Who will win the Golden Ball at the 2026 World Cup? Experts have their say
GOAL writers weigh in on which superstars are best positioned to claim the Golden Ball as the player of the 2026 World Cup tournament.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the football world is speculating on which superstar will rise to the occasion and claim the tournament's Golden Ball. GOAL writers have shared their insights on who might be the standout performer in North America.
Many experts believe the award will likely go to the best player on the winning team. Mark Doyle points toward Kylian Mbappe, suggesting the forward has been saving his energy for France. This sentiment is echoed by Chris Burton, who believes a successful tournament could propel Mbappe toward the 2026 Ballon d'Or.
Younger talents are also firmly in the frame. Krishan Davis argues that Lamine Yamal could be influential during the knockout stages, even if he misses the group phase. Meanwhile, Michael Olise is being hailed as one of Europe's most electrifying players, with analysts believing the 2026 stage is perfect for his international explosion.
Other candidates include Vinicius Jr, who is expected to thrive under Carlo Ancelotti's guidance for Brazil. Midfield maestros like Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes are also seen as strong contenders to lead Portugal to glory, while Harry Kane remains the primary hope for England's campaign.