Spain have been crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging Argentina 1-0 in the final, with Ferran Torres netting the decisive extra-time winner at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Lamine Yamal has further cemented his remarkable rise on the international stage by winning both the European Champions and the FIFA World Cup before reaching the age of 20.
His outstanding contributions throughout the season have now placed the Barcelona star in a commanding position in the race for the Ballon d’Or after playing an instrumental role in guiding La Roja to their second FIFA World Cup triumph.
Updated Ballon d’Or rankings
1. Lamine Yamal
According to Polymarket Sports, Yamal has emerged as the leading favourite to claim the 2026 Ballon d’Or following Spain’s World Cup victory over the Argentina side led by his idol Lionel Messi.
Although the teenager enjoyed a relatively quiet tournament by his usual standards, his achievements with Barcelona, where he inspired the club to the 2025/26 La Liga title and the Supercopa Espana, had already strengthened his credentials before the World Cup. Lifting the trophy with Spain has now pushed him to the top of the Ballon d’Or contenders.
2. Harry Kane
Kane enjoyed an exceptional individual season with Bayern Munich, finding the net 73 times across all competitions as he helped the Bavarians secure the German domestic double while also reaching the UEFA Champions League semi-final.
The England skipper also impressed at the World Cup, scoring six goals and leading the Three Lions to the semi-finals before overcoming France to claim the bronze medal. His Ballon d’Or chances would have been even stronger had England progressed to the final.
3. Ousmane Dembele
The reigning Ballon d’Or winner entered the World Cup as the overwhelming favourite to successfully defend the award, but his prospects have significantly diminished after the tournament, with even a podium finish now appearing uncertain.
Dembele still delivered a respectable campaign, scoring six goals, including a hat-trick against Norway. However, France’s inability to reach the final, followed by defeat in the third-place playoff, dealt a major blow to his hopes.
4. Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe once again delivered on football’s biggest stage, producing another outstanding FIFA World Cup campaign by recording 10 goals and four assists as France finished fourth after losing the third-place playoff to England in a thrilling 6-4 encounter.
As noted by Foot Mercato, he became the first player to win the La Liga, UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup Golden Boot in the same season, boosting his position among the leading Ballon d’Or contenders.
5. Lionel Messi
Messi remains firmly in the Ballon d’Or conversation following another outstanding World Cup campaign at the age of 39.
Had Argentina successfully defended their title, there would have been little doubt about him collecting a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or, but he still stands as one of the strongest candidates.
6. Declan Rice
Rice also put together an impressive season with Arsenal, helping the club lift the Premier League title while reaching the Champions League final. Although he did not enjoy a standout World Cup campaign, his performances throughout the season remain fresh in the minds of Ballon d’Or voters.
