The race for the Ballon d’Or 2026 has officially ignited now that the 48-team World Cup is underway in North America, with the first round of fixtures already shaking up the individual power rankings.
However, the first 24 games have already ignited the race for individual immortality.
While the collective trophy is the main objective, the opening round of fixtures immediately established who will be fighting for the prestigious Golden Ball—the award given to the tournament’s best player for all-round excellence and impact.
Historically, this prize has favored clinical strikers and generational icons, from Diego Maradona and Ronaldo to recent active legends like Luka Modrić. But after an explosive opening round of fixtures, the power rankings for the 2026 Golden Ball and the looming Ballon d’Or race have received a massive shakeup.
Here is how the top contenders stand after the first round of World Cup action.
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)
- Round 1 Impact: Masterful hat-trick against Algeria.
- The Verdict: Now he’s just getting greedy. Turning 39 during this tournament, Messi’s longevity is a testament to his unmatched genius. In Argentina’s 3-0 opening victory, Messi didn’t just pull the strings; his magical hat-trick tied the all-time World Cup goals record. Having already won the Golden Ball in 2014 and 2022, he is firmly in the driver’s seat to claim an unprecedented third tournament MVP.
2. Kylian Mbappé (France)
- Round 1 Impact: Sensational brace against Senegal.
- The Verdict: Coming off a Real Madrid season where he finished as the top scorer in both La Liga and the Champions League, Mbappé bounced back from recent national team criticism in style. Spearheading an ultra-talented Les Bleus side, Mbappé’s devastating brace against Senegal—heavily inspired by the playmaking of Michael Olise—proved why he remains the ultimate big-game player. With 14 career World Cup goals now under his belt, he has officially bypassed Pelé’s tournament tally.
3. Harry Kane (England)
- Round 1 Impact: Dominant double against Croatia.
- The Verdict: Fresh off a staggering 61-goal season for Bayern Munich, the European Golden Shoe winner brought his lethal club form directly to North America. Facilitated by Jude Bellingham’s midfield brilliance, Kane’s clinical double in a thrilling 4-2 win over Croatia got Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions up and running. If England’s creative hub keeps feeding him, the captain will easily spearhead both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball races.
The Chasing Pack
While the top three took the headlines, several world-class superstars remain hot on their heels after the opening round:
- Michael Olise (France): The reigning Bundesliga Player of the Year carried his electric club form with Bayern Munich straight into the World Cup. After a stunning hat-trick against Northern Ireland in the warm-ups, his creative masterclass against Senegal was the catalyst for Mbappé’s exploits.
- Lamine Yamal (Spain): At just 18 years old and fresh off winning La Liga’s Best Player award, the Barcelona sensation is carrying the creative weight for La Roja. He aims to become the first teenager in football history to win the World Cup Golden Ball.
- Ousmane Dembélé (France): As the current Ballon d’Or holder and two-time European champion with PSG, Dembélé’s resurgence makes him a terrifying option in France’s heavily favored frontline.
- Vinícius Júnior & Raphinha (Brazil): In the absence of the injured Neymar, the El Clásico rivals are tasked with firing Brazil to an elusive sixth world title. Vinícius, fresh off a 31-goal-contribution season under Carlo Ancelotti, is primed to explode in the coming group games.
- Pedri (Spain): The engine room of Hansi Flick’s back-to-back title-winning Barcelona side, Pedri’s ability to dictate tempo alongside Rodri makes him Spain’s most vital asset for an extended tournament run.
- Bruno Fernandes (Portugal): The Premier League Player of the Season broke the single-season assist record for Manchester United. Despite Cristiano Ronaldo falling flat in Portugal’s frustrating opening draw with the DR Congo, Fernandes remains the primary threat capable of dragging his nation into the knockout rounds.
