Alongside the national pride, it’s the players that make each World Cup special.
Let’s check out the odds for the Golden Ball (tournament’s best player), as well as what to know about the early favorites, as of July 3.
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FIFA Player of the Tournament Winner 2026
Kylian Mbappé, France: +175 (bet $10 to win $27.50 total)
What to know: Mbappé finished second to Messi for the Golden Ball in 2022, but did win the Golden Boot in Qatar, after scoring eight goals in the tournament. So far this World Cup, he has six goals in four games, including a brace in France’s win over Sweden in the Round of 32.
Lionel Messi, Argentina: +300 (bet $10 to win $40 total)
What to know: In the history of the World Cup, the Golden Ball has been awarded 11 times and Messi is the only player who has won it twice: 2014 (Brazil) and 2022 (Qatar). In Argentina’s 2026 opening match, Messi accomplished his first-ever World Cup hat trick, and followed that up with two goals against Austria and a single goal against Jordan.
Michael Olise, France: +480 (bet $10 to win $58 total)
What to know: He is starring alongside Mbappé for France in this edition of the World Cup, and he has five assists in four games, including two in France’s win over Sweden in the Round of 32.
Harry Kane, England: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total)
What to know: England’s superstar has five goals in four matches so far this tournament, including a crucial brace against DR Congo that gave Three Lions a 2-1 win and a spot in the Round of 16.
Ousmane Dembélé, France: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)
What to know: The reigning Ballon d’Or winner is in the thick of things for the Golden Ball. He has four goals and two assists so far this tournament.
Erling Haaland, Norway: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)
What to know: Haaland has five goals in four games this tournament, putting him in the race for the Golden Boot as well as the Golden Ball.
Lamine Yamal, Spain: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)
What to know: The global superstar of the future, Lamal is considered by many to be the next guy to enter the Messi-Ronaldo class. He only played a few minutes in Spain’s opening draw against Cape Verde. However, he scored his first World Cup goal in Spain’s 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
Vini Jr., Brazil: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)
What to know: The Brazilian superstar had a goal and two assists in his first World Cup back in 2022 in Qatar, and in three matches so far this tournament, Vini has four goals to pace his country.
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