Golden Ball Favourites? Ranking the Top Players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is drawing near, with a total of 1,248 players from 48 competing nations (26 players per squad) in a tournament jointly hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.
This remarkable group of 1,248 players features many of the game's greatest superstars, such as previous Ballon d'Or winners, the current Ballon d'Or recipient and the leading contenders for this year's accolade.
Among the most prominent names are Argentine and Portuguese legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as Brazil's Neymar in a near third place. However, given the age and physical condition of each, they might not top this list as in earlier World Cups.
Instead, we can expect to see a new generation of talent emerging, alongside a former but still young FIFA World Cup winner and debutants making their first appearance in the tournament. Here are the top 10 players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup most likely to win the Golden Ball and be crowned player of the tournament.
Notable Absences
Despite the record number of places available for the 2026 tournament, only 48 teams can qualify, meaning several top players will be absent because their nations did not book a spot. A clear example is Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who claimed his second successive UEFA Champions League title in 2025-26 and was named UCL Player of the Season after an outstanding campaign. Sadly, his country Georgia ended third in Group E during UEFA's qualifying campaign and will watch the tournament from home.
Similarly, Robert Lewandowski, still a potent striker despite turning 37 last August, will miss out because his Polish side lost to Sweden in the UEFA play-off finals. Other notable absentees include Victor Osimhen, whose Nigerian team did not qualify, and Rodrygo, who sustained an ACL injury earlier this year.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS: Lionel Messi (Argentina) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Having ruled world football during the 2000s and 2010s, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are still inseparable in our honourable mentions list. Despite both being immensely gifted, at ages 38 and 41 respectively, they may be eclipsed by younger rivals. Argentina's head coach Lionel Scaloni has suggested that Messi does not report to La Albiceleste's camp in peak condition, while Ronaldo logged many minutes for Al Nassr in 2025-26.
10. Bruno Fernandes
Players from sides expected to advance deep into the tournament are usually in a stronger position to claim the Golden Ball. Portugal are among the favourites, creating a tight contest between three midfielders: Vitinha, Joao Neves and Bruno Fernandes. While Vitinha and Neves have been exceptional for PSG over the last two seasons, Fernandes earns the selection after surpassing Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne's record for the most assists in a single Premier League campaign. He also remains Portugal's most important player aside from Cristiano.
9. Erling Haaland
One of the most lethal forwards in world football cannot be omitted from this list. The Manchester City standout was the top scorer in Europe's qualifying competition, bagging 16 goals, double the tally of the next best marksmen Harry Kane, Memphis Depay and Marko Arnautovic, who each netted 8 times. While Norway have several other quality players, including captain Martin Ødegaard, their aspirations depend heavily on Erling and his finishing prowess in front of goal. Given his track record, we do not anticipate him letting anyone down!
8. Vinicius Junior
Despite some doubts about Brazil's form under Carlo Ancelotti, Vinicius Junior is one to keep an eye on. After a difficult 2025-26 campaign, he ended the season well and has been reunited with the coach who guided his rapid ascent at Real Madrid. However, Vinicius Junior is NOT the highest-ranking Brazilian on this list.
7. Raphinha
Raphinha just pips Vinicius Jr. because of his recent displays for Barcelona, where he has regularly outshone his compatriot over the last two seasons. The former Leeds man secured consecutive La Liga titles, placed fifth in last year's Ballon d'Or standings, and has recovered in time from a hamstring injury picked up in late March.
6. Declan Rice
A contender for this year's Ballon d'Or, Declan Rice is set for an outstanding 2026 FIFA World Cup. Though he arrives at the tournament after Champions League disappointment, losing the final to PSG on penalties, the 27 year old has cemented his status as one of the most dominant midfielders in world football during the season. Let us just hope the sheer volume of matches he played in 2025-26 does not catch up with him.
2. Harry Kane
The clear favourite for the 2026 Ballon d'Or is also the second favourite to claim the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball. Harry Kane will spearhead the attack for an England team anticipated to progress deep into the tournament, having netted an impressive 61 goals in 2025-26. However, the question persists whether Three Lions head coach Thomas Tuchel can strike the right balance to aid Kane, who found it difficult in England's previous two major tournaments.
1. Kylian Mbappé
Our pick to take home the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball is Kylian Mbappé, who came extremely close to winning the 2022 prize and was just a penalty shootout away from guiding France to successive World Cup triumphs. The Frenchman enters the tournament after securing La Liga's Pichichi award for a second straight season and will be the primary attacker for a Les Bleus side widely considered as the tournament favourites. Since making his debut for the French national team, Kylian has played in every World Cup final, scored in both, registered a hat-trick in the most recent final, and is on course to become France's all time top scorer in the competition, if not sooner!