FIFA POWER RANKINGS ROUND 2

The latest FIFA Power Rankings, powered by Aramco, can now be revealed following the conclusion of Round 2 of World Cup 2026 and show those players having the greatest measurable influence on the tournament when it comes to attacking, creativity and defending.

There has been no shortage of drama and goals in the second round of fixtures, with global superstars Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Cristiano Ronaldo all on target in important wins for their nations.

ATTACKING:
Undav knocks Messi off top spot

In the attacking category, Germany star Deniz Undav has knocked Messi off top spot following his match-winning brace against Ivory Coast. Undav was once again used as a substitute but his ruthless efficiency in front of goal sees him take top spot.

The forward’s total of three goals and two assists mean he has been directly involved in five of Germany’s nine goals at World Cup 2026. Undav has also scored three times from just four shots on target, and his finishing and goal creation ability are behind his rise to the top.

Messi may have dropped to second place but this is only because Undav’s attacking output has accelerated. The Argentina international also bagged a brace in the defending champions’ win over Austria and has scored all of his team’s five goals at the tournament.

Mbappe, Haaland and Vinicius Jr complete the top five but there are some big movers elsewhere in the attacking category. Uruguay winger Maxi Araujo has enjoyed a sharp rise and moves into seventh place despite the fact Marcelo Bielsa’s side are yet to win a game. Araujo has been involved in all three of Uruguay’s goals and his attacking presence has been vital to the team’s two draws.

Crysencio Summerville is another player on the rise following some top-quality performances for the Netherlands. The winger has scored two goals from just two attempts on target and also has an assist, highlighting just how effective he has been from limited opportunities.

Canada’s Kyle Larin and Netherland’s Brian Brobbey are two new names in the top 10. Larin has scored in both of Canada’s opening two games, while Brobbey made his first start against Sweden and scored a double.

CREATIVITY:
Olise rises to the top

Michael Olise has moved into top spot in the creativity category of the FIFA Power Rankings, powered by Aramco, following another influential performance for France. Olise has now contributed three assists in Les Bleus’ opening two wins and is vital to the team’s attacking threat. His 31 completed line breaks and record of 84 of 98 completed passes demonstrates just how influential he is to Didier Deschamps’ side.

Elsewhere, there are big names on the move in the creativity category as sharp rises have propelled Alexander Isak, Lamine Yamal and Nicolas Pepe into the top 10. Yamal made his first start of the tournament against Saudi Arabia for Spain and scored his first World Cup goal after just 11 minutes. The teenager’s overall attacking contribution, including 12 ball progressions and nine completed line breaks, are also behind his rise and show how he helped turn Spain’s dominant possession into penetration.

DEFENDING:
Canada’s Cornelius leads the way

Canada defender Derek Cornelius continues to lead the way in the defending category for a team that has conceded just once so far at World Cup 2026. Cornelius’ ability to regain possession and clear danger have been key to Canada’s defensive solidity, with the centre-back boasting 19 possession regains and 16 clearances over his opening two matches.

The biggest rise in the defensive category belongs to USMNT star Chris Richards. Mauricio Pochettino’s side have made an exciting start to the tournament, scoring six goals in two games but defence has also been key, with just one goal conceded.

Richards’ record of eight aerial duels, 13 clearances and 16 possession regains demonstrate his defensive solidity. He’s joined in the top 10 by USA team-mate Tyler Adams which highlights the defensive spine in the team. The Bournemouth star protects the midfield spaces, while Richards controls the backline.

After two games played by all teams at the World Cup, the FIFA Power Rankings highlight the value of standout performances by players even when results are mixed. Germany and France have a strong influence in the attacking and creativity categories, while Canada, Belgium, Cabo Verde and the USA boast the strongest representation defensively so far.