Explore the latest developments concerning World Cup 2026.
Ranking the top 50 players at the 2026 World Cup: Who were the winners and losers from week one? – The Athletic
Michael Olise was excellent in France's victory over Senegal Dan Mullan/Getty Images
All 48 teams have now completed one of their three group matches at the tournament and several players have already made their mark, so it’s time to update our provisional pre-World Cup player rankings.
These are informed by The Athletic’s ratings model, which provides an objective assessment of each player’s contribution. Matchday one performances are heavily weighted in these rankings, but the best players heading into the competition retain some benefit of the doubt — class being permanent and all that.
Without further delay, here is the updated list. Please feel welcome to direct your thoughts and complaints to the comments section.
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The 11 Biggest World Cup Questions After the First Round of Group Play
The opening matches of the World Cup rarely tell us who will lift the trophy at the end. Argentina lost its opener in 2022 before going on to win. Spain did the same in 2010. Almost every eventual champion endures some kind of group-stage scare, disappointing performance, or result that sparks doubt.
Plenty of the favorites in this tournament have delivered performances that fell short of expectations. Perhaps the most striking takeaway from the first round is how many contenders are still trying to discover exactly who they are. France looked vulnerable for the first 45 minutes and unstoppable for the next 45. Brazil seemed uncertain of its identity. Spain is heavily dependent on two young stars who are working their way back from injury. Portugal has a Cristiano Ronaldo dilemma that is impossible to ignore. Belgium and the Netherlands both dropped points in matches they were expected to win.
For more detailed information, explore updates concerning World Cup 2026.
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