Argentina captain Lionel Messi, Iran defender Ramin Rezaeian and Canada centre-back Derek Cornelius have emerged as the leading performers in FIFA’s latest Power Rankings after the opening round of group-stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The rankings, powered by Aramco and released by FIFA on Thursday, use advanced analytics to assess players’ contributions across attacking, creativity and defending categories.
Messi topped the attacking rankings following his hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria, while Rezaeian led the creativity category after an influential display in Iran’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand.
Cornelius ranked first among defenders after a commanding performance in Canada’s victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
According to FIFA, “Messi accounted for 60% of Argentina’s attempts at goal, every shot they had on target and all three of their goals. La Albiceleste’s three successful strikes came from 1.58 expected goals (xG), highlighting the efficiency of Messi’s finishing.
“The Inter Miami star’s influence extended well beyond the penalty area, too. He received possession 23 times between Algeria’s midfield and defensive lines and completed 12 line breaks, repeatedly helping Argentina transform possession into danger.”
FIFA said the rankings measure not only goals and assists but also actions that create chances, progress attacks and prevent scoring opportunities.
The governing body added that the rankings would continue to track players’ influence throughout the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Top 10 FIFA Power Rankings (Opening Round)
Attacking
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 8.1
- Elijah Just (New Zealand) – 7.9
- Kylian Mbappe (France) – 7.5
- Yasin Ayari (Sweden) – 7.5
- Harry Kane (England) – 7.2
- Erling Haaland (Norway) – 7.0
- Amad Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire) – 7.0
- Alexander Isak (Sweden) – 7.0
- Vinicius Junior (Brazil) – 7.0
- Luis Diaz (Colombia) – 6.9
Creativity
- Ramin Rezaeian (Iran) – 8.2
- Michael Olise (France) – 7.4
- Florian Wirtz (Germany) – 7.3
- Lee Kang-in (South Korea) – 7.3
- Julio Enciso (Paraguay) – 7.3
- Ryan Gravenberch (Netherlands) – 7.3
- Bukayo Saka (England) – 7.2
- Amad Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire) – 7.2
- Brahim Diaz (Morocco) – 7.2
- Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – 7.2
Defending
- Derek Cornelius (Canada) – 7.3
- Nikola Katic (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – 7.1
- Tarik Muharemovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – 7.1
- Xavier Schlager (Austria) – 7.0
- Tyler Adams (United States) – 6.9
- Sidny Lopes Cabral (Cabo Verde) – 6.7
- Amar Dedic (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – 6.6
- Jesus Gallardo (Mexico) – 6.6
- Willy Semedo (Cabo Verde) – 6.6
