DEFENDING

At the back, Ferdinand has gone for the “best right-back on the planet” Achraf Hakimi and “the best left-back in the world” Nuno Mendes. Both defenders have helped Paris Saint-Germain win back-to-back Champions League titles and are now going for glory at World Cup 2026 with Morocco and Portugal.”

CREATIVITY

When it comes to creativity, Barcelona stars Pedri and Lamine Yamal make the top 10 along with Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.

Pedri is known for his vision and ability to dictate the play, while Yamal has dazzled for club and country and has long been compared to Lionel Messi.

“The best young kid on the planet,” explains Ferdinand. “Ronaldo and Messi were not as productive as this guy at this age. That’s a fact. There aren’t many players in world football that I would pay to watch before him.”

The duo are joined by Fernandes following another stellar season where he broke the all-time Premier League assist record. Ferdinand is expecting more of the same from the Portugal star at the World Cup.

“He’s the most creative player on the planet right now. He’s got eyes in the back of his head,” says Ferdinand. “He knows where everyone is on the pitch. He’ll be the favourite to have the most assists at the World Cup.”

ATTACKING

There’s no shortage of top attacking talent at World Cup 2026, with Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe aiming to win the trophy for a second time with France.  After a trophyless season with Real Madrid, Mbappe is being backed to thrive for his country.

“Mister World Cup of today. He has to be in there,” says Ferdinand. “He’s the guy who is going to obliterate every World Cup record. He’s an outrageous footballer. Out of all the players on that list, he’s the one I’d probably lose sleep over if I was a defender.”

Barcelona’s brilliant Brazilian Raphinha and Argentina’s Julian Alvarez are also being tipped for success along with England captain Harry Kane. 

“He’s the best No. 9 in the world right now. I would say he’s the most efficient, most deadly, most potent number 9 on the planet now,” adds Ferdinand.