Messi tops The New York Times’ rankings of the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s best playersLionel Messi has been ranked as the best player of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by The New York Times, finishing ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Rodri in the publication’s list of the tournament’s standout performers.The rankings highlight the players who made the biggest impact throughout the competition, with Spain, France, England and Argentina all heavily represented in the top 10.The New York Times’ Top 10 Players of the 2026 FIFA World Cup1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)2. Kylian Mbappé (France)3. Rodri (Spain)4. Jude Bellingham (England)5. Pau Cubarsí (Spain)6. Aymeric Laporte (Spain)7. Erling Haaland (Norway)8. Harry Kane (England)9. Michael Olise (France)10. Ousmane Dembélé (France)Messi tops The New York Times’ rankings of the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s best playersLionel Messi has been ranked as the best player of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by The New York Times, finishing ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Rodri in the publication’s list of the tournament’s standout performers.The rankings highlight the players who made the biggest impact throughout the competition, with Spain, France, England and Argentina all heavily represented in the top 10.The New York Times’ Top 10 Players of the 2026 FIFA World Cup1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)2. Kylian Mbappé (France)3. Rodri (Spain)4. Jude Bellingham (England)5. Pau Cubarsí (Spain)6. Aymeric Laporte (Spain)7. Erling Haaland (Norway)8. Harry Kane (England)9. Michael Olise (France)10. Ousmane Dembélé (France)Messi tops The New York Times’ rankings of the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s best playersLionel Messi has been ranked as the best player of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by The New York Times, finishing ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Rodri in the publication’s list of the tournament’s standout performers.The rankings highlight the players who made the biggest impact throughout the competition, with Spain, France, England and Argentina all heavily represented in the top 10.The New York Times’ Top 10 Players of the 2026 FIFA World Cup1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)2. Kylian Mbappé (France)3. Rodri (Spain)4. Jude Bellingham (England)5. Pau Cubarsí (Spain)6. Aymeric Laporte (Spain)7. Erling Haaland (Norway)8. Harry Kane (England)9. Michael Olise (France)10. Ousmane Dembélé (France)Messi tops The New York Times’ rankings of the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s best playersLionel Messi has been ranked as the best player of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by The New York Times, finishing ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Rodri in the publication’s list of the tournament’s standout performers.The rankings highlight the players who made the biggest impact throughout the competition, with Spain, France, England and Argentina all heavily represented in the top 10.The New York Times’ Top 10 Players of the 2026 FIFA World Cup1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)2. Kylian Mbappé (France)3. Rodri (Spain)4. Jude Bellingham (England)5. Pau Cubarsí (Spain)6. Aymeric Laporte (Spain)7. Erling Haaland (Norway)8. Harry Kane (England)9. Michael Olise (France)10. Ousmane Dembélé (France)Messi tops The New York Times’ rankings of the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s best playersLionel Messi has been ranked as the best player of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by The New York Times, finishing ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Rodri in the publication’s list of the tournament’s standout performers.The rankings highlight the players who made the biggest impact throughout the competition, with Spain, France, England and Argentina all heavily represented in the top 10.The New York Times’ Top 10 Players of the 2026 FIFA World Cup1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)2. Kylian Mbappé (France)3. Rodri (Spain)4. Jude Bellingham (England)5. Pau Cubarsí (Spain)6. Aymeric Laporte (Spain)7. Erling Haaland (Norway)8. Harry Kane (England)9. Michael Olise (France)10. Ousmane Dembélé (France)
Joseph Akwagiobe is a media contributor from Cross River State, Nigeria, currently based in Abuja. He is a graduate of Microbiology and has earned several professional certifications across diverse fields, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and excellence.