talent on the biggest stage while representing one of the tournament’s co-hosts. Balogun announced himself as one of the United States’ best players, scoring three goals during its run to the round of 16. He initially received a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, although FIFA later suspended the resulting ban and allowed him to face Belgium. Despite the United States’ heavy defeat in this match, Balogun’s overall tournament enhanced its reputation and demonstrated its ability to perform at the highest level. Vozinha became a star of the World Cup, first with a stellar performance in the 0-0 draw against Spain and then with other stunning saves along the way for Cape Verde. Against Argentina, the goalkeeper was outstanding, shutting out some of the best players in the world, including Lionel Messi himself. The Cape Verdean goalkeeper had around 50,000 followers on Instagram before the start of the tournament. As of Thursday July 16, there were 29 million. Now the 40-year-old is without a club ahead of the new season, which begins in August. Whoever signs the veteran will get a reliable shooter and a new celebrity in the football world. Saka came into this tournament unfit after suffering an injury in March and still playing 49 games for Arsenal last season. He helped the Gunners win the Premier League title and reach the Champions League final. Saka appeared in England’s first six matches, but did not feature against Argentina, with England protecting their lead late on. Saka only played 268 minutes for England at the tournament, but he showed why he is one of the best right wingers in the world. world. He recorded three assists and was constantly wreaking havoc on the Three Lions’ right wing. Akanji made 33 Serie A appearances after joining Inter Milan on loan, helping the club win the Scudetto. Inter’s title win and Akanji’s number of appearances met the conditions required to trigger the requirement to make his move from Manchester City permanent. His success at club level carried over to the international stage, where he anchored the defense of a Swiss team that achieved its greatest World Cup in 72 years. The Swiss reached the quarter-finals for the first time since they hosted the tournament in 1954, with Akanji playing a central role at the heart of their defence. Cucurella came into the World Cup after another regular season with Chelsea, making 50 appearances in all competitions. The left-back remained reliable defensively while providing energy and offensive support with his overlapping runs down the left flank. His performances earned him a transfer to Real Madrid shortly before the start of the tournament. Cucurella provided Spain with that same two-way presence throughout the World Cup. He provided a reliable outlet in possession, pushed forward to support the attack and remained disciplined defensively. Cucurella was an important part of a Spain unit that recorded six clean sheets and conceded just one goal in seven matches en route to the World Cup final. Hakimi came into the tournament having played an important role for a Paris Saint-Germain side that won back-to-back Champions League titles. Widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in the world, he arrived determined to lead Morocco on a new path after the country reached the semi-finals in 2022. Morocco didn’t quite make it back to the semi-finals, but it was still another successful tournament as the Atlas Lions reached the quarter-finals. Hakimi posed a constant offensive threat with his overlapping runs, movement to central areas and ability to stretch opposition defenses. He finished the tournament with a goal and two assists. Porro was a key player for Tottenham in the Premier League last season and proved to be one of the highlights of that unforgettable campaign. With La Roja, the regression of Dani Carvajal opened up space for him on the right side of the defense. Porro has regained his place for Spain, playing alongside a talented defense that was the best at this summer’s World Cup. He will be put to the test once again in the final against Argentina. Porro’s biggest highlight was his goal in the semi-final victory over France. It was a good example of what makes him so good for Spain, showcasing his abilities to go forward and fight. Upamecano came into the World Cup after an excellent season with Bayern Munich, playing a key role in the club’s Bundesliga victory and reaching the Champions League semi-finals. Vincent Kompany’s aggressive, high defensive line placed significant responsibility on Upamecano, whose recovery speed, strength and ability to defend large spaces was crucial to Bayern’s system. The centre-back carried this form through to the World Cup and rarely put a foot wrong during France’s run to the semi-finals. His physicality, his recovery in defense and his composure allowed the Blues to concede only two goals during their first six matches. France ultimately lost 2-0 to Spain, but Upamecano was one of their most consistent players throughout the tournament. Fernández came into the World Cup after another productive season with Chelsea. After playing a key role in the club’s 2025 Club World Cup triumph, he remained one of their brightest players during a difficult campaign, recording 15 goals and seven assists in 54 appearances. Fernández posed a threat with his forward runs, ball carrying and ability to arrive inside the penalty area. He played a bigger role for Argentina, using his passing range, composure and defensive awareness to help control matches from midfield. Fernández remained an integral part of the reigning champions’ run to another World Cup final and delivered one of their biggest moments of the tournament, scoring a powerful late equalizer against England before Lautaro Martínez headed in the winner in stoppage time in a dramatic 2-1 semi-final victory. Cubarsí came out of Barcelona’s La Masia academy and broke into the first team as a teenager under Xavi Hernández. He then established himself as a key figure under Hansi Flick, providing Barcelona with a major defensive asset during a period when the club’s financial difficulties limited their ability to strengthen the team. Cubarsí has ​​since helped Barcelona win back-to-back La Liga titles while establishing himself as one of the brightest young centre-backs in world football. Although Cubarsí was included in Spain’s preliminary squad for Euro 2024, he was one of three players omitted from the final 26-man list. Two years later, the 19-year-old is now an integral part of Luis de la Fuente’s defense alongside Aymeric Laporte. Cubarsí started throughout Spain’s run to the World Cup final, displaying remarkable composure, intelligence and quality of possession. He played a central role in a defense that recorded six clean sheets in seven matches and conceded just one goal in the entire tournament. Pedri came into the World Cup having helped Barcelona win back-to-back La Liga titles, demonstrating why he is considered one of the most technically gifted midfielders in world football. His close control, awareness, passing range and ability to dictate tempo continued to make him an important player for both club and country. The 23-year-old started the tournament in the Spanish starting XI, but Luis de la Fuente made a tactical adjustment for the quarter-final against Belgium, selecting Fabián Ruiz alongside Rodri and Dani Olmo. After Spain secured a 2–1 victory, De la Fuente kept the same midfield for the 2–0 semi-final win over France. Despite losing his starting position in the latter stages, Pedri still performed well when called upon. His place on the bench should not overshadow his overall quality or future importance to Spain, with the midfielder still having the best years of his career ahead of him. Yamal came into the World Cup after another stellar season with Barcelona, ​​helping the club to back-to-back La Liga titles while establishing himself as one of their most important attacking players. His extraordinary left foot, creativity and ability to beat defenders had already made him one of football’s brightest stars, but a hamstring injury suffered late in the club season forced Spain to ease him into the tournament. Yamal made a 25-minute appearance in Spain’s opening tie against Cape Verde before gradually being given more time of play as his physical condition improved. He scored his first World Cup goal in the 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia and continued to show flashes of his individual brilliance throughout Spain’s run. Although he has not always reached the remarkable standards he once set for himself, Yamal has grown in the competition and remains capable of producing a decisive moment as Spain prepare for the World Cup final. Saliba came into the World Cup having played a key role in Arsenal’s title-winning Premier League season. Alongside Gabriel Magalhães, he anchored a defense that conceded just 26 league goals and was widely regarded as one of the strongest in Europe. Saliba also played an important role as Arsenal reached the Champions League final. The French defender had an exceptional tournament despite arriving with a back problem which raised questions about his availability. He played through discomfort and rarely made a mistake as France reached the semi-finals. However, Saliba suffered another injury setback after around 30 minutes against Spain and was sent off before the Blues were eliminated in a 2-0 defeat. Ødegaard entered the tournament having captained Arsenal during a remarkable season in which the club won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final, narrowly losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties. At the World Cup, he was Norway’s main creative outlet during their historic run to the quarter-finals. Ødegaard provided the perfect complement to Erling Haaland, growing into the tournament and becoming more and more influential as Norway progressed. He finished the competition with three assists. Dembélé entered the World Cup as the reigning Ballon d’Or winner after another trophy-laden season with Paris Saint-Germain. PSG retained the Champions League and Ligue 1 titles, further cementing Dembélé’s position as one of the best players in the world. Although he had previous international success with France, his individual quality never fully translated into consistent production at a major tournament. That changed during this World Cup. Operating on the French frontline, often from the left alongside Kylian Mbappé, Dembélé scored five goals during Les Bleus’ run to the semi-finals. His tournament was highlighted by a sensational hat-trick against Norway in France’s final group stage match, before scoring again to seal a 2-0 quarter-final win over Morocco. France finally lost 2-0 to Spain in the semi-final, but Dembélé had the best international tournament of his career. Vinícius Júnior entered the tournament facing criticism for failing to consistently replicate his performances at Real Madrid with the Seleção. The Brazilian was a key figure in the Madrid side with whom he won three La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies. However, at this World Cup, Vinícius was one of the Brazilian players who truly lived up to the weight of their jersey. He recorded four goals and one assist in five appearances, playing a crucial role in Brazil reaching the round of 16. Oyarzabal came into the World Cup after a strong season with Real Sociedad, scoring 15 goals in La Liga and leading the club to the Copa del Rey title. While he may not have the same international profile as some of Spain’s other stars, he has always been one of the team’s most reliable attacking players. For the first time in a major tournament, Oyarzabal arrived as Spain’s main center forward after Álvaro Morata had led the line in previous competitions. He was outstanding, scoring five goals while contributing to the build-up with his intelligent movement, link-up play and ability to move away from traditional No.9 positions. Oyarzabal converted the penalty that gave Spain an early lead in their 2-0 semi-final win over France, sending La Roja to the World Cup final. His fifth goal also tied him with David Villa and Butragueño for the most by any Spanish player at a single World Cup. Rodri entered the World Cup after a long road back from a serious knee injury. After helping Manchester City win the Premier League and being named Player of the Tournament as Spain won Euro 2024, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner tore his ACL early the following season. His return was disrupted by further fitness setbacks, but he gradually grew into the 2025-26 campaign and began to show glimpses of the player who had previously controlled matches for club and country. At the World Cup, Rodri looked much closer to his best. The Spanish captain controlled the midfield, dictated the pace and provided defensive stability in front of Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte. Rodri was particularly impressive in Spain’s 2-0 semi-final win over France and played a pivotal role in their run to the final, where they are now one win away from winning the second World Cup in the country’s history. Olise reached the World Cup after an extraordinary season with Bayern Munich. He recorded 15 goals and 19 assists in 32 Bundesliga matches, helping Bayern win the domestic double and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League. His performances earned him the Bundesliga Player of the Season award and established him as one of the best attacking players in world football. His remarkable form continued at the World Cup, where he recorded five assists during France’s run to the semi-finals, finishing just one short of Pelé’s record of six in a single tournament. Olise was one of the standout players in the competition, consistently demonstrating his ability to progress the ball, operate in tight spaces and deliver assists in defense for Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola and Désiré Doué. Even though France’s campaign ended with a 2-0 semi-final defeat to Spain, Olise further cemented his reputation as one of the world’s leading creative players. Jude Bellingham joined the World Cup having already enjoyed a phenomenal start to his career at Real Madrid. He won La Liga, the Champions League and the Spanish Super Cup in his first season before adding the UEFA Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup in his second campaign. Although Madrid finished the 2025-2026 season without a trophy, Bellingham maintained his status as one of the club’s most important players. The 23-year-old produced a sensational World Cup for England, scoring six goals from midfield during their run to the semi-finals. His late runs into the penalty area, his powerful ball carrying, his technical quality and his relentless work rate made him one of the standout players of the tournament. Bellingham finished tied for the most goals ever scored by a midfielder at a single World Cup, establishing himself as the defining player of England’s next generation. Erling Haaland entered his first major senior international tournament determined to replicate his club success with Norway and demonstrate why he is considered one of the best players in the world. He did just that, scoring seven goals in five matches and taking Norway to the first World Cup quarter-final in the country’s history. Haaland has put the team on his back throughout his remarkable journey, firmly announcing himself on international soccer’s biggest stage. Harry Kane reached the World Cup after the best individual season of his career with Bayern Munich. The England captain has scored an extraordinary 61 goals in 51 matches in all competitions, helping Bayern win the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double while reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League. He remained the focal point of one of Europe’s most prolific attacking teams. Kane carried this form through to the World Cup, scoring six goals during England’s run to the semi-finals. He scored the goal that secured the lead against Panama, produced a brilliant late brace to complete a 2-1 comeback against DR Congo in the last 16 and converted the decisive penalty in England’s 3-2 last 16 victory over Mexico. His goal against Panama moved him past Gary Lineker as England’s top World Cup scorer, and he finished the tournament with 14 career World Cup goals. Kane once again demonstrated his clinical finishing and ability to deliver results in decisive moments for his country. Kylian Mbappé has reached the World Cup after another exceptional individual season with Real Madrid. He scored 42 goals in 44 matches, winning the Pichichi Trophy with 25 league goals and finishing top scorer in the Champions League with 15. However, Mbappé’s remarkable production was not enough to prevent Madrid from finishing the season without a trophy. Mbappé responded by producing a sensational World Cup campaign, scoring eight goals in seven appearances and leading France to the semi-finals. Although the Blues were eliminated following a 2-0 defeat to European champions Spain, Mbappé once again demonstrated his ability to perform on the biggest international stage and finished as one of the standout players of the tournament. Lionel Messi continues to demonstrate why he is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. He entered the World Cup having captained Inter Miami to the first MLS Cup title in club history and becoming the first player to win back-to-back MLS MVP awards. Messi produced another extraordinary World Cup, recording eight goals and four assists while leading reigning champions Argentina to the final. The 39-year-old repeatedly took control in decisive moments, including providing two assists in Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 semi-final comeback against England. His performance set up Enzo Fernández’s equalizer before allowing Lautaro Martínez’s stoppage-time winner to book a final against Spain. Messi may be 39 years old, but he still plays like he’s ten years younger.