Top 10 Players Still Competing in the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup has dramatically narrowed down from 48 teams to just eight, each believing they have a shot at lifting the trophy. Among these teams, powerhouses like France, Argentina, England, Spain, and Morocco stand out as favorites, boasting squads that look ready to exhaust their opponents.
Here’s our ranking of the best players still in the running, those who could push their teams even further before the tournament ends on July 19.
10. Yassine Bounou, Morocco
In five matches, Bounou has helped his team by preventing goals rather than scoring them, standing out with zero goals and zero assists but making crucial saves. While goalkeepers like Argentina’s Emi Martinez and France’s Mike Maignan have had moments of brilliance, Bounou earns the top spot among keepers for his penalty shootout heroics—especially against the Netherlands where he saved two penalties, one while upright.
Trusting your goalkeeper is key when games are tight, and Bounou’s calm under pressure makes him invaluable.
9. Achraf Hakimi, Morocco
Hakimi's presence is clouded by legal troubles, as he faces formal rape charges in Paris. Despite this, on the pitch, he remains Morocco’s captain and arguably the best right back in the world, contributing one goal and two assists in five games.
He often combines effectively with Brahim Diaz, adding creativity and speed to Morocco’s attack, though his World Cup form has been inconsistent compared to his PSG performances. The debate around his participation is valid, but his talent remains undeniable.
8. Ismael Saibari, Morocco
One of the breakout stars this year, Saibari leads Morocco’s scoring with three goals in five appearances. Having recently joined Bayern Munich, he shifted from midfield at PSV to a more attacking role in the World Cup.
Though he left the Round of 16 match against Canada early due to injury, he still stands as Morocco’s main offensive threat.
7. Lamine Yamal, Spain
At only 18, Yamal was expected to shine and, while he has scored just once so far, he remains Spain’s most dangerous player. His ability to create space and open shooting opportunities is impressive.
His challenge now is turning chances into tangible contributions as Spain progresses.
6. Michael Olise, France
Olise has dazzled with creativity, providing five assists across five matches without scoring. After an outstanding season with Bayern Munich, he has injected energy into France’s attack, especially down the right wing.
His precise left foot creates numerous chances, making him a vital link in Didier Deschamps’ setup.
5. Jude Bellingham, England
Bellingham has proven clutch time and again. Against Mexico, he scored two quick goals to revive England’s hopes. At 23, despite a slight dip in club form, he’s still regarded as one of the world’s finest midfielders, combining four goals and one assist in the tournament.
Backing against him seems risky.
4. Harry Kane, England
Kane has netted six goals and provided two assists, balancing goal-scoring with playmaking. Unlike pure strikers, he drops deep to link up play, making him a hybrid forward or '9.5'.
His leadership almost single-handedly pushed England past DR Congo and Mexico, signaling his importance for the final stages.
3. Erling Haaland, Norway
Haaland shut down any doubts with seven goals in five matches, guiding Norway to their first-ever quarterfinals. Though sometimes seen just as a finisher, he shows skills beyond the box, linking play and using his speed and jumping ability to dominate.
Norway lacks squad depth compared to others, but having Haaland might be enough for bigger dreams.
2. Kylian Mbappe, France
Mbappe sits second behind Messi, with seven goals and two assists. Despite a tough Round of 16 game against Paraguay, he scored on a penalty and continues to terrorize defenses with his pace and precision.
His partnership with Olise has been lethal, making him a key figure as the knockout rounds continue.
1. Lionel Messi, Argentina
At 39, Messi may be nearing the end of his career, but his performances still outshine nearly everyone else. He has scored in every World Cup game he’s played in 2026, extending his record to eight consecutive World Cup matches with goals.
Even though Argentina’s overall display hasn’t been dominant, Messi’s brilliance keeps them alive. Whether centrally or on the wing, he constantly crafts scoring chances, remaining the tournament’s standout player.
