FIFA POWER RANKINGS ROUND 1

After 24 matches and 75 goals, the opening round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 has now been completed, which means the first set of FIFA Power Rankings, powered by Aramco can be revealed.

ATTACKING

Lionel Messi lit up the round with a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria, so it’s no surprise to see the 38-year-old at the top of the standings in the attacking category.

Argentina had less possession throughout the 90 minutes but Messi dominated the attack for his country. The Inter Miami star was responsible for six of Argentina’s 10 attempts on goal, converting three times from 1.58 xG and completing 12 line breaks.

Clinical finishing and game-changing goals have been key for attackers in Round 1, with New Zealand's Elijah Just sitting in second place.

Just’s two goals came from only two attempts on target, making for a perfect conversion rate. In an evenly-balanced match of few chances, his efficiency in front of goal was crucial.

Sweden’s Yasin Ayari also scored highly after netting two long-range strikes. Ayari’s ability to turn two relatively low-probability opportunities into goals was impressive, particularly as the midfielder was not Sweden's main forward or their primary route up the pitch.

Kylian Mbappe finished third in the attacking category after netting twice for France. The striker had all four open-play attempts at goal for Les Bleus and put them all on target. As well as bagging a double, Mbappe’s take-ons and ball progressions ensured he helped create attacks as well as finish them.

Elsewhere, star strikers Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak all feature in the top 10 after making impressive goalscoring starts to their World Cup campaigns.

CREATIVITY

There are a few surprises in the creativity category with Iran’s Ramin Rezaeian beating France and Bayern forward Michael Olise to top spot. There’s also no room in the top 10 for Morocco wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi despite an eye-catching international debut in the 1-1 draw against Brazil.

Rezaeian shone by scoring one equaliser and assisting Iran’s second. He broke New Zealand's defensive unit five times, more times than any other player in the opening round, and also scored well on progressive passes, ball-progression and simply provided Iran's attack with direction and penetration.

Bukayo Saka may have only played 18 minutes against Croatia after coming on as a substitute but still makes the top 10. The Arsenal star was a big influence in England’s build-up play and provided the assist for Marcus Rashford’s goal that sealed a 4-2 win for the Three Lions.

Germany’s Florian Wirtz takes third place, while Premier League stars including Amad Diallo, Ryan Gravenberch and Mohamed Salah are also in the top 10.

During a first round where goals have certainly not been in short supply, the top creative players have led the way in progressive passing, breaking the lines and being involved in chance creation.

DEFENDING

The attackers usually grab the spotlight but there have been some top defensive displays at World Cup 2026 already.

Canada's Derek Cornelius shone in the 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina and took the No. 1 spot. However, Nikola Katic, Tarik Muharemovic and Amar Dedic all make the top 10 after Bosnia and Herzegovina put on a defensive masterclass.

Cape Verde's shock draw with Spain was also down to some impressive performances from the backline. Willy Semedo and Sidny Lopes Cabral both scored highly after frustrating one of the pre-tournament favourites and securing the only goalless draw of the tournament so far.

Cabral finished with 17 defensive actions in total and the backline’s performance became even more important as Cape Verde managed only six attempts on goal. The lack of threat in attack meant every defensive action became more valuable as one Spain goal may have been enough for victory.

Round 1 has shown that the top attackers at World Cup 2026 convert opportunities with deadly efficiency and the most creative players are those who can break the lines and progress the play with their passing and ball-carrying. When it comes to defending, players who make decisive interventions close to goal and are proactive in regaining the ball have come out on top so far in the FIFA Power Rankings powered by Aramco.