Top 10 Players of the 2026 World Cup: Messi, Mbappe, and Rising Stars
The 2026 World Cup will be remembered as a showcase of football’s biggest names shining on the global stage, with fresh heroes stepping forward and unforgettable moments shaping the sport’s history. This edition marked the first time 48 countries competed, and the expanded format proved its worth as newcomers and emerging teams showed they belonged among the elite.
Spain claimed the trophy with a narrow 1-0 win over Argentina in the final, while England thrilled fans by finishing third after an electrifying 6-4 victory against France. Controversies also stirred debate, including Egypt's frustration over refereeing decisions and divided opinions about the flashy halftime show during the final.
When all was said and done, the spotlight belonged to players whose performances rose above tactics and pressure. Here are the 10 standout stars who lit up the tournament.
1) Lionel Messi – Argentina
The heartbreak of Argentina’s final loss shouldn’t overshadow Messi’s incredible World Cup run, which ranks among the best individual displays ever seen. Similar to Maradona’s 1986 heroics, Messi carried his team almost single-handedly, tallying eight goals and four assists. At 39, he may have lost some speed, but his sharp vision, intelligence, and precise execution proved age is just a number.
2) Kylian Mbappe – France
Kylian Mbappe cemented his legacy by becoming the first player to win the Golden Boot twice at World Cups, finishing as top scorer with 10 goals and 4 assists. His thrilling race with Messi for the top scorer award captivated fans. With 22 World Cup goals in total, he now holds the record for most goals in the tournament’s history.
3) Rodri – Spain
Rodri silenced doubters by adding the World Cup trophy to his already glittering collection, which includes a Ballon d’Or, European Championship, Nations League, Premier League titles, and a Champions League. The 30-year-old midfield maestro earned Player of the Tournament honors and joined an exclusive club by winning the World Cup, European Championship, Champions League, and Ballon d’Or alongside legends like Gerd Muller, Franz Beckenbauer, and Zinedine Zidane.
4) Jude Bellingham – England
England enjoyed their finest World Cup showing since 1966, exiting only in the semi-finals to Argentina. Jude Bellingham led the charge with seven goals and one assist, confirming his status as one of the world’s best midfielders. He scored key braces against Mexico and Norway, delivering when it mattered most.
5) Michael Olise – France
After a stellar season with Bayern Munich, Michael Olise brought his confidence to the international stage, becoming France’s creative engine. He finished the tournament with seven assists—three more than any other player—despite a quiet semi-final. His playmaking established him as a top performer in the competition.
6) Erling Haaland – Norway
Making his World Cup debut, Erling Haaland proved why he’s feared worldwide. Scoring seven goals, his combination of strength and clinical finishing troubled defenses throughout. His standout moment came with two goals in Norway’s shock 2-1 win over Brazil, one of the tournament favorites. Given his youth, many more goals are likely ahead.
7) Pau Cubarsi – Spain
At only 19, Pau Cubarsi earned Young Player of the Tournament thanks to his key role in Spain’s defensive fortress. Conceding just once in eight matches—the best record ever at a World Cup—the Barcelona defender showed remarkable calm, positioning, and maturity, marking him as one of Europe’s brightest defensive prospects.
8) Harry Kane – England
Fresh from a 61-goal season with Bayern Munich, Harry Kane kept up his scoring form by netting six times for England. He started strong with braces against Croatia and DR Congo. While he didn’t score in the final stages, Kane’s leadership, movement, and attacking presence were vital to England’s deep run.
9) Pedro Porro – Spain
Spain’s defense was the backbone of their success, and Pedro Porro played a crucial role in that sturdy backline. He scored in the Round of 32 against Austria and impressed with a goal and solid performance in the semi-final win over France. Porro closed out the tournament with another confident display in the final.
10) Ousmane Dembele – France
Joining Olise and Mbappe, 2025 Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele spearheaded one of the tournament’s most fearsome attacks. He opened his account in a 3-0 win over Iraq, dazzled with a hat-trick against Norway in the knockouts, and struck key goals in the quarter-final and third-place playoff, finishing with a strong tournament despite France missing the final.
- Lionel Messi: 8 goals, 4 assists
- Kylian Mbappe: 10 goals, 4 assists, all-time World Cup top scorer (22 goals)
- Rodri: Player of the Tournament, World Cup winner
- Jude Bellingham: 7 goals, 1 assist
- Michael Olise: 7 assists (tournament-high)
- Erling Haaland: 7 goals
- Pau Cubarsi: Young Player of the Tournament, key defender
- Harry Kane: 6 goals
- Pedro Porro: Key defender, scored important goals
- Ousmane Dembele: Multiple goals including a hat-trick
