Top 10 Players of the 2026 World Cup: Mbappe or Messi at the Summit?

The 2026 World Cup made history with 48 teams competing, delivering thrilling football moments and fresh stars alongside established legends. Spain clinched the trophy, narrowly beating Argentina 1-0 in the final. Meanwhile, England thrilled fans by securing third place after a remarkable 6-4 win against France.

Controversies arose too, including disputes over refereeing decisions affecting Egypt and mixed reactions to extravagant halftime shows. Yet, the tournament's true legacy belongs to the players who rose above pressure and tactics to dazzle on football’s grandest stage.

Ranking the 10 Best Performers

• Lionel Messi - Argentina: Despite Argentina's narrow loss, Messi delivered one of the tournament's most memorable individual performances. At 39, his eight goals and four assists were only part of his impact, showing that brilliance isn’t limited by age.
• Kylian Mbappe - France: Mbappe secured his spot among World Cup legends by winning the Golden Boot again, scoring 10 goals and assisting four times. His total of 22 World Cup goals now makes him the competition’s all-time top scorer.
• Rodri - Spain: The Spanish midfielder added the World Cup trophy to an already dazzling list of achievements, earning Player of the Tournament honors and joining an elite group of players with major international and club titles plus a Ballon d'Or.
• Jude Bellingham - England: Bellingham was central to England’s best World Cup run since 1966, netting seven goals and assisting once. His clutch performances helped England reach the semifinals, including two braces against Mexico and Norway.
• Michael Olise - France: After a stellar season with Bayern Munich, Olise dominated as France’s creative force. Leading the tournament with seven assists, he was key until a quieter semifinal against Spain.
• Erling Haaland - Norway: Making his World Cup debut, Haaland terrorized defenses with seven goals, highlighted by a two-goal effort that knocked out Brazil. His physical style and clinical finishing promise many more World Cup goals ahead.
• Pau Cubarsi - Spain: Awarded Young Player of the Tournament, Cubarsi anchored Spain’s defense, which conceded just one goal in eight games—the best defensive record ever at a World Cup. At just 19, his calmness and skill stood out.
• Harry Kane - England: Fresh off a prolific 61-goal season, Kane scored six times for England, starting strong with braces against Croatia and DR Congo. Though he went scoreless in later matches, his leadership and movement remained vital.
• Pedro Porro - Spain: Porro contributed both defensively and offensively, scoring important goals in knockout stages and helping Spain maintain one of the tournament’s toughest defenses en route to the title.
• Ousmane Dembele - France: Alongside Mbappe and Olise, Dembele spearheaded France’s attack. He scored a hat-trick against Norway and added crucial goals in the quarter-final and third-place match, cementing his role despite France missing the final.