Top 25 Players of the 2026 World Cup Ranked

The 2026 World Cup has come to an end, with Spain securing their second-ever title. Hosting most matches in the U.S. brought the tournament into the spotlight for American fans, who witnessed some of the best talent in world soccer on a grand stage.

Even though many stars appeared, not all performed at the highest level. True greatness shows in key moments, and the following players made the biggest impact throughout the competition.

25. Fabian Ruiz, Spain

Ruiz's influence grew once he entered the starting lineup during knockout rounds, helping Spain pull through tight games. His earlier limited playing time kept him from ranking higher.

24. Julián Quiñones, Mexico

Mexico's leading scorer, Quiñones, nearly carried his team past England in the round of 16 with his reliable finishing.

23. Ismaila Sarr, Senegal

Sarr netted four goals, including a standout strike against Belgium that was among the tournament's finest moments. His athleticism and goal sense were on full display.

22. Folarin Balogun, United States

Balogun impressed early with his scoring but faded after a political controversy dampened his image by the knockout stage.

21. Diogo Costa, Portugal

Costa arguably outperformed the Golden Glove winner despite Portugal’s early exit. His goalkeeping was key in Portugal’s narrow loss to Spain in the round of 16.

20. William Saliba, France

Saliba’s injury early in the semifinal against Spain marked a turning point. Before that, he had been a defensive rock for France.

19. Unai Simon, Spain

Simon’s Golden Glove win reflected his crucial role, conceding just one goal in the entire tournament and guiding Spain to victory.

18. Dani Olmo, Spain

Olmo orchestrated Spain’s attack with precise passing, setting up vital chances including Porro’s goal against France and Yamal’s chance in the final.

17. Lamine Yamal, Spain

Although expectations were high, Yamal’s physical limits showed. Still, he remained a strong threat on the wing and contributed defensively.

16. Dayot Upamecano, France

Upamecano’s presence stabilized France’s defense. His absence in the third-place match's first half was felt immediately.

15. Achraf Hakimi, Morocco

Hakimi shone for Morocco but faltered against France, struggling to influence the attack in the crucial defeat.

14. Vinicius Junior, Brazil

Vinicius was a bright spot for Brazil, creating chances and linking well with teammates despite the team's underperformance.

13. Mikel Oyarzabal, Spain

Oyarzabal played a quiet but important role, drawing defenders and excelling defensively to help Spain’s winning campaign.

12. Pedro Porro, Spain

Porro’s speed and defensive work stood out, especially with his goal in the semifinal sealing Spain’s dominance over France.

11. Michael Olise, France

Olise set a record for assists but missed several scoring chances himself, yet his setups were key to France reaching the semifinals.

10. Declan Rice, England

Despite illness affecting his play against Norway, Rice’s leadership helped England secure third place, especially when Harry Kane was sidelined.

9. Harry Kane, England

Kane remained England’s main goal threat with six goals, even if he struggled later in the tournament.

8. Ousmane Dembele, France

Dembele scored six goals, including a pivotal one off the bench. Inconsistency against Spain hurt France’s chances in the final stages.

7. Jude Bellingham, England

Bellingham broke England’s scoring records with seven goals, shining particularly in late-round matches like his brace versus Mexico.

6. Aymeric Laporte, Spain

Laporte anchored Spain’s defense and likely mentored younger defender Cubarsi, combining solid defending with ball control under pressure.

5. Erling Haaland, Norway

Haaland led Norway’s upset over Brazil with his scoring prowess, but Norway’s hopes dwindled when he hit a dry spell.

4. Rodri, Spain

The tournament’s captain and Golden Ball winner, Rodri’s comeback from ACL surgery was remarkable as he led Spain to the championship.

3. Pau Cubarsi, Spain

The young FIFA Young Player Award winner was instrumental in the final, neutralizing Argentina’s Messi and Alvarez while drawing a decisive red card.

2. Kylian Mbappé, France

Mbappé’s two goals in the third-place match pushed him to become the all-time World Cup top scorer with 22 goals and earned him his second Golden Boot.

1. Lionel Messi, Argentina

At 39, Messi delivered some of the tournament’s most unforgettable moments, spearheading Argentina’s comeback efforts with eight goals and unmatched influence on his team’s performance.

Spain’s victory sparked massive celebrations back home, filling Madrid’s Cibeles Square with fans honoring their heroes.