World Cup Football News

Messi Tops The Athletic's World Cup 50 After Last-16 Shifts

Lionel Messi remains at the top of The Athletic’s 50-player World Cup ranking after the last-16, with Kylian Mbappe close behind and Harry Kane rising; Erling Haaland, Hakimi and other standout performers also feature prominently as the tournament moves toward the quarterfinals, with several players making big jumps or drops based on form and minutes played.