The FIFA World Cup 2026 is now in its final stretch, with only eight teams left vying for the trophy at New York/New Jersey Stadium on July 19. This last-eight lineup has shaken up the traditional hierarchy of world football, as, for the first time in World Cup history, neither Brazil nor Germany has made it to the quarter-finals.
In fact, in ten of the last 17 tournaments that reached this stage, both of these football powerhouses were present. With this backdrop, the competition for the title of the tournament's golden ball has intensified, and Lionel Messi is at the forefront of a talented group of contenders.
Messi, the only player to have won the Golden Ball twice, is on the hunt for yet another piece of history after taking home the award in 2014 and 2022. The Argentina captain is crucial to his team's title defense. However, he’s facing stiff competition from France's Kylian Mbappe, while Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Spain's young sensation Lamine Yamal, and England's captain Harry Kane are all firmly in the mix as the knockout rounds unfold.
Top 5 Contenders for FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Ball
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Messi is still leading the pack after once again taking Argentina deep into the tournament. The 39-year-old kicked off his campaign with a stunning hat-trick against Algeria and then played a pivotal role in a comeback victory over Egypt in the Round of 16. Over the course of six World Cups, he’s racked up an impressive 24 goals and nine assists in 30 matches, with eight goals and one assist already in the 2026 tournament.
While teams are increasingly trying to shut him down in advanced positions, Argentina's clever movement around him keeps creating those crucial openings. Next up, Argentina will face Switzerland in the quarter-finals on July 11.
2. Kylian Mbappe (France)
Mbappe has once again stepped up when France needed him the most. The forward has netted seven goals and provided two assists in this tournament, bringing his World Cup total to an impressive 19 goals and four assists across 18 matches. While compact defensive setups continue to pose a challenge for him, his ability to navigate through central areas has kept France a constant threat. Les Bleus are set to take on Morocco in the quarter-finals on July 9.
3. Erling Haaland (Norway)
Playing in his first World Cup, Haaland has turned Norway into one of the tournament's surprise stories. His seven goals in four matches include decisive strikes against Brazil and Ivory Coast. With no assists so far, Norway's hopes rest heavily on his finishing. Norway take on England in the last eight on July 11.
4. Harry Kane (England)
England's captain has truly stepped up, blending his leadership skills with some key goals when it matters most. Kane has found the back of the net six times and provided one assist in 2026, bringing his impressive World Cup tally to 14 goals and four assists across 19 matches. It's crucial for England that he stays near the goal and doesn't wander into midfield too frequently. The Three Lions are gearing up to take on Norway in the quarter-finals.
5. Michael Olise (France)
Olise has really stepped up as France's creative powerhouse. While Mbappe steals the spotlight, this winger has been quietly impressive, racking up five goals and five assists in just five matches. His ability to deliver, his keen vision, and his skill with set pieces have been key to fueling France's offense. If he puts on another standout performance against Morocco, he might just find himself in the mix for the Golden Ball conversation.
