Mbappé Leads FIFA Rankings as Top Striker in World Cup 2026, Olise as Top Playmaker, and Messi in Both Categories

FIFA has released its rankings of the best players in the 2026 World Cup, based on statistical performance. All outfield players were rated on a scale of 0 to 10 in three areas: attacking play, creativity (attacking organization), and defensive play. Goalkeepers were rated separately on their ability to control the ball and defend their goal.

French striker Kilian Mbappé led the rankings for attacking players, with a score of 9.12. Mbappé scored 10 goals in 8 matches, becoming the tournament's top scorer.

English midfielder Jude Bellingham came in second, scoring 7 goals in 8 matches and earning a score of 8.29. Argentine striker Lionel Messi took third place, scoring 8 goals in 8 matches and earning a score of 8.06.

In the rankings for creative players, French winger Michael Olise took the top spot, earning a score of 8.29 for his ability to develop attacks and create scoring opportunities. Olise had 7 assists, making him the tournament's top assist provider.

Messi came in second in this category, with a score of 8.26, and Mbappé took third with a score of 7.84.

In the defensive play rankings, Spanish midfielder Rodri took the top spot, with a score of 8.23. Two other Spanish defenders, Pau Cubarsi and Pedro Porro, also made the top three.

Among goalkeepers, Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa had the best defensive performance, making 19 saves in 5 matches and earning a score of 8.44. English goalkeeper Jordan Pickford had the best performance in terms of ball control.