World Cup Player Rankings: Top 50 Players to Watch

Get ready for the World Cup with free access to The Athletic’s comprehensive coverage. Player rankings spark debates, and these provisional rankings of the top 50 players at the World Cup aim to do just that.

The Athletic’s player ratings model will provide objective assessments throughout the tournament, starting with Mexico vs. South Africa.

DISCLAIMER: This list considers form and fitness, not solely talent. Participation likelihood for players is also factored in.

Feel free to share your thoughts and feedback.

1. Ousmane Dembele — France/Paris Saint-Germain. Despite limited playtime in 2025-26, Dembele delivered crucial goals for PSG in the Champions League.
2. Harry Kane — England/Bayern Munich. Kane excelled in final third production last season, netting 61 goals while adapting to play as Bayern’s No 10.
3. Lamine Yamal — Spain/Barcelona. Nearing age 19, Yamal impressively contributes goals and assists, vital for both Spain and Barcelona.
4. Michael Olise — France/Bayern Munich. Last season, Olise turned serious Ballon d’Or contender, enhancing France’s attack with his right flank dynamism.
5. Vitinha — Portugal/PSG. Matching greats like Xavi in pass completions, Vitinha is the central hub in Portugal’s midfield.
6. Kylian Mbappe — France/Real Madrid. Though third-ranked in France’s attack, Mbappe’s scoring ability remains unmatched.
7. Gabriel — Brazil/Arsenal. Defenders often face tough rankings, yet Gabriel’s brilliance in aerial dominance and defense is clear.
8. Pedri — Spain/Barcelona. At 23, Pedri is already an experienced international player, playing a pivotal role in Spain and Barcelona’s midfield.
9. Achraf Hakimi — Morocco/PSG. Known as the top right-back globally, Hakimi’s athleticism and tactics shape Morocco’s gameplay.
10. Bruno Fernandes — Portugal/Manchester United. Fernandes’ set-piece prowess adds significant value to his assist record.
11. Luis Diaz — Colombia/Bayern Munich. Diaz had a stellar season at Bayern, making him a complete attacker.
12. Declan Rice — England/Arsenal. Rice’s athletic ability and set-piece skills make him essential for England and Arsenal.
13. Erling Haaland — Norway/Manchester City. Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess remains crucial for Norway’s World Cup efforts.
14. Nuno Mendes — Portugal/PSG. The world’s best left-back, Mendes complements Portugal’s strategy.
15. Vinicius Junior — Brazil/Real Madrid. Despite no defensive efforts, Vinicius remains Brazil’s main player.
16. Joshua Kimmich — Germany/Bayern Munich. Kimmich’s versatility supports Germany’s defensive strategies.
17. William Saliba — France/Arsenal. Saliba’s defensive skills contribute significantly to both Arsenal and France.
18. Willian Pacho — Ecuador/PSG. Pacho forms the core of PSG and Ecuador’s defense with stable performance.
19. Jude Bellingham — England/Real Madrid. Despite output decline, Bellingham’s talent is crucial for England.
20. Federico Valverde — Uruguay/Real Madrid. Valverde’s dynamic play supports Uruguay’s midfield strategy.
21. Raphinha — Brazil/Barcelona. Raphinha’s versatile winger play supports Brazil’s team-effort.
22. Jonathan Tah — Germany/Bayern Munich. Tah’s defensive leadership supports Germany’s World Cup success.
23. Thibaut Courtois — Belgium/Real Madrid. Courtois’ consistent brilliance could aid Belgium’s weaker team.
24. Dayot Upamecano — France/Bayern Munich. France benefits from Upamecano’s skill set.
25. Lionel Messi — Argentina/Inter Miami. Despite age, Messi’s statistics confirm influence.
26. Enzo Fernandez — Argentina/Chelsea. Fernandez’s passing supports Argentina’s Messi-centered strategy.
27. Antoine Semenyo — Ghana/Manchester City. Semenyo adds scoring capabilities to City’s lineup.
28. Virgil van Dijk — Netherlands/Liverpool. Despite declining performance, Van Dijk’s defensive skills remain vital.
29. Desire Doue — France/PSG. Doue’s talent aligns with potential; France’s starting XI remains uncertain.
30. Joao Neves — Portugal/PSG. Neves’ unique blend anchors Portugal’s winning strategies.
31. Bukayo Saka — England/Arsenal. Saka’s precision supports Arsenal and England.
32. Moises Caicedo — Ecuador/Chelsea. Caicedo’s workload may affect Ecuador’s performance.
33. Jeremy Doku — Belgium/Manchester City. Doku’s direct running stressed opponents effectively.
34. Florian Wirtz — Germany/Liverpool. Wirtz’s pivotal role could elevate Germany’s tournament strategy.
35. Yan Diomande — Ivory Coast/RB Leipzig. An intriguing element; Diomande’s talent draws elite club attention.
36. Fabian Ruiz — Spain/PSG. Injuries may lead to Ruiz’s World Cup freshness.
37. Julian Alvarez — Argentina/Atletico Madrid. Alvarez’s skill elevates Argentina’s attack.
38. Martin Odegaard — Norway/Arsenal. Odegaard’s creative revival is crucial for Norway.
39. Rayan Cherki — France/Manchester City. Cherki’s entertaining play positions him as France’s top substitute.
40. Bernardo Silva — Portugal/Manchester City. Silva’s tactical intelligence supports Portugal.
41. Marquinhos — Brazil/PSG. A leader in Brazil’s defensive strategies.
42. Mohamed Salah — Egypt/Liverpool. Salah’s performance will likely be crucial for Egypt.
43. Piero Hincapie — Ecuador/Arsenal. Hincapie’s physical prowess boosts Ecuador’s defense.
44. Rodri — Spain/Manchester City. Rodri’s pedigree supports Spain’s midfield strategies.
45. Arda Guler — Turkey/Real Madrid. Guler’s skill supports Turkey’s attacking focus.
46. Ruben Dias — Portugal/Manchester City. Dias’ defensive presence bolsters Portugal.
47. Hakan Calhanoglu — Turkey/Inter Milan. Calhanoglu’s playmaker skills enhance Turkey’s midfield strategy.
48. Jamal Musiala — Germany/Bayern Munich. Musiala’s potential alignment with Wirtz supports Germany.
49. Nico Paz — Argentina/Como. Paz’s star power supports Como’s storyline.
50. Cristiano Ronaldo — Portugal/Al Nassr. Ronaldo’s capability to score crucial goals remains vital for Portugal.