Following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Softfootball has ranked the tournament’s 10 best performers based on their overall impact, consistency and influence throughout the competition.
here’s our Top 10 Players of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
🥇 1. Lionel Messi 🇦🇷
🥈 2. Kylian Mbappé 🇫🇷
🥉 3. Rodri 🇪🇸
4️⃣ Jude Bellingham 🏴
5️⃣ Pau Cubarsí 🇪🇸
6️⃣ Aymeric Laporte 🇪🇸
7️⃣ Erling Haaland 🇳🇴
8️⃣ Harry Kane 🏴
9️⃣ Michael Olise 🇫🇷
🔟 Ousmane Dembélé 🇫🇷
Notably absent from the top 10 is Cristiano Ronaldo, whose name does not feature in our rankings following the tournament.
The rankings come after Spain were crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions, defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time on 19 July in New Jersey thanks to Ferran Torres’ decisive strike.
Although Argentina fell short in the final, Lionel Messi once again delivered a memorable tournament, further enhancing one of the greatest international careers in football history.
Messi’s international honours include:
🏆 FIFA U-20 World Cup (2005)
🥇 Olympic Gold Medal (2008)
🏆 Copa América (2021)
🏆 Finalissima (2022)
🏆 FIFA World Cup (2022)
🏆 Copa América (2024)
While Spain, led by a new generation, lifted the 2026 World Cup trophy, Messi’s legacy remains among the greatest the game has ever seen, defined by longevity, consistency and success on the international stage.
