The world’s best have thrived this summer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which has helped make this the best edition of the tournament ever.
Ahead of the final between Spain and Argentina, we ranked the 50 best players in the tournament. Most of the players toward the top of this list have household names and are among the world’s best. Others, though, have broken out and became stars during the tournament.
We’ll start our list with a player who fits that bill and is poised to be a star for Mexico moving forward.
The 17-year-old Mexican talent entered the World Cup with an opportunity to establish himself as one of the brightest young players in international football.Â
Mora had already broken into Tijuanas first team, making 20 Liga MX appearances and scoring six goals during the season, while his performances attracted interest from several major European clubs.
Mexico carefully managed Mora during the early stages of the tournament, introducing him from the bench in the opening match against South Africa. He was then handed his first start in the final group-stage match against Czechia before retaining his place for the knockout games against Ecuador and England.
Mora displayed remarkable composure, technical quality and creativity for a player of his age. He finished the tournament with four appearances and three starts, becoming the youngest Mexican to play at a World Cup and the second-youngest player ever to start a World Cup knockout match.Â
Mora’s performances confirmed his enormous potential and further increased the interest surrounding his future.
Vitinha entered the World Cup following another exceptional season with Paris Saint-Germain, continuing to demonstrate why he is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world. His composure in tight spaces, press resistance and ability to dictate the tempo were instrumental as PSG won a second consecutive Champions League title, with Vitinha earning Player of the Match honors in the final.
Vitinha produced a solid individual World Cup despite Portugals elimination by Spain in the round of 16. Playing alongside PSG teammate João Neves, he helped Portugal control matches from midfield and completed 96% of his passes throughout the tournament.Â
Guéhi entered the World Cup following an excellent season that saw him move from Crystal Palace to Manchester City in January. He quickly established himself in Pep Guardiolas starting lineup, bringing composure, leadership and defensive stability to a City side that recovered from its early-season struggles and pushed Arsenal deep into the Premier League title race.
Guéhi made his World Cup debut from the bench in Englands opening victory over Croatia before returning to the starting lineup against Ghana and becoming a central figure in Thomas Tuchels defense. His strength, positioning and calmness in possession provided England with consistent stability at the back, highlighted by an excellent quarterfinal performance against Erling Haaland and Norway.Â
Guéhi continued to start through Englands semifinal defeat to Argentina, completing an impressive debut World Cup campaign.
Cunha entered the World Cup following a productive debut season with Manchester United. He gradually grew into the campaign and became an important part of a United side that recovered from a difficult start to finish third and secure a return to the Champions League.
Cunha began Brazils opening match against Morocco on the bench but impressed after being introduced late in the 1-1 draw. That performance earned him a start against Haiti, where he scored twice in a 3-0 victory and established himself as a key part of Carlo Ancelottis attack.
Operating in a roaming central role, Cunha contributed both as a goalscorer and as a creative link between Brazils midfield and attack. His movement, combi
