Here's a ranking of the top 50 players at the 2026 World Cup, with commentary and analysis from an expert perspective. This list is informed by The Athletic's player ratings model and provides an objective assessment of each player's contribution in a match.
Lionel Messi - Argentina/Inter Miami
Messi's age might be catching up with him, but he remains Argentina's best player and created the opening goal. His ability to create chances and influence the game is remarkable, even if his goal-scoring output has been limited.Kylian Mbappe - France/Real Madrid
Mbappe's goal-scoring prowess is undeniable. His curler against Morocco was sublime, and he continues to be a constant threat. A goal against Spain would further solidify his case as one of the tournament's best.Jude Bellingham - England/Real Madrid
Bellingham's impact for England cannot be overstated. His four goals in the knockout stages have tied him with Kane in the top scorers' chart. He's a key reason England is in the semi-finals and will be a significant threat to Argentina.Harry Kane - England/Bayern Munich
While Kane has taken a back seat to Bellingham, he remains a crucial player for England. His positional fluidity and ability to create space are essential for England's attacks.Erling Haaland - Norway/Manchester City
Haaland's goal-scoring streak came to an end against England, but his overall performance at the tournament has been impressive. His energy and joy on the pitch will be remembered.Michael Olise - France/Bayern Munich
Olise's creativity and dribbling skills make him a delight to watch. While he hasn't scored, his ability to create chances for France is invaluable.Ousmane Dembele - France/Paris Saint-Germain
Dembele's goal-scoring has come in spurts, but he's increasingly comfortable in his supporting role. His versatility with both feet is a significant asset for France.Achraf Hakimi - Morocco/Paris Saint-Germain
Hakimi's effectiveness waned against France, but he's had an impressive tournament overall. His attacking threat and defensive contributions are notable.Vinicius Jr - Brazil/Real Madrid
Vinicius Jr. was Brazil's least deserving of elimination. His assist against Norway, despite Endrick's missed opportunity, showcases his ability to create chances.Aymeric Laporte - Spain/Athletic Club
Laporte's solidity at the back is crucial for Spain. His ability to make crucial blocks and clearances kept Spain's formidable defense intact against Belgium.Pau Cubarsi - Spain/Barcelona
Cubarsi's performance against Belgium was commendable. His long-range shot set up Spain's winner, and he contributed to Spain's overall solidity.Dayot Upamecano - France/Bayern Munich
Upamecano's assured displays have made him a strong contender for France's best defender. His ability to handle pressure and maintain focus is impressive.William Saliba - France/Arsenal
Saliba's class and composure at the back are notable. He's a key part of France's improved defense in the knockout rounds.Lamine Yamal - Spain/Barcelona
Yamal's threat and attacking play against Belgium were significant. His return to peak rhythm after an injury is a positive sign for Spain.Ismael Saibari - Morocco/Bayern Munich
Saibari's absence due to injury is a shame. His quality and contribution to Morocco's attack were justified, and Bayern's decision to sign him is well-founded.Diogo Costa - Portugal/Porto
Costa's saves against Spain were exceptional. His performance earned him the title of the best goalkeeper in the tournament.Julian Quinones - Mexico/Al Qadsiah
Quinones' goal against England was a highlight. His consistent threat from the left flank helped Mexico push a strong contender to the brink.Rodri - Spain/Manchester City
Rodri's control of possession and ability to snuff out opposition attacks have been crucial for Spain. His performance against France will be a significant test.Elliot Anderson - England/Manchester City
Anderson's versatility and impact in midfield are notable. His ability to adapt to different roles and set up England's equaliser are impressive.Mikel Oyarzabal - Spain/Real Sociedad
Oyarzabal's struggles in the knockout rounds are evident. Mikel Merino has outshone him, and a semi-final against France could be a turning point.Declan Rice - England/Arsenal
Rice's availability against Norway was a challenge due to illness. England's midfield heavily relies on his presence alongside Anderson.Leandro Trossard - Belgium/Arsenal
Trossard's performance against the USMNT was commendable. His impact against Spain's defense is notable, and his expected move to Besiktas is a positive development.Anthony Gordon - England/Barcelona
Gordon's rise continues. His positive impact against Norway and ability to create chances make him England's first-choice starter on the left.Roberto Alvarado - Mexico/Guadalajara
Alvarado's distribution and contribution to Mexico's attacks are notable. His form at the tournament has raised his profile significantly.Pedri - Spain/Barcelona
Pedri's impact has been limited in the knockout rounds. His lack of starting opportunities and impact when coming on are concerns for Spain.Bruno Guimaraes - Brazil/Newcastle
Guimaraes' penalty miss against Norway is a memorable moment. His overall performance and assists make him Brazil's best midfielder.Ismaila Sarr - Senegal/Crystal Palace
Sarr's contribution to Senegal's success and his goal against Belgium are notable. His potential to stick in the top 50 is a possibility.Folarin Balogun - United States/Monaco
Balogun's goalscoring contribution in the earlier rounds was stellar. His performance against Belgium, despite a political storm, was commendable.Brahim Diaz - Morocco/Real Madrid
Diaz's chemistry with Saibari in the group stage was remarkable. His creativity and impact on Morocco's success are significant.Pedro Porro - Spain/Tottenham
Porro's attacking thrust and ability to create chances for Spain are notable. His battle with Desire Doue and Lucas Digne will be fascinating.Luis Diaz - Colombia/Bayern Munich
Diaz's cutting edge and penalty against Switzerland are memorable. His overall performance at the tournament has been below par.Andreas Schjelderup - Norway/Benfica
Schjelderup's spectacular cross/shot against England was a highlight. His two assists for Haaland showcase his ability to contribute.Lisandro Martinez - Argentina/Manchester United
Martinez's passing and scrambling for Argentina are impressive. His role next to Cristian Romero is crucial, and his performance has been second-best to Messi.Desire Doue - France/Paris Saint-Germain
Doue's penalty and assist against Morocco showcase his ability to create chances. His starting spot on the left is a positive development for France.Marc Cucurella - Spain/Real Madrid
Cucurella's clever movement and runs are vital for Spain's attack. His performance against Portugal and Belgium had its ups and downs.Gregor Kobel - Switzerland/Borussia Dortmund
Kobel's penalty shootout heroics against Colombia are notable. His ability to keep Switzerland in the game is impressive.Martin Odegaard - Norway/Arsenal
Odegaard's composure and leadership in possession are positive. His ability to control the game for Norway is a significant contribution.Charles De Ketelaere - Belgium/Atalanta
De Ketelaere's aerial ability and goal against Spain showcase his potential. His role as a real option for Belgium is promising.Adrien Rabiot - France/Milan
Rabiot's consistency and midfield work for France are crucial. His physicality and technical skills maintain France's balance.Alexis Mac Allister - Argentina/Liverpool
Mac Allister's rediscovery of form for Argentina is notable. His goal against Switzerland and technique showcase his potential.Mikel Merino - Spain/Arsenal
Merino's late winners and impact in the final third are significant. His ability to step up in crucial moments is a positive development.Bukayo Saka - England/Arsenal
Saka's impact in a reduced role is notable. His ability to create chances and contribute to England's late pressure is impressive.Youri Tielemans - Belgium/Aston Villa
Tielemans' leadership and performance as Belgium's captain are memorable. His role in Belgium's comeback against Senegal is significant.Joshua Kimmich - Germany/Bayern Munich
Kimmich's performance as Germany's best player is notable. His future as captain and his need to be a full-time midfielder are key points.Davinson Sanchez - Colombia/Galatasaray
Sanchez's performance against Switzerland and his spot kick crash are memorable. His overall tournament contribution is positive.Enzo Fernandez - Argentina/Chelsea
Fernandez's defensive limitations are noted, but his ability to contribute on the ball is impressive. His late winner against Egypt is a highlight.Florian Wirtz - Germany/Liverpool
Wirtz's creation and three assists showcase his reliability. His ability to adapt to Germany's attack is a positive sign.Bradley Barcola - France/Paris Saint-Germain
Barcola's speed and skill are notable. His potential to contribute in the semi-final against Spain is a positive development.Yan Diomande - Ivory Coast/RB Leipzig
Diomande's consistent threat and assist showcase his talent. His performance has faded slightly, but his potential is significant.Julian Alvarez - Argentina/Atletico Madrid
Alvarez's top-corner curler against Switzerland is a highlight. His performance at the tournament has been inconsistent, and Argentina will need more from him.
