Messi and Mbappe lead race for World Cup 2026 individual honours
As the tournament nears its conclusion, FIFA’s technical study group and public voting mechanisms highlight the key contenders for the Golden Boot, Golden Ball, and Young Player awards ahead of the July 20 final.
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe have emerged as the primary contenders for the top individual accolades at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with both players tied on eight goals and three assists as the tournament approaches its climax. The two captains are locked in a head-to-head battle for the Golden Boot, the award given to the tournament’s leading scorer. Should the goal tally remain level, the tiebreaker criteria will shift to assist count, and subsequently, the total minutes played, before a final decision is made.
Messi, aged 39, is also the leading candidate for the Golden Ball, which recognises the best player of the tournament based on votes from accredited media. He shares this distinction with Mbappe and his French teammate Michael Olise. The Golden Ball, first introduced in 1978, has historically been awarded to players from teams that did not win the final, with Messi himself previously winning the award in 2014 and 2022. Other notable contenders for the top individual prize include England captain Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Norway’s Erling Haaland.
Spain’s young duo of Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi are the favourites for the Young Player award, which celebrates performers under the age of 21. The Spanish pair advanced to the final after defeating France 2-0 in the semi-final at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on 14 July 2026. They face stiff competition from Mexico’s Gilberto Mora, who holds the distinction of being the youngest player to represent his nation at the World Cup, and France’s Desire Doue.
Beyond the attacking stars, Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has garnered significant attention for his shot-stopping abilities, reportedly attracting interest from Inter Miami. He is among the leading candidates for the Golden Glove award, which honours the tournament’s best goalkeeper based on impact, saves, and clean sheets. Other keepers in contention include Orlando Gill of Uruguay, Diogo Costa of Portugal, and Gregor Kobel of Switzerland.
The narrative surrounding the final between Argentina and Spain has been amplified by a viral 2007 charity photograph showing a young Messi bathing a baby Lamine Yamal, symbolising a generational link between the two nations. While the teams advance to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey for the final on 20 July 2026, voting for the Goal of the Tournament award concludes earlier on 18 June 2026 at 8am Eastern Time. Spain, France, and Norway are also in the running for the Fair Play award, which recognises exemplary team discipline.
