Ranking the top 50 players at the 2026 World Cup: From Dembele to Kane, but do Messi and Ronaldo feature?

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Everyone loves the World Cup, and everyone loves player rankings — or at least the chance to furiously disagree with them.

So here we are. Over the next five weeks the below list will be updated and informed by The Athletic’s new player ratings model, being launched for this summer’s tournament in North America, which will provide an objective assessment of each player’s contribution in a match.

But before the first ball is kicked between Mexico and South Africa on Thursday, here are our provisional rankings of the top 50 players set to be involved at the World Cup.

DISCLAIMER: This is not a pure list of the 50 most talented footballers at the tournament. Form and fitness matter, as does whether they are actually likely to play for their national side.

Please feel welcome to direct your thoughts and complaints to the comments section.

1. Ousmane Dembele — France/Paris Saint-Germain

He may have played startlingly few minutes in 2025-26, but Dembele showed up when it mattered most for PSG, scoring against Chelsea, Liverpool (twice), Bayern Munich (three times) and Arsenal in the Champions League knockout rounds.

It’s appropriate to give the benefit of the doubt to the reigning Ballon d’Or winner.

2. Harry Kane — England/Bayern Munich

No forward in Europe had better final third production last season than Kane, who scored 61 goals across all competitions for Bayern while somehow also playing as the team’s No 10 for long stretches. Thomas Tuchel will build England’s attack similarly around him.

3. Lamine Yamal — Spain/Barcelona

Yamal gets the narrowest nod over Olise because he generates almost as many goals and assists despite not playing with Kane. Spain depend on his genius every bit as much as Barcelona. He will turn 19 at this World Cup, and might also ascend to the top of this list.

4. Michael Olise — France/Bayern Munich

Olise made the leap to serious Ballon d’Or contender last season, tearing apart Bundesliga defences and elite Champions League opponents from his starting position on the right flank. Wherever he plays for France, he adds a new dimension to a star-studded attack.

France’s brilliant forward Michael Olise (Franck Fife/AFP via Getty Images)

5. Vitinha — Portugal/PSG

The passing hub of Europe’s best club side comes into this World Cup in fine form, fresh from matching the great Xavi by completing 141 passes in last month’s Champions League final. Portugal might have the best midfield in the competition, and everything revolves around Vitinha.

6. Kylian Mbappe — France/Real Madrid

Mbappe is in new territory this summer. Is he really only France’s third-best attacker? Greater humility might be in order, along with some (literally any more than zero) commitment to pressing. If he plays for the team, there is no doubting Mbappe’s scoring talent or his World Cup match-winning pedigree.

7. Gabriel — Brazil/Arsenal

Defenders are notoriously difficult to rank, and there are Arsenal fans who might argue Gabriel isn’t even the best centre-back in his own club side (more on William Saliba shortly). He is unquestionably brilliant though — tough, smart, aerially dominant — and at the peak of his powers. Just no more penalties.

8. Pedri — Spain/Barcelona

The indispensable midfield brain of Barcelona and Spain, equally capable of dictating possession in deeper areas and picking passes through the opposition lines in advanced ones. Incredibly, at 23, this will be Pedri’s fifth — yes, fifth — senior international tournament.

9. Achraf Hakimi — Morocco/PSG

The best right-back in the world is much more than a right-back. Hakimi’s otherworldly speed and freakish athleticism frequently allow him to dominate an entire side of the pitch by himself, while his technical polish and tactical intelligence enable him to be hugely impactful in both boxes.

Achraf Hakimi kisses PSG’s European Cup (David Ramos/Getty Images)

10. Bruno Fernandes — Portugal/Manchester United

Much was made of the nature of Fernandes’ record-breaking 21 assists in the Premier League last season (only 12 were from open play), but set pieces really matter and, regardless of the situation, his ability to deliver a ball exactly where his forwards want it is almost unmatched.

11. Luis Diaz — Colombia/Bayern Munich

Diaz comes into this World Cup on the back of the most productive season of his career (26 goals and 19 assists for Bayern across all competitions). Adding a more clinical edge to his elite ball-carrying, skill in tight spaces and relentless intensity has made him a complete attacker.

12. Declan Rice — England/Arsenal

A monster athlete who makes his destructive presence felt all over the pitch and can drive his team forward with the ball at his feet, as well as providing world-class set-piece delivery. Rice was the key cog in Arsenal’s title-winning midfield and will be similarly vital for England.

Declan Rice arrives at the World Cup in the form of his life (Franck Fife/AFP via Getty Images)

13. Erling Haaland — Norway/Manchester City

Goals are important, aren’t they? Even in a less spectacular season at the tip of a City side which did not always play to his strengths, Haaland still found the net 38 times in 52 club appearances. If Norway make any noise at this World Cup, he should be the one making it.

14. Nuno Mendes — Portugal/PSG

The world’s best left-back is the perfect counterweight to Hakimi for PSG, and his lightning surges forward should provide a dangerous outlet for Portugal’s talented midfielders, as well as a valuable line of supply to Cristiano Ronaldo. His recovery speed makes his attacking ambition hard for opponents to exploit.

15. Vinicius Junior — Brazil/Real Madrid

Even Mbappe’s presence has not affected his remarkably consistent goal output for Real Madrid (he has scored 22, 23 or 24 goals in all competitions in each of the past five seasons), and Vinicius Jr unequivocally remains Brazil’s main man. Whether his lack of defensive effort hurts his team is another question, but he can win any match against any team, often in thrilling style.

Vinicius Junior is Brazil’s main man (Wagner Meier/Getty Images)

16. Joshua Kimmich — Germany/Bayern Munich

Kimmich plays right-back for Germany, and it’s possible that not being in the heart of midfield could limit the influence he regularly exerts for Bayern. But his versatility is as valuable as his technical quality, and he will be desperate to drive success as national team captain.

17. William Saliba — France/Arsenal

He doesn’t catch the eye as much as Gabriel, but Saliba’s calm presence is every bit as integral to Arsenal’s defensive success. There is no obvious weakness in his game, and if he carries his club form into this World Cup, France could boast the best defence as well as the best attack.

18. Willian Pacho — Ecuador/PSG

Pacho is the rock at the heart of PSG’s formidable back line and he is every bit as influential for Ecuador, who conceded just five goals in 18 World Cup qualifiers. Not unlike Saliba, he is an understated but remarkably well-rounded modern centre-back.

Willian Pacho holds off Kai Havertz in Budapest (Attila Kisbenedek/AFP via Getty Images)

19. Jude Bellingham — England/Real Madrid

Between nagging injuries and adjusting his midfield role to accommodate Mbappe and Vinicius in front of him, Bellingham’s final third output has dipped significantly from his blistering debut season at Real Madrid. But he is a world-class talent and proven big-game performer. England need him to shine.

20. Federico Valverde — Uruguay/Real Madrid

Uruguay’s answer to Steven Gerrard played right-back at times for Real Madrid last season, but his box-to-box dynamism will be critical to the success of Marcelo Bielsa’s midfield. At his best, he is a force of nature, as he demonstrated with a first-half Champions League hat-trick against City at Santiago Bernabeu in March.

21. Raphinha — Brazil/Barcelona

Every top team needs a winger like Raphinha. Fast, creative as a dribbler, a passer and a crosser, tireless, selfless, effective on both sides of the pitch and a threat to score from anywhere inside 30 yards. He may not always be the difference, but he is never a passenger.

Every top team needs a winger like Raphinha (Ira L. Black/Getty Images)

22. Jonathan Tah — Germany/Bayern Munich

Tah is the high-end version of a very recognisable defensive archetype: the physical leader, imposing in the air and on the floor, nearly impossible to muscle through and very difficult to go around. With no elite goalscorer, Germany will need him to marshal a winning defence.

23. Thibaut Courtois — Belgium/Real Madrid

Not the best goalkeeper in the world last season (David Raya would be on this list, higher than Courtois, were he Spain’s No 1), but the 34-year-old’s consistent brilliance will likely be called upon regularly if a notably weaker Belgian team are to make an impression on this World Cup.

24. Dayot Upamecano — France/Bayern Munich

Tah’s more mobile partner for Bayern, Upamecano has the perfect skill set for a centre-back in a modern, front-foot possession side. Few are faster or more composed defending in space or picking sharp, accurate passes into midfield. France having him and Saliba is frankly unfair.

25. Lionel Messi — Argentina/Inter Miami

It’s extremely difficult to rank the 38-year-old genius, who has continued to put up video game goal and assist numbers in MLS since leading Argentina to World Cup glory nearly four years ago. He barely runs and never presses anymore, but if this sweltering summer tournament is played at walking pace, will it matter?

Lionel Messi will still have an influence for Argentina at this World Cup (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

26. Enzo Fernandez — Argentina/Chelsea

Fernandez scored 15 goals from midfield for Chelsea last season, but his elite passing will be more valuable to an Argentina side which continues to orbit around Messi. It is also unclear how much (if at all) the deep uncertainty around his club future will affect his performances.

27. Antoine Semenyo — Ghana/Manchester City

Few players can navigate a January transfer as effortlessly as Semenyo did last season, when he added seven Premier League goals for City to his 10 for Bournemouth and scored the winner in the FA Cup final. He can create an advantage against any defender and score any type of goal.

28. Virgil van Dijk — Netherlands/Liverpool

Last season there were real signs of slippage in Van Dijk’s game in a less functional Liverpool team, but he remains a brilliant defensive mind, a hugely intimidating presence and a world-class distributor. Despite some in his homeland questioning his leadership qualities, there is no one better qualified to captain the Netherlands.

29. Desire Doue — France/PSG

Doue is so staggeringly talented it’s hard to pin him down. Is he most effective as a winger or a No 10? Is his best skill dribbling, incisive passing or scoring with both feet? With more consistency, he might be a future Ballon d’Or winner. He also might not start for France.

Desire Doue could win a Ballon d’Or, but might not even start for France (Sameer Al-Domy/AFP via Getty Images)

30. Joao Neves — Portugal/PSG

He doesn’t have the balletic elegance of Vitinha, but Joao Neves brings a unique blend of qualities that make teams win at the highest level: reliability in possession, intelligent intensity out of it, and a physicality and personality well beyond his size and years.

31. Bukayo Saka — England/Arsenal

Saka suffers a little here from Mikel Arteta’s tactical approach depressing the final third production of all Arsenal’s attackers. His crossing is pinpoint from open play or set pieces, and he consistently creates separation from defenders and rarely makes a bad decision. But he is carrying a slight Achilles problem into the tournament, so can he operate at full power for England?

32. Moises Caicedo — Ecuador/Chelsea

For much of 2025, Caicedo had a case to be considered the Premier League’s best midfielder. His form has dipped in 2026 — perhaps a sign of his relentless workload taking its toll. If he cannot summon fresh energy at the World Cup, Ecuador may not live up to their dark horse billing.

Moises Caicedo in full flight (Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images)

33. Jeremy Doku — Belgium/Manchester City

Doku has grown at City and was a key driver of their late-season charge. His speed, skill and direct running always stress opponents, and the attention he attracts often creates space for others to thrive, but his inconsistent end product separates him from the very best wingers.

34. Florian Wirtz — Germany/Liverpool

Burdened by a gargantuan price tag, it wasn’t a shock to see Wirtz struggle at times in the Premier League last season. Nor would it be surprising to see him rise these rankings once the World Cup begins — he is routinely good and pivotal for Germany.

35. Yan Diomande — Ivory Coast/RB Leipzig

The most intriguing name in this list. Diomande made a spectacular leap at RB Leipzig in 2025-26 and comes into this tournament being tracked closely by Europe’s elite clubs. With speed, skill and the ability to finish with either foot, will he confirm himself as the next great winger this summer?

36. Fabian Ruiz — Spain/PSG

A knee injury sidelined him for a large chunk of last season, but might actually ensure he is fresh for this World Cup. Ruiz is a magnificently complete midfielder who can control and create or disrupt and destroy, and who can dominate big spaces as well as excel in small ones.

37. Julian Alvarez — Argentina/Atletico Madrid

Just ask Real Madrid, Barcelona or, indeed, Atletico how valuable Alvarez is. Last season was far from his most prolific in front of goal, but he offers so much more than simply scoring. His tireless pressing, relentless off-ball movement and technical polish make him an ideal attacking foil for Messi.

Julian Alvarez (left) and Arsenal’s Gabriel both feature in our rankings (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

38. Martin Odegaard — Norway/Arsenal

Odegaard has receded at Arsenal in recent years, certainly as a force in the final third, but he still tends to start the matches that matter and serve as a technical leader of Arteta’s team. Norway will need him to let his creative juices flow again at this World Cup.

39. Rayan Cherki — France/Manchester City

If not quite the best player in the Premier League last season, Cherki was certainly the most fun to watch. He would be higher on this list if he were set to start for France, as he would for virtually every other team. Still, what a substitute to have, eh?

40. Bernardo Silva — Portugal/Manchester City

Silva’s excellence transcends position; this is an attacking midfielder Pep Guardiola seriously considered deploying at centre-back three years ago. His tactical intelligence and tenacity are unimpeachable, but is he productive enough in the final third to play on the right wing, where he often lines up for Portugal?

41. Marquinhos — Brazil/PSG

The grizzled leader of PSG’s excellent defence occupies a similar role for Brazil, and his partnership with Gabriel will be the foundation for any deep World Cup run. Marquinhos reads the game expertly and is rarely out of position, but his relative lack of height and speed can be exploited.

42. Mohamed Salah — Egypt/Liverpool

Had this World Cup been taking place a year ago, Salah would have been near the top of this ranking. His individual decline in 2025-26 was brutal and while Liverpool’s tactical dysfunction was undoubtedly a factor, it is hard to ignore his age. He has a lot to prove.

Mohamed Salah evades a challenge from Brazil’s Matheus Cunha (Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)

43. Piero Hincapie — Ecuador/Arsenal

A steady rather than spectacular performer, Hincapie was rock solid for Arsenal last season and is a young leader of Ecuador’s formidable defensive unit. His long-term future could still lie at centre-back, but his mobility and physicality at left-back give opposing wingers little to work with.

44. Rodri — Spain/Manchester City

The deserving winner of the Ballon d’Or in 2024 has sadly looked nowhere near as dominant since returning from an ACL injury, but Rodri’s big-game pedigree and midfield IQ mean he still merits his prominence in a Spain side with ambitions to go all the way this summer.

45. Arda Guler — Turkey/Real Madrid

Two sensational long-range goals against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in April punctuated a hugely positive third season for Guler at Real Madrid. He will have an even bigger role as the creative prodigy around whom Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella has built his attack.

Turkey’s Arda Guler impressed at Real Madrid in 2025-26 (Yasin Akgul/AFP via Getty Images)

46. Ruben Dias — Portugal/Manchester City

Hamstring injuries blighted the second half of Dias’ season for City. If fully healthy, he has proven he can be the forceful, assured defensive leader for a Portugal team which looks to have good answers in most other areas of the pitch.

47. Hakan Calhanoglu — Turkey/Inter

Arguably the best midfielder in Serie A last season, though admittedly that counts for less than it once did. Calhanoglu remains a highly accomplished deep-lying playmaker whose exquisite ball striking — coupled with his penalty prowess — allows him to contribute more goals than most players of his profile would.

48. Jamal Musiala — Germany/Bayern Munich

Musiala is still searching for his best rhythm after an injury-plagued 2025, and largely played a supporting role for Bayern even when available last season. Germany need him to be much more than that, and there is rich potential in his synergy with Wirtz if things click in the United States.

Jamal Musiala should link up well with Florian Wirtz (Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

49. Nico Paz — Argentina/Como

Como were one of the best stories in European football last season, and Paz was their undisputed star, scoring 12 goals from midfield to go with six assists in Serie A. Unfortunately for him, Argentina have a slightly more established left-footed No 10, but he could still provide an X-factor.

50. Cristiano Ronaldo — Portugal/Al Nassr

This is a legacy pick, and also something of a challenge. Will this be Ronaldo’s only appearance in these rankings? If he plays for himself, Portugal will fail. If he plays for the team, he remains well capable of scoring the goals they need to challenge. It’s up to him.