FIFA POWER RANKINGS
SEMI-FINALS

Defending champions Argentina will take on Spain in Sunday’s World Cup 2026 final after the two sides set up a blockbuster tie by progressing through their semi-final ties.

Lionel Messi shone again as the 39-year-old inspired Argentina to victory over England, while Spain delivered a masterclass to dismantle France. With the semi-finals now complete, the latest FIFA Power Rankings, powered by Aramco, can now be revealed.

ATTACKING:
Mbappé stays ahead of Messi

Neither Mbappé nor Messi managed to find the back of the net in the two semi-finals but the two players remain top of the Golden Boot standings and also lead the way in the attacking category.

Mbappé remains in first place with a score of 8.93 despite seeing his hopes of glory ended by Spain in a 2-0 win for La Roja. The Real Madrid star may not have scored, but his three attempts, nine ball progressions and five completed progressions showed he still carried a threat.

Argentina captain Messi is just behind with a score of 8.63 after contributing two assists in another influential performance against England. Three Lions’ star Jude Bellingham sits in third place on 8.22 and Erling Haaland is fourth with a score of 7.74.

The big surprise in the attacking category is the presence of Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere in fifth place. Belgium were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Spain but De Ketelaere’s sheer efficiency keeps him flying high. The Atalanta forward finished the tournament with three goals and one assist, hitting the target with five of his six attempts on goal.

CREATIVITY:
Messi knocks Olise off top spot

France star Michael Olise has topped the creativity standings throughout the tournament but has seen first place overtaken by Messi. The Argentina forward contributed both assists against England but also received 57 passes and completed 12 line breaks by pass. The 39-year-old kept his team passing and progressing, forcing England onto the back foot.

There are also two new entries in the creativity Top 10 as Spain’s Dani Olmo moves up 15 places into eighth after an effective showing against France. England’s Morgan Rogers now sits 10th, a rise of 87 places, after being handed his first start of the tournament against Argentina.

Rogers assisted Anthony Gordon for the opening goal of the game but completed 11 of 11 passes and broke the lines six times. The Aston Villa man’s threat from limited possession is a key reason for his rise, with England managing just 35.2% of the possession against Argentina over the 90 minutes.

DEFENDING:
Cubarsí on the rise as Spain still dominate

Spain have conceded just one goal on their run to the final which means it’s no surprise to see the defending category dominated by Luis de la Fuente’s side. Rodri remains in top spot with a score of 8.03 after another controlled display against France.

The Manchester City midfielder completed 57 of his 65 passes, made six tackles, three blocks and regained possession four times. Rodri’s influence helps to prevent danger, keep control and played a key role in restricting France to 0.48 xG.

Pedro Porro sits behind Rodri with a score of 7.70 after helping his team keep a clean sheet and scoring the crucial second goal that effectively killed off the game. The Spurs star doesn’t just defend and support possession, he also ensures they stay high up the pitch.

Barcelona centre-back Pau Cubarsí makes it an all-Spanish top three after moving up six places. The teenager defended his penalty area and played through the press as his record of four clearances, five blocks, two interceptions, and 30 of 33 completed passes shows.

The biggest mover in the top 10 when it comes to defending is Argentina’s Cristian Romero who moves up 13 places into fifth. Messi may have stolen the headlines against England, but Romero was effective defensively, with his seven clearances, two blocks, four tackles, three interceptions and 11 possession regains.

GOALKEEPERS:
Pickford shines as Simón surges into second place

England’s Jordan Pickford remains the top goalkeeper in the In Possession category with a score of 7.89 and showed his value again despite defeat to Argentina. Pickford completed eight line breaks to help the Three Lions move the ball out of the defence.

Spain stopper Unai Simón is now just behind Pickford after his performance against France and moves up six places into second place in the In Possession category with a score of 7.40. Simón is calm under pressure and keeps Spain moving, completing 24 passes and breaking the lines ten times against France.

The Defending the Goal category sees Portugal’s Diogo Costa still in top spot but Pickford now in second place thanks to a rise of six places. The England stopper made three saves from five shots faced against Argentina and contributed 15 goal-prevention actions to highlight his value to the team.