Top Contenders for the Golden Ball at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The Golden Ball award is presented to the best player of the tournament. Who will be crowned the top performer of the World Cup? The question of who will claim the Golden Ball has become a major point of interest. Four teams—Argentina, France, Spain, and England—have reached the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Leading candidates for the Golden Ball include Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Anssumane Fati, Michael Olise, Jude Bellingham, and Harry Kane. The selection is largely based on players’ performances, including goals scored and assists. Kathmandu, 29 Ashad.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches its conclusion, four teams remain in the race for the title. Alongside defending champions Argentina and runners-up France, Spain and England are also contenders. The top three players will be honored with the Golden Ball, Silver Ball, and Bronze Ball awards, respectively. Kylian Mbappé, captain and leading scorer for France, has been outstanding in this 23rd edition of the World Cup hosted in North America. At 27 years old, Mbappé has netted 8 goals in 6 matches, leading the tournament’s scoring chart, and contributed 3 assists.
Lionel Messi, captain of Argentina and the defending champions, is the only player to have won the Golden Ball twice—in 2014 and 2022. Even at 39, Messi remains a key goal scorer and has delivered a remarkable performance in this World Cup, scoring 8 goals and providing 1 assist as Argentina reached the semifinals.
Anssumane Fati of Spain, despite his youth and debut World Cup experience, has emerged as a prominent figure on the field. At just 18 years old, Fati is already a crucial player for the Spanish national team. Michael Olise, the creative playmaker for France, has contributed 5 assists in 6 matches. England’s midfielder Jude Bellingham impressed by scoring 2 goals each in the Round of 16 and quarterfinals, positioning himself as a strong contender for the Golden Ball. England’s captain Harry Kane has also been prolific, scoring 6 goals in 6 matches and ranking among the tournament’s top scorers.