Stand out players in the 2026 Football World Cup
The 2026 FIFA Football World Cup is reaching the final stages of the tournament. The competition has had unexpected teams doing well with block buster performances coming from certain players making it one for the history books. Bafana Bafana made Mzansi proud by doing the best they have ever done. They reached the knock out stage of the event but unfortunately got knocked out by Canada in Round of 32.
Nine African countries reached the knock out stage thereby proving how far African football has come over the last few years. Also when discussing Top Football World Cup Players, it is impossible to overlook the incredible talent and determination shown this year. The biggest fairytale of the football world cup has been around the run of Cabo Verde. Cabo Verde with a population of 550 000 people was able to reach the Round of 32. The small country from Africa managed to score two goals against the mighty Argentina who scored three goals. Thereby advancing them to the semis.
The Players still Competing in the Tournament
It should come as no surprise that the teams that are still in the running for the trophy also have the best performing players. Here are some of the Top Football World Cup players that are still in the tournamen:
Lionel Messi
One of the best football players of all time has once again proved why he is a legend in the most beautiful game. Lionel Messi needs no introduction; the 39 year old striker has the best stats of any player in the tournament. The stats are something to marvel at with the Argentinean scoring eight goals in five matches. Messi also has one assist with zero cards to his name. He now holds the title for most goals scored in the FIFA World Cup with a total tally of 21 goals coming from all his world cup appearances. Messi will be in action in the quarter finals when Argentina plays against Switzerland on the 12th of July.
Erling Haaland
The Norwegian Viking Erling Haaland who plays for Manchester City has had a tournament to remember. Haaland has scored the second most goals in the competition with seven goals in four matches to his name so far. Haaland has been instrumental in Norway’s world cup campaign. He will be playing in the quarter final match against England on the 11th of June.
Kylian Mbappé
France’s Captain and Real Madrid football star Kylian Mbappé ranks up there with the greatest players of all time. The 27 year old is the second all time highest goal scorer in the competition’s history with 19 goals. France will be playing against Morocco in the quarter final match on Thursday. Will Mbappé’s brilliance be enough to send France into the semi final?
Harry Kane
England’s Captain and Bayern Munich player Harry Kane has scored six goals in his last five world cup matches. The striker has over 500 career goals and has consequently been thorn in the side of every team that England has faced in their world cup campaign. Kane will be up against Haaland in the quarter final clash between England and Norway.
Achraf Hakimi
Achra Hakimi is the Captain and right back for Morocco. The 27 year old has been the stand out player for the Atlas Lions in their bid to get to the quarter finals. Hakimi has scored one goal with five assists to far in the tournament. Morocco faces France in a quarter final clash on Thursday evening.
Stars in the Bafana Bafana Squad
Bafana made history this year by reaching the Round of 32 knock out stage. Here are the players in the squad that needs to be mentioned for their standout performances.
Ronwen Williams
South Africa’s national football Captain Ronwen had a superb performance as the goal keeper for Bafana. Williams made plenty of world class saves in this year’s tournament which to our team reaching the Round of 32.
Teboho Mokoena
Teboho plays midfielder for Bafana Bafana and scored one goal in the tournament. Mokoena for Mamelodi had an impressive work rate and was the shield for the team during their campaign. So it goes without saying that rumours are floating around that teams from Europe and Saudi Arabia are interested in the player. Mokoena scored one goal in three matches but received three yellow cards.
Who will score the most goals in 2026?
The 2026 football world cup now only has seven matches left before the final scheduled for the 19th of July. All the top goal scorers of the tournament are still competing and more goals might therefore be added to their impressive number of goals already. The world is watching with bated breath. The Top betting markets can be found at licenced betting sites such as Gbets, 10bet, Jabulabets and SuperSportBet to just name a few. Also for a refresh on betting markets have a look at our World Cup Betting Guide.
