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 12.
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FIFA Player of the Tournament Winner 2026
Kylian Mbappé, France: +150 (bet $10 to win $25 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 eight goals in six games, including a brace in France’s win over Sweden in the Round of 32, a converted penalty kick in the Round of 16 against Paraguay and another goal in the quarterfinals against Morocco.
Lionel Messi, Argentina: +200 (bet $10 to win $30 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). Messi has scored in every match so far this tournament except in Argentina’s quarterfinal win over Switzerland, but he did have an assist in that one.
Jude Bellingham, England: +440 (bet $10 to win $54 total)
What to know: Bellingham has popped up out of nowhere, due to his brace against Mexico in the Round of 16, and then a second brace against Norway in the quarterfinals.
Harry Kane, England: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total)
What to know: England’s superstar has six goals in six matches so far this tournament, including three crucial goals in two knockout stage matches so far.
Michael Olise, France: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)
What to know: He is starring alongside Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé for France in this edition of the World Cup, and he has five assists in six games, including two in France’s win over Sweden in the Round of 32.
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