As the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals draw to a close, it's time to update our rankings of the top 50 players. The list is informed by The Athletic's player ratings model, which provides an objective assessment of each player's contribution in a match. With the tournament reaching its semi-final stages, it's fascinating to see how the players' performances have evolved and which ones have stood out. Here's a look at the top 50 players, with a focus on the winners and losers from the quarter-finals.
The Winners
Lionel Messi (Argentina/Inter Miami): Despite signs that the World Cup might be catching up with him, Messi remains Argentina's best player and created the opening goal. His ability to adapt to the tournament's demands is remarkable, and he continues to be a key figure for his team. Personally, I think Messi's experience and leadership are what make him stand out, and he has the potential to lead Argentina to victory.
Kylian Mbappe (France/Real Madrid): Mbappe's performance against Spain was sublime, and he continues to be a force to be reckoned with. His ability to score goals and create chances for his team is exceptional, and he is a key reason why France remains a strong contender. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Mbappe has managed to maintain his form throughout the tournament, even as his team faces tougher opposition.
Jude Bellingham (England/Real Madrid): Bellingham's four goals in his last two knockout matches have tied him with Kane in the World Cup top-scorers chart. His performance against Norway was particularly impressive, and he is the primary reason England are in the semi-finals. In my opinion, Bellingham's energy and skill make him a standout player, and he has the potential to become a legend for England.
Dayot Upamecano (France/Bayern Munich): Upamecano's performance against Morocco was assured, and he has strengthened his claim to be France's best defender at this World Cup. His ability to adapt to different opponents and maintain a high level of performance is impressive. From my perspective, Upamecano's versatility and leadership make him a key figure for France.
Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain/Real Sociedad): Oyarzabal's performance against Belgium was crucial, and he has scored four of Spain's five goals in the group stage. His ability to step up in big games and contribute to Spain's success is remarkable. What many people don't realize is that Oyarzabal's consistency and reliability make him a valuable asset for Spain.
The Losers
Erling Haaland (Norway/Manchester City): Haaland's performance against England was disappointing, and he failed to score for the first time in 21 international appearances. His remarkable feats and joyful swagger at this World Cup will live long in the memory, but he needs to find his form again if Norway is to have any chance of progressing.
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/Paris Saint-Germain): Hakimi's performance against France was ineffective, and he was unable to carry his customary attacking threat. His ability to adapt to different opponents and maintain a high level of performance is crucial for Morocco's success. If you take a step back and think about it, Hakimi's versatility and leadership make him a key figure for Morocco, but he needs to find his form again.
Vinicius Jr (Brazil/Real Madrid): Vini Jr's performance against Norway was not his best, and he would have registered a sensational assist if Endrick had not fluffed his lines in the second half. Brazil have plenty of problems, but he is not among them, and he goes home with his head held high. This raises a deeper question: Can Brazil's young stars step up and deliver when it matters most?
Lisandro Martinez (Argentina/Manchester United): Martinez has been Argentina's second-best performer and second-most important player after Messi. His ability to pass the ball out of defence at a consistently high level is impressive, but he needs to maintain his form if Argentina is to have any chance of retaining their crown.
Youri Tielemans (Belgium/Aston Villa): Tielemans' absence against Spain due to injury was a blow for Belgium, but he still enjoyed an impressive and memorable World Cup as Belgium's captain. His starring role in their remarkable comeback against Senegal was particularly impressive. A detail that I find especially interesting is how Tielemans' leadership and skill make him a key figure for Belgium, even as he deals with injury concerns.
The Underdogs
Martin Odegaard (Norway/Arsenal): Odegaard's composure and leadership on the ball enabled Norway to control possession for long stretches against England. His ability to send the ball where it needs to go is impressive, and he has generally sent the ball where it needs to go in this World Cup. This suggests that Norway has a bright future ahead, and Odegaard is a key figure in their success.
Mikel Merino (Spain/Arsenal): Merino's performance against Belgium was crucial, and he has played just 136 minutes across six matches at this World Cup. His ability to step up in big games and contribute to Spain's success is remarkable. What this really suggests is that Merino has the potential to become a key figure for Spain, and his late winners against Portugal and Belgium are a testament to his skill and determination.
Alexis Mac Allister (Argentina/Liverpool): After a season of struggle for Liverpool, Mac Allister appears to be rediscovering his mojo for Argentina. His ability to leap brilliantly and head them in front from a Messi corner against Switzerland is impressive. This raises a deeper question: Can Mac Allister's resurgence continue, and will it be enough to help Argentina retain their crown?
In conclusion, the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals have provided some fascinating insights into the players' performances and which ones have stood out. From the winners to the losers, the underdogs to the rising stars, the tournament has been a showcase of talent and determination. As the semi-finals approach, it's clear that the players who step up and deliver in big games will be the ones who ultimately shape the tournament's outcome.
