The ranking system evaluates every player's performances throughout the tournament using match data, assigning scores out of 10 across three categories
The FIFA World Cup 2026 has entered its knockout phase, where every match becomes a battle for survival. There are no second chances anymore; one mistake can end years of preparation, while one defining performance can cement a player's legacy on football's biggest stage.
Through the group stage, it was Argentina captain Lionel Messi who stole the spotlight. The 39-year-old netted six goals in just three matches, taking his overall FIFA World Cup tally to a record 19 goals across editions. Remarkably, Messi has outscored several of football's biggest modern stars at this tournament, including France's Kylian Mbappe, Brazil's Vinicius Junior and Norway's Erling Haaland, all of whom finished the group stage with four goals apiece.
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Yet, despite his goalscoring exploits, Messi is not the highest-rated outfield player in FIFA's newly introduced Power Rankings.
The ranking system evaluates every player's performances throughout the tournament using match data, assigning scores out of 10 across three categories—attacking, creativity and defending. Goalkeepers are assessed separately on their distribution and shot-stopping abilities, producing an overall performance rating that goes beyond goals and assists.
Surprisingly, Germany striker Deniz Undav sits at the top of the rankings.
The VfB Stuttgart forward has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the tournament, earning ratings of 8.36 in attacking, 6.78 in creativity and 4.70 in defending to edge past Messi, who ranks second with scores of 8.34, 6.43 and 5.14 respectively.
France's Kylian Mbappe occupies third place, while Brazil winger Vinicius Junior is fourth. Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, is placed much lower in 79th position.
Undav's rise has been one of the biggest success stories of the World Cup. Initially used as a substitute by Germany, the 29-year-old has made a massive impact, scoring three goals and providing two assists to propel Germany into the knockout rounds.
His journey carries significance beyond football. Born to a family with Yazidi and Kurdish roots, Undav represents communities that currently have no realistic pathway to competing on football's biggest international stage. Every goal he scores for Germany resonates not only with his adopted football nation but also with millions who see their identity reflected in his remarkable rise.
Published: 30 Jun 2026, 02:29 am IST
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