FIFA World Cup 2026: Top Player Rankings and Goalkeeper Analysis

Quarter-final matches are currently underway. At this opportune time, various sources and agencies have determined the rankings of the tournament's best players. With the help of agencies, a rough list of 50 players has been compiled here based on overall performance so far. 

1. Lionel Messi — Argentina / Inter Miami 

Messi was on the verge of losing the top spot in this list. But then he moved to the right wing, provided consistently excellent crosses, and made Argentina's comeback possible against Egypt. He directly contributed to two goals and corrected his mistake of missing a penalty for the second time in the World Cup. 

Argentina is still alive in the tournament, and Messi is still incomparable. 

2. Kylian Mbappé — France / Real Madrid 

Mbappé, who maintained his composure amidst the constant provocation of Paraguayan players, earned further praise for scoring the decisive penalty. If Messi's performance falters even slightly, Mbappé could move to first place. The competition between these two is currently very close. Kylian Mbappé's Les Bleus have already secured a place in the semi-finals by defeating Morocco. 

3. Harry Kane — England / Bayern Munich 

After an excellent performance against DR Congo, Kane maintained his level against Mexico. He created space for Jude Bellingham by drawing two defenders towards him in the first goal. Then he selflessly assisted Bellingham's second goal. 

Later, Kane's flick-on was crucial in Anthony Gordon winning the penalty, and he converted it into a goal without any mistake. 

4. Erling Haaland — Norway / Manchester City Haaland presented two excellent moments of football in a single match against Brazil. He scored a goal and also surpassed his old Premier League rival Gabriel. Regardless of whether Norway wins or loses in the quarter-final against England on Saturday, Haaland and his team have already left an indelible mark on this World Cup. 

5. Achraf Hakimi — Morocco / Paris Saint-Germain 

Hakimi added another assist against Canada. His team has been eliminated from the tournament after losing to France. But due to his consistently excellent performance throughout this World Cup, he is fully deserving of a place in the top 10. 

6. Michael Olise — France / Bayern Munich 

Olise received a highly controversial yellow card, against which France had also appealed. Although his performance against Paraguay was his weakest in this World Cup, he appeared strong again against Morocco. 

7. Jude Bellingham — England / Real Madrid 

Bellingham is a player for big games, so it was no surprise that he performed excellently against Mexico in a high-pressure environment like the Estadio Azteca. In addition to scoring two goals, his attacking runs with the ball were reminiscent of French legend Zinedine Zidane. 

Bellingham and Harry Kane have now become the mainstays of England's success in this World Cup. 

8. Aymeric Laporte — Spain / Athletic Club 

In the six games played in the World Cup, Spain has conceded only one goal, that too against Belgium in the sixth game. It is natural for Spain's defense, which prevented Portugal from scoring in the Round of 16, to find a place in the top 10. Laporte is the leader of this defense. He is skilled in ball control and is also physically very strong. 

9. Pau Cubarsí — Spain / Barcelona 

19-year-old Cubarsí has shown maturity beyond his age. In the match against Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo could not make much of an impact against him. His rating was also high against Belgium. Spain's upcoming challenges will be even tougher, but the central defensive partnership of Laporte-Cubarsí has given the team great confidence. 

10. Ousmane Dembélé — France / Paris Saint-Germain 

Dembélé's excellent performances in this World Cup have been truly spectacular, but when he is not at his best, he looks somewhat uncomfortable on the right wing of France's attack. Paraguay managed to contain him for most of the time. Despite that, he continuously tried to make an impact throughout the game. He performed excellently against Morocco and managed to score a goal. 

11. Lamine Yamal — Spain / Barcelona 

Spectators have not yet seen the full potential of Yamal in this World Cup. However, even when he is not at his best, opposing teams have to prepare specially to stop him. Against Portugal, he continuously put Nuno Mendes under pressure, forcing Mendes to leave the field due to injury before that.

8. Vinícius Júnior — Brazil / Real Madrid 

Although most of the team's players looked weak when Brazil lost to Norway, Vinícius was not among them. If Endrick had not missed the opportunity in the second half, he would have registered one of the best assists of the tournament. Brazil has many problems, but Vinícius is not one of them. He can return home with pride. 

13. Ismael Saibari — Morocco / Bayern Munich 

Morocco's collective play has become even clearer in the knockout stages. Saibari has shone less individually compared to the group stage. However, his dynamic play in the final third, passing, and ability to create attacks are still extremely important for Morocco. 

In the Round of 16 match against Canada, he was forced to leave the field early due to injury. His absence against France will be a big blow to Morocco. 

14. Dayot Upamecano — France / Bayern Munich 

Upamecano has been a constant presence at the heart of France's strong defense. While Spain's defense still looks impenetrable, France's defense has also performed excellently. Upamecano plays excellent defensive football in open spaces and is also very reliable in ball distribution. 

15. William Saliba — France / Arsenal 

The partnership of Upamecano and Saliba has become France's biggest strength. Upamecano is ranked one place higher than Saliba because he has played one more game in the tournament. Excellent defenders often don't get much attention because they eliminate danger before it arises. Saliba is such a player. 

15. Diogo Costa — Portugal / Porto 

Even though Portugal was eliminated from the tournament, Diogo Costa further strengthened his reputation. He made many excellent saves against Spain. However, in the end, he could only stop the shot from substitute player Mikel Merino.

He will surely get an opportunity to take revenge in the future from the national team. 

17. Julián Quiñones — Mexico / Al-Qadsiah 

Against England, Quiñones could not add to his World Cup goal tally. Throughout the tournament, he was the biggest attacking threat from Mexico's left wing. He played an important role in keeping England, one of the main title contenders, under pressure until the end at the Azteca stadium. 

18. Leandro Trossard — Belgium / Arsenal 

Although Arsenal may not need Trossard right now, he has become even more important for Belgium than before. In the 4-1 victory against the USA, he assisted Charles De Ketelaere's goal. He continuously attracted many defenders towards him, creating ample space for his teammates. 

19. Declan Rice — England / Arsenal 

England's first goal against Mexico started with Rice's familiar style of carrying the ball forward. Apart from that moment, it was not his best performance in the World Cup. However, he made a significant contribution to securing the win by withstanding Mexico's late attacks for Thomas Tuchel's team. 

20. Mikel Oyarzabal — Spain / Real Sociedad 

After Dani Olmo's excellent pass against Portugal, he missed a very easy chance. If that goal had been scored, Spain could have secured the game much earlier. In that match, Ferran Torres and Mikel Merino performed more impressively than him. 

But that was just an exception. Oyarzabal is still one of Spain's key players in this World Cup. 

21. Luis Díaz — Colombia / Bayern Munich 

In the penalty shootout against Switzerland, he successfully converted his shot into a goal. However, he could not provide the decisive attack that Colombia desperately needed in open play. He could not replicate the level of performance he showed for Bayern Munich throughout the World Cup either. 

22. Rodri — Spain / Manchester City

Not only the back four but also Rodri, playing in front of them, has made a significant contribution to Spain's excellent defensive performance. When Portugal tried to build attacks, it was very difficult to get past Rodri's influence in the midfield. He was as reliable as ever in ball control and accurate passing. 

23. Roberto Alvarado — Mexico / Guadalajara 

Against England, he could not add to his three assists. But his accurate passes from his left foot gave momentum to Mexico's continuous attacks. His performance in this World Cup has significantly increased his recognition outside his own country. 

24. Bruno Guimarães — Brazil / Newcastle United 

Against Norway, he took one of the worst penalties in World Cup history, which was easily saved by goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland. In that match, he could only watch the Norwegian players play with the ball for a long time. 

The tournament ended very disappointingly for Guimarães, who had excellent individual performances before that. 

25. Ismaïla Sarr — Senegal / Crystal Palace 

Sarr's contribution was very important to Senegal's successful journey. His spectacular goal against Belgium in the Round of 32 is considered one of the best goals of this World Cup. Since Senegal has been eliminated from the tournament, he may drop in future updates. However, based on his performance so far, the possibility of him remaining in the top 50 is still strong. 

26. Folarin Balogun — United States / Monaco 

Balogun, who was at the center of political controversy, finally started from the beginning in the match against Belgium. But that did not benefit the USA much. Despite being a talented striker, he did not look to be in his best form. The entire American team failed to perform at the expected level. 

27. Brahim Díaz — Morocco / Real Madrid 

With two assists against Canada, Brahim Díaz doubled his assist count in this World Cup. His right-sided partnership with Achraf Hakimi became one of the most dangerous attacks of the tournament. 

28. Anthony Gordon — England / Barcelona 

Gordon has fully established himself in this World Cup. Coming on as a substitute against DR Congo, he assisted Harry Kane's two goals. Against Mexico, he also earned England a valuable penalty by drawing a foul from goalkeeper Raúl Rangel due to his tireless running and active play. 

29. Unai Simón — (Spain — Athletic Bilbao)

Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simón has emerged as the most impressive goalkeeper of this World Cup. In all five matches up to the quarter-finals, he played a decisive role in Spain's campaign to reach the semi-finals without conceding a single goal. Despite Spain's strong defense, Simón's saves at crucial moments have repeatedly saved the team from crisis. 

30. Pedri — Spain / Barcelona 

Pedri's performance in this tournament was consistent but not exceptional. His relatively weak performance against Portugal affected Spain's overall creative play. In the quarter-final against Belgium, he came on as a substitute. 

31. Elliot Anderson — England / Manchester City After officially joining Manchester City from Nottingham Forest for £116 million (approximately $153 million), Anderson has maintained his excellent form in the World Cup. In England's double midfield partnership against Mexico, he performed more impressively than Declan Rice. Although Rice is slightly ahead in the overall tournament, both players have become indispensable for coach Thomas Tuchel. 

32. Marc Cucurella — Spain / Real Madrid 

Cucurella could not replicate the impressive attacking performance against Austria in the previous round against Portugal. However, he largely neutralized his former Chelsea teammate Pedro Neto. He has a habit of performing well in big games, and now even bigger challenges await Spain. 

33. Pedro Porro — Spain / Tottenham 

Porro has cemented his place as the first-choice right-back, overtaking Marcos Llorente. Against Portugal, he was very effective, though not extraordinary. He coordinated excellently with Lamine Yamal and forced João Félix to take on more defensive responsibilities than usual. 

34. Gregor Kobel — Switzerland / Borussia Dortmund 

Switzerland's success in major tournaments often relies on a strong defense, and having Gregor Kobel, one of Europe's best goalkeepers, is a great strength for them. He made many excellent saves in the 120 minutes against Colombia. Then, in the penalty shootout, he almost saved Jaiminton Campaz's shot and brilliantly dived to his right to save Cuco Hernández's penalty. 

35. Martin Ødegaard — Norway / Arsenal 

Ødegaard could not become a decisive player in the final third against Brazil. But he showed exemplary leadership as captain. He reduced the threat of Brazil's rapid counter-attacks by keeping the ball under his control and also controlled the game's tempo after Haaland scored. His calm demeanor and ability to control the game are invaluable assets for Norway. 

36. Youri Tielemans — Belgium / Aston Villa 

Tielemans' performance in Belgium's win against the USA was good, though not exceptional. But his role in Belgium's incredible comeback against Senegal in the Round of 32 is still memorable. Coach Rudi Garcia expects a similarly impactful performance from him against Spain now. 

37. Joshua Kimmich — Germany / Bayern Munich 

Kimmich was the best-performing player for Germany in this World Cup. But that couldn't take the team very far. Whether he remains captain under Julian Nagelsmann's potential successor (possibly Jürgen Klopp) or not, it seems appropriate to play him as a permanent midfielder in international football now. 

38. Davinson Sánchez — Colombia / Galatasaray 

Sánchez played an important role in stopping Switzerland's relatively weak attack and taking Colombia to a penalty shootout. However, he missed an opportunity by hitting his own penalty against the crossbar. Apart from that one mistake, his overall World Cup was very successful. 

39. Florian Wirtz — Germany / Liverpool 

Even though Germany is out of the tournament, Wirtz remains in the top 50. Although Paraguay easily contained Germany's attack in the Round of 32, Wirtz was the most reliable source of creative play for the team. Three assists in four games is a good achievement, although it is not a superstar-level contribution. 

40. Andreas Schjelderup — Norway / Benfica 

Coming on as a substitute against Brazil, Schjelderup provided assists for both of Haaland's goals. He now looks worthy of being the first choice over Antonio Nusa. Even if he doesn't get a starting spot, his skill in playing in small spaces and excellent passing vision make him a very dangerous weapon as a substitute. 

41. Bradley Barcola — France / Paris Saint-Germain 

Barcola's performance in this World Cup has been up and down. He was not very impressive against Paraguay. But his explosive speed and direct attacking style are always challenging for opponents. 

42. Désiré Doué — Ivory Coast / RB Leipzig 

As the tournament progressed, Doué's performance gradually weakened. But he continued to inspire his teammates by creating constant attacking threats. One assist and no goals in four games show that this talented 19-year-old player has yet to fully display his true potential. 

43. Cody Gakpo — Netherlands / Liverpool

Although the Netherlands' performance has been inconsistent, Gakpo's opening games are still worthy of high marks. His dramatic goal against Morocco in the Round of 32 and the emotional reaction he showed afterwards were particularly memorable. It was revealed just a few days before that game that his son Elijah had tragically passed away. 

44. Charles De Ketelaere — Belgium / Atalanta Belgium's attacking front has sometimes looked like a player filling in for Romelu Lukaku, who comes on as a substitute. But against the USA, he scored two goals, devastating the opponent's defense. He also created the opportunity for Hans Vanaken to score the third goal by snatching the ball from goalkeeper Mat Ryan.

45. Ørjan Nyland — Norway / Free Agent 

Nyland, 35, had his contract with Sevilla expire last month and is currently not affiliated with any club. 

However, his heroic performance against Brazil has significantly increased his market value. He guessed the right direction for Bruno Guimarães' penalty and saved it, made many other important saves, and also distracted Neymar at the last moment from the game time. 

46. Bukayo Saka — England / Arsenal 

Saka, getting his second start in the World Cup, provided a very intelligent assist against Mexico. Jude Bellingham scored easily from his excellent cross with his right foot. England is using him carefully due to an Achilles injury, and he has played less than 200 minutes so far. But even in limited time, he has proven effective. 

47. Enzo Fernández — Argentina / Chelsea 

His looping header in injury time against Egypt was reminiscent of Hernán Crespo. Argentina's midfield is still struggling to control the game against relatively weaker teams. But Enzo's ball control ability is evident, and he is always a goal threat inside the penalty area. 

48. Johan Mjällby — Switzerland / Freiburg 

Switzerland clearly felt Mjällby's absence against Colombia. The severity of the knee injury sustained during training is not yet clear. If Mjällby, considered one of the biggest emerging talents of the World Cup, cannot play against Argentina on Saturday (Sunday morning in the UK), it would be a great misfortune for the tournament. 

49. Cristian Romero — Argentina / Tottenham 

Romero's game is always up and down. At any moment, an adverse decision could lead to a red card. The defensive partnership with Lisandro Martínez is struggling to contain opponents. However, when needed, he is capable of advancing and scoring decisive goals. Whether it was the goal in extra time against Cape Verde in the Round of 32 or the header that initiated Argentina's historic comeback against Egypt — Romero has repeatedly rescued the team at crucial moments. 

50. Matheus Cunha — Brazil / Manchester United Brazil never found its attacking rhythm against Norway. Cunha had the most disappointing game of the tournament. He only managed one off-target shot and was substituted for Endrick before the hour mark. He is a very good player, but the question remains whether he is truly suited as a number-9 striker. 

1. Unai Simón (Spain) — Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament

Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simón has emerged as the most impressive goalkeeper of this World Cup. In all five matches up to the quarter-finals, he played a decisive role in Spain's campaign to reach the semi-finals without conceding a single goal. Despite Spain's strong defense, Simón's saves at crucial moments have repeatedly saved the team from crisis. 

Excellent positioning, game-reading ability, confidence in aerial balls, and the skill to start play with his feet make him an excellent example of a modern goalkeeper. Consistently keeping clean sheets by keeping opponents goalless is the main reason why he is the number one goalkeeper of this World Cup. 

2. Orlando Gill (Paraguay) — Goalkeeper with Most Saves

Paraguay's Orlando Gill became the goalkeeper with the most saves in the 2026 World Cup. He topped this list with 23 saves in the tournament. It was due to his excellent performance that Paraguay managed to reach the Round of 16. He played a heroic role, especially in the penalty shootout win against Germany. Although he lost to France, he was declared 'Player of the Match' for his performance in that game. He also recorded an impressive statistic of 1.68 Goals Prevented (goals saved compared to expected goals). His greatest achievement was keeping the team competitive by making consistent excellent saves in difficult situations. 

3. Lawrence Ati-Zigi (Ghana) — Most Effective Goalkeeper

Although Ghana's Lawrence Ati-Zigi did not play many games, he left a deep impression with his performance. Despite playing only two games (135 minutes) in the tournament, he surpassed all goalkeepers in this indicator with an excellent statistic of 2.91 Goals Prevented. Although he had to leave the field due to injury after the first half against Paraguay, he played an important role in securing the win for the team. He then returned against Colombia and performed excellently, conceding only one goal in two games. Due to his extraordinary ability to stop potential goals from opponents in a limited time, Ati-Zigi became one of the most effective goalkeepers of this World Cup. 

Jordan Pickford (England) — Reliable Goalkeeper for Big Games

England's Jordan Pickford has once again proven why he is considered one of the best goalkeepers in world football at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Throughout the tournament, he performed confidently in difficult moments, making a significant contribution to England reaching the semi-finals. 

Especially in the thrilling 3-2 victory against Mexico, many analysts considered his excellent saves to be among the best goalkeeping performances of the World Cup. His reflexes, leadership in the penalty area, aerial ball control, and ability to remain calm under pressure made him one of England's most reliable players. 

His ability to make decisive saves in big games and save the team from crisis was clearly evident in this World Cup as well.