Messi Tops FIFA Rankings After World Cup Matches

Argentina's captain Lionel Messi, Iran's defender Ramin Rezaeian, and Canada’s centre-back Derek Cornelius are the top players in FIFA’s latest Power Rankings. This ranking came after the first round of group-stage games at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

FIFA released these rankings on Thursday, supported by Aramco. They use detailed analysis to look at how players perform in attacking, creativity, and defense.

Messi is first in the attacking category after scoring a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win against Algeria. Rezaeian is at the top of the creativity list after a strong showing in Iran’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand. Cornelius is the leading defender after a solid display in Canada’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

FIFA noted, “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 mentioned that the rankings look at more than just goals and assists. They also consider actions that create chances, push attacks forward, and stop scoring chances.

The rankings will keep tracking how players perform throughout the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Top 10 FIFA Power Rankings (Opening Round)

Attacking

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina), 8.1
2. Elijah Just (New Zealand), 7.9
3. Kylian Mbappe (France), 7.5
4. Yasin Ayari (Sweden), 7.5
5. Harry Kane (England), 7.2
6. Erling Haaland (Norway), 7.0
7. Amad Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire), 7.0
8. Alexander Isak (Sweden), 7.0
9. Vinicius Junior (Brazil), 7.0
10. Luis Diaz (Colombia), 6.9

1. Ramin Rezaeian (Iran), 8.2
2. Michael Olise (France), 7.4
3. Florian Wirtz (Germany), 7.3
4. Lee Kang-in (South Korea), 7.3
5. Julio Enciso (Paraguay), 7.3
6. Ryan Gravenberch (Netherlands), 7.3
7. Bukayo Saka (England), 7.2
8. Amad Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire), 7.2
9. Brahim Diaz (Morocco), 7.2
10. Mohamed Salah (Egypt), 7.2

1. Derek Cornelius (Canada), 7.3
2. Nikola Katic (Bosnia and Herzegovina), 7.1
3. Tarik Muharemovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina), 7.1
4. Xavier Schlager (Austria), 7.0
5. Tyler Adams (United States), 6.9
6. Sidny Lopes Cabral (Cabo Verde), 6.7
7. Amar Dedic (Bosnia and Herzegovina), 6.6
8. Jesus Gallardo (Mexico), 6.6
9. Willy Semedo (Cabo Verde), 6.6