TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The 2026 FIFA World Cup has delivered outstanding individual performances, with established superstars and emerging talents making their mark on football’s biggest stage. From record-breaking goals to dominant displays in midfield and defense, these players stood out among the tournament’s best.
Here are the 10 best players of the 2026 World Cup, according to Yahoo! Sports.
10 Best Players of 2026 World Cup
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Lionel Messi once again proved his greatness on the World Cup stage. Argentina’s loss in the final will not erase the extraordinary tournament played by the greatest footballer of all time. At the age of 39, he produced a remarkable campaign, leading Argentina to the final with eight goals and four assists. His creativity, vision, and ability to influence matches continued to separate him from other players.
2. Kylian Mbappe (France)
Kylian Mbappe delivered another historic World Cup performance for France. His 10 goals were the most by a player in a single tournament since 1970, and he became the all-time leading World Cup top scorer ahead of Messi with 22 goals. Despite France finishing fourth, Mbappé’s speed, finishing, and consistency made him one of the tournament’s most dangerous players.
3. Jude Bellingham (England)
Jude Bellingham returned to his best form and became a key figure in England’s run to third place. He scored seven goals, the most by an England player in a single World Cup, and delivered some of his strongest performances in the knockout rounds. His leadership and attacking impact made him one of England’s biggest stars.
4. Erling Haaland (Norway)
Erling Haaland announced himself on the World Cup stage with a dominant display for Norway. He scored seven goals in five matches as Norway reached the quarter-finals in their first World Cup appearance in nearly three decades. His physical strength, finishing ability, and goal-scoring instinct made him a nightmare for defenders.
5. Rodri (Spain)
Rodri played a crucial role in Spain’s World Cup triumph with his control and leadership in midfield. After recovering from injury, he returned to top form and was the dominant force in Spain’s midfield. His passing, composure, and defensive work helped Spain dominate the tournament.
6. Pau Cubarsi (Spain)
At just 19 years old, Pau Cubarsi emerged as one of the tournament’s biggest young stars. He anchored Spain’s defense as they conceded only one goal in eight matches, while also showing impressive passing ability and defensive maturity. His performance earned him recognition as the Young Player of the Tournament.
7. Michael Olise (France)
Michael Olise became one of France’s most influential players during their World Cup campaign. He broke the World Cup assist record previously held by Pele and established himself as a creative force in attack. His vision and ability to create chances made him one of the tournament’s standout performers.
8. Harry Kane (England)
Harry Kane played a major role in England’s journey, particularly during the early stages of the tournament. He scored six goals and continued to strengthen his legacy as England’s record World Cup top scorer. His leadership and finishing remained vital for the national team.
9. Ousmane Dembele (France)
Ousmane Dembele delivered a standout World Cup campaign for France. The winger starred with a hat-trick against Norway before delivering three consecutive strong knockout performances, earning recognition as one of the World Cup’s top players despite France’s semi-final defeat to Spain.
10. Vozinha (Cape Verde)
Vozinha was one of the tournament’s surprise performers. The Cape Verde goalkeeper earned praise for his crucial saves and leadership. Cape Verde’s Round of 32 defeat to Argentina was a memorable World Cup clash, with Vozinha making several outstanding saves, including against Lionel Messi.
The 2026 World Cup showcased a combination of legendary brilliance and the arrival of a new generation of stars. Messi, Mbappe, Bellingham, Haaland, and other top performers demonstrated why the tournament remains football’s ultimate stage for individual excellence.
Read: All-Time World Cup Top Scorers: Updated Standings
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