The 14 Best Players of the 2026 World Cup

Spain lifted the trophy but the tournament belonged to more than one man — a Golden Ball-winning midfielder, a 39-year-old chasing the fairytale, the all-time leading scorer and a teenage sensation. Who was the true star of the 2026 World Cup? Cast your vote!

1. 1
   Jude Bellingham

   England's talismanic midfielder and a best-XI selection.
   1000pts
2. 2
   Rodri

   Spain's midfield general won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.
   1000pts
3. 3
   Pau Cubarsi

   Spain's teenage defender named the tournament's Best Young Player.
   1000pts
4. 4
   Harry Kane

   England's captain and record scorer leading the line up front.
   789pts
5. 5
   Lionel Messi

   Argentina's 39-year-old icon took the Silver Ball on his last World Cup.
   789pts
6. 6
   Erling Haaland

   Norway's goal-machine leading their attack on the world stage.
   684pts
7. 7
   Kevin De Bruyne

   Belgium's creative leader on his final World Cup, driving their run to the quarter-finals.
   684pts
8. 8
   Kylian Mbappe

   France's superstar won the Golden Boot with ten goals and took the Bronze Ball.
   684pts
9. 9
   Lamine Yamal

   Spain's teenage sensation whose dribbling and fearlessness transformed the champions.
   684pts
10. 10
    Ferran Torres

    Scored the extra-time winner in the final to seal Spain's title.
    560pts
11. 11
    Pedri

    Spain's elegant orchestrator who controlled midfield throughout the run to glory.
    410pts
12. 12
    Vinicius Junior

    Brazil's electric winger and one of the tournament's most dangerous attackers.
    410pts
13. 13
    Cole Palmer

    England's ice-cool creator who produced key moments in the knockouts.
    228pts
14. 14
    Unai Simon

    Spain's goalkeeper won the Golden Glove for the best tournament between the posts.
    228pts