While no player has fully broken away, several names have already established themselves as early frontrunners through consistent performances and big moments, with Lionel Messi once again central to the conversation and Kylian Mbappé continuing to lead France’s charge.
Messi has delivered another influential group stage, contributing key goals and leadership as Argentina topped their group. His ability to dictate tempo in decisive moments remains a defining feature of his tournament impact and his World Cup record continues to grow.
Mbappé has guided France through the group stage unbeaten, producing magnificent goals and maintaining his status as one of the most dangerous forwards in the competition. France have been dominant and efficient with Mbappé providing the cutting edge in transition.
Vinícius Júnior has also been a key figure in Brazil’s progress with his pace and direct running a constant threat throughout the group stage as Brazil finished top of their group. His ability to stretch defences has been central to their attack.
Erling Haaland remains firmly in the Golden Ball conversation after another strong scoring phase with Norway advancing to the knockout rounds. His finishing continues to define their attack and keeps him among the best players in the tournament.
Harry Kane has also emerged as a key contender after an influential group stage for England. His movement, finishing, and link play have been central to England’s attacking rhythm and overall control in key matches.
Michael Olise has added creativity and unpredictability to France’s attack, offering a different dimension with his chance creation and ability to unlock compact defences during the group stage.
Ousmane Dembélé delivered one of the standout individual performances of the group stage, scoring a first-half hat-trick against Norway. His ability to dismantle a defence in moments has added another layer to France’s attacking dominance.
Deniz Undav rounds out the wider contender list after a productive group stage, contributing important goals and energy in Germany’s forward line and strengthening his case as one of the surprise performers of the tournament.
READ: Africa dominates with nine teams in knockouts
The group stage of the expanded format produced a high scoring tournament, with goals flowing and an overall average in the high two goals per game range.
Late goals played a major role in deciding results, with several matches decided in the closing stages as fatigue and tactical risk increased.
Clean sheets were difficult to maintain, with only a small number of teams managing multiple shutouts across the group stage, highlighting the attacking nature of the competition.
African representation has been one of the standout features of the tournament, with a record nine nations progressing into the Round of 32 in a strong collective showing across the continent.
Round of 32 Fixtures
France vs Sweden
USA vs Bosnia
Switzerland vs Algeria
South Africa vs Canada
Netherlands vs Morocco
Portugal vs Croatia
Spain vs Austria
Belgium vs Senegal
Brazil vs Japan
Ivory Coast vs Norway
Mexico vs Ecuador
Germany vs Paraguay
Argentina vs Cape Verde
Australia vs Egypt
Colombia vs Ghana
England vs DR Congo
The Round of 32 is set. 🔐#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/viM72iNjw3
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 28, 2026
Photo: REUTERS/Jeenah Moon
