Top 10 Players of the 2026 World Cup: Messi or Mbappe at the Summit?
The 2026 World Cup will be remembered for its dazzling displays from football's elite, the rise of new stars, and moments that will live long in memory. For the first time, 48 teams competed, making the tournament more thrilling and competitive than ever. Spain emerged victorious, defeating Argentina 1-0 in a tense final. England took third place after an extraordinary 6-4 win over France in a match full of excitement.
Controversies marked the tournament as well, with Egypt upset over refereeing decisions and debates sparked by the lavish halftime show during the final. Yet, what stood out most were the players whose skill and determination overcame all obstacles.
Here are the top 10 players who left their mark on the 2026 World Cup:
- Lionel Messi - Argentina: Despite Argentina’s narrow loss in the final to Spain, Messi's performance was nothing short of spectacular. At 39, he delivered eight goals and four assists, inspiring his team like Maradona did in 1986. Though not as fast as before, his vision and precision shone brightly throughout the tournament.
- Kylian Mbappe - France: Mbappe secured his spot as one of the greatest World Cup players by winning the Golden Boot for the second time. Scoring 10 goals with four assists, he narrowly beat Messi for the top scorer title. His total of 22 World Cup goals now makes him the highest scorer in the competition's history.
- Rodri - Spain: The Spanish midfielder completed a trophy-laden career by leading Spain to World Cup glory. Already decorated with a Ballon d'Or, European Championship, Nations League, multiple Premier League titles, and a Champions League, he earned Player of the Tournament honors. Rodri joined an exclusive list of players with the World Cup, European Championship, Champions League, and Ballon d'Or.
- Jude Bellingham - England: England's best World Cup run since 1966 ended in the semifinals against Argentina, but Bellingham was their heartbeat. His seven goals and assist drove England’s success, including key braces against Mexico and Norway, showing why he's among the world’s top midfielders.
- Michael Olise - France: After a standout season with Bayern Munich, Olise continued his fine form for France. He topped the assists chart with seven, three ahead of the next player. His calm creativity was vital to France’s attack, marred only by a quieter semifinal performance.
- Erling Haaland - Norway: Making his World Cup debut, Haaland proved why he's feared worldwide. His seven goals, including two against Brazil to knock out one of the favorites, combined strength and clinical finishing. At his age, more World Cup records seem likely.
- Pau Cubarsi - Spain: Awarded Young Player of the Tournament, Cubarsi was central to Spain's historic defense, conceding just once in eight matches. The 19-year-old Barcelona defender showed maturity and composure beyond his years, standing out as Europe's brightest young talent.
- Harry Kane - England: Following a 61-goal season with Bayern Munich, Kane continued scoring at the World Cup with six goals. Early braces against Croatia and DR Congo set the tone. Though he didn’t score late in the tournament, his leadership and attacking play were key to England’s semifinal finish.
- Pedro Porro - Spain: Porro was vital to Spain’s defensive strength. He scored in the 3-0 Round of 32 win over Austria and again in the 2-0 semifinal victory over France. His steady performances helped Spain clinch the title against Argentina in the final.
- Ousmane Dembele - France: Joining Olise and Mbappe, Dembele led one of the tournament’s deadliest attacks. He scored in the opener against Iraq, netted a hat-trick against Norway, and contributed important goals in the quarter-finals and third-place playoff. His efforts stood out despite France missing the final.
