Top 10 Remaining Players to Watch in the 2026 World Cup
The tournament has narrowed down dramatically from 48 teams to just eight. Each of these teams believes they can claim the title, but certain favorites like France, Argentina, England, Spain, and Morocco appear especially ready to challenge for glory.
While team strength is clear, individual players will be critical in pushing their nations forward before the July 19 final. Here’s a ranking of the ten best players still in contention.
10. Yassine Bounou (Morocco)
With five matches played, Bounou has faced eight goals but remains a standout keeper, especially in shootouts. Born in Canada, he excelled by saving two penalties against the Netherlands, one while standing tall, disrupting the opposition’s rhythm. In tight games where every chance counts, Bounou’s reliability from the spot sets him apart as the top goalkeeper still in the tournament.
9. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
Hakimi’s World Cup run is clouded by legal troubles, as he faces formal rape charges in Paris, raising questions about his participation. Still, on the pitch, this Spanish-born right back for PSG is among the world’s best, contributing one goal and two assists so far. His pace and skill make him a difficult opponent to mark, often supporting teammate Brahim Diaz effectively. Despite inconsistency, he remains Morocco’s offensive threat.
8. Ismael Saibari (Morocco)
A rising star, Saibari leads Morocco's scoring with three goals in five matches, recently joining Bayern Munich. Usually a midfielder, he’s been Morocco’s top forward in this tournament. Although his fitness for the quarterfinals is uncertain after leaving the Round of 16 early, he stands as Morocco’s biggest danger when attacking.
7. Lamine Yamal (Spain)
The 18-year-old was expected to shine here, yet has only scored once. Still, Yamal is Spain’s most potent attacker, weaving through defenses to create chances. He’s capable of wearing defenders down with his movement and vision, and it seems likely he’ll increase his influence as the knockout rounds continue.
6. Michael Olise (France)
Olise hasn’t scored but leads the tournament with five assists, adding flair to France’s attack. With eligibility for several countries, he chose France and has brought precision and creativity along the right wing. His left foot delivers deadly passes, making him a key playmaker for Didier Deschamps’ side.
5. Jude Bellingham (England)
Bellingham scored four goals and added an assist across five games. The Real Madrid midfielder is known for clutch performances, including two quick goals against Mexico that swung momentum in England’s favor. Although his club stats dipped slightly recently, he remains among the best midfielders globally and can change matches quickly.
4. Harry Kane (England)
Kane has six goals and two assists, showing his ability to score and set up teammates. Unlike pure strikers, he drops deep to link play, acting almost as a "9.5". He played a crucial role in England’s comeback against DR Congo and netted the winner versus Mexico from the penalty spot. Kane’s combination of scoring and creativity makes him vital to England’s hopes.
3. Erling Haaland (Norway)
Haaland has seven goals in five matches, powering Norway to their first-ever quarterfinal. Sometimes seen as a pure finisher, he actually combines technical skill with speed and a remarkable leap. Norway lacks squad depth, but having Haaland—the sport’s top scorer—gives them a real shot at an upset in the next stages.
2. Kylian Mbappe (France)
Mbappe matches Haaland’s seven goals but adds two assists, making him the tournament’s most effective player after Lionel Messi. Despite a tough Round of 16 game against Paraguay, Mbappe scored a penalty and continues to terrorize defenses with his pace and sharp shooting. His partnership with Michael Olise has been electric. At 27, Mbappe looks poised to dazzle in the final rounds.
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)
At 39, Messi might be nearing the end of his career, yet he remains unmatched on the field. Argentina struggled more than expected against teams like Cape Verde and Egypt, but Messi’s brilliance carried them through. Scoring in every match so far, he’s on an eight-game World Cup scoring streak, the longest ever. Whether centrally or drifting wide, Messi keeps creating chances, proving he’s still the biggest star of the tournament.
