World Cup 2026 football highlights: Mbappe, England win, player rankings

Kylian Mbappé is widely seen as the world’s top footballer ahead of the 2026 World Cup, earning a €31 million annual salary and scoring two hat‑tricks in the United States tour. He emphasises his commitment to the French national team and aims to lead France to further success.

England advanced in the tournament by defeating the Democratic Republic of Congo 2‑1 in a US stadium, with Harry Kane scoring both goals. The victory was hailed as a display of England’s experience and depth.

FIFA released a new player rating after the group stage, placing Germany’s Denis Undav at the top with an 8.36 score, followed by Lionel Messi (8.34) and Mbappé (8.13). The ranking combines offensive, creative and defensive metrics derived from Aramco data.

Several teenage talents set records: 18‑year‑old Ibrahim Mbaye (Senegal) became the fourth‑youngest World Cup scorer, Lamine Yamal (Spain) scored at 18 years 343 days, and Mexican teen Gilberto Moraní debuted at 17 years 240 days. Other young stand‑outs include Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco) and Ivory Coast’s Yan Diomande.

A statistical analysis highlighted ambidextrous ability, with Croatia’s Ivan Perišić achieving a perfect 50/50 foot‑use balance, while France’s Ousmane Dembélé and Norway’s Torbjørn Heggem recorded near‑equal usage of both feet.