The 2026 FIFA World Cup has generated plenty of headlines, with several players delivering standout performances on the biggest stage. However, the tournament has not been without its surprises. One of the biggest shocks was when Germany and the Netherlands were eliminated in the Round of 32 by Paraguay and Morocco, respectively.
Brazil then joined the list of fallen giants after suffering a Round of 16 defeat to Norway. Individually, many players have impressed by putting up brilliant performances and helping their respective teams get over the line. In this article, we take you through the top 10 best players of the FIFA World Cup so far.
10. Vozinha (Cape Verde)
One of the biggest, yet unheralded stars of this World Cup is Vozinha. The Cape Verde goalkeeper acquitted himself well in two of his team’s biggest matches, against Spain and Argentina. Against La Roja, the 40-year-old was a wall in goal for Cape Verde, posting a 1.45 goals prevented.
He helped his side keep two clean sheets in four games. Although Cape Verde eventually bowed out of the World Cup after losing 2-3 to Argentina in the Round of 32, Vozinha finished the tournament averaging 10.2 recoveries per 90 minutes. His save percentage of 78.3% made headlines, too.
9. Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Mohamed Salah made waves by terminating his contract with Liverpool at the end of the 2025-26 Premier League season. However, he continued to lead Egypt brilliantly at the FIFA World Cup. Although he has not been his usual goalscoring self, the forward ranks second in chances created with 16.
Salah’s presence in the final third has given teams a lot to worry about, especially with his intelligent off-the-ball play. He carried much of Egypt’s attacking burden before the Pharaohs were eliminated by defending world champions Argentina in the Round of 16.
8. Brahim Díaz (Morocco)
Brahim Díaz has quietly been one of the tournament’s most influential performers. The winger has bagged four assists while being tied for fourth in big chances created with three. Díaz’s stylish play has won him plaudits throughout the World Cup, with his presence on the ball helping Morocco overcome Canada in the Round of 16.
The Real Madrid forward was at his best against Les Rouges, creating two chances and recording two assists. If the Atlas Lions are to recreate their 2022 World Cup run, Díaz will need to continue in the same vein of form.
7. Bruno Guimarães (Brazil)
Bruno Guimarães impressed at this World Cup and was one of Brazil’s standout performers despite their Round of 16 exit against Norway. He recorded four assists, with only Pele producing more for Brazil at a single World Cup (six in 1970).
Much of Brazil’s attacking play flowed through Guimarães, who dictated the tempo from midfield and created three big chances. Although the Canarinho fell short of their goal, he cemented himself as one of the tournament’s premier playmakers and came close to matching one of Pele’s long-standing World Cup records.
6. Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain)
One of the most underrated players at this FIFA World Cup has been Mikel Oyarzabal. The Spain striker has played a pivotal role in La Roja’s run to the quarterfinals, where they will face Belgium.
Oyarzabal has already scored four goals and registered an assist, helping the Spaniards dominate proceedings in the final third. With an impressive 3.1 xG and 2.1 shots on target per 90 minutes, Oyarzabal has firmly established himself as the first name on the Spain team sheet under manager Luis de la Fuente.
5. Michael Olise (France)
One of the most exciting players to watch at the 2026 World Cup has been France’s Michael Olise. The Bayern Munich winger currently leads the tournament with five assists and has played a vital role in all of France’s victories so far. He is undeniably the best young player of the World Cup.
Olise has been as important for Les Bleus as Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé, which is why manager Didier Deschamps rates him so highly. What’s more, the 24-year-old ranks second in big chances created with five, making him one of the World Cup’s most effective playmakers.
4. Harry Kane (England)
England’s FIFA World Cup campaign has been far from straightforward, but captain Harry Kane has consistently delivered when his team have needed him most. He scored a brace in the second half against DR Congo to help England overturn a one-goal deficit.
In the Round of 16, Kane scored a goal and added an assist against the Mexicans, helping the Three Lions secure a place in the quarterfinals. The Bayern Munich forward currently has six goals and an assist to his name.
3. Erling Haaland (Norway)
Erling Haaland first helped Norway qualify for their first FIFA World Cup in 28 years before leading them to one of the tournament’s biggest upsets by eliminating Brazil in the Round of 16.
The Manchester City striker has scored seven goals and is tied for second in the Golden Boot race. Playing in his first World Cup, Haaland has demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the world’s elite forwards and will do everything in his power to take Norway as far into the knockouts as possible.
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, has found the back of the net in every game he has played so far, tallying eight goals and leading the Golden Boot race.
What’s more, Messi has become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 21 goals. After lifting the trophy in 2022, the Inter Miami star is chasing one more World Cup title before bringing his legendary career to a close.
1. Kylian Mbappé (France)
Kylian Mbappé has been the best player at this FIFA World Cup. The Frenchman is currently tied for second in the Golden Boot race with seven goals and has also contributed two assists, giving him a joint-best nine goal involvements.
Mbappé, who was a vital member of the France squad that won the 2018 FIFA World Cup, appears intent on repeating his heroics this year. His raw pace and strength make marking him a Herculean task. The 27-year-old is also comfortable shooting from a distance. He is one of the leading contenders to win the FIFA World Cup Best Player trophy, also known as the Golden Ball.
