World Cup 2026 Golden Ball Contenders predictions: England ace Bellingham could upset Mbappe and Messi
James Milton
Lionel Messi is chasing a third Golden Ball
Star strikers Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane are also in the running
Only one of the last seven Golden Ball winners – Messi in 2022 – also lifted the World Cup
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Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane dominate the 2026 World Cup goalscoring chart and the superstar forwards are also battling for the Golden Ball. Following the round of 16, France's Mbappe is a narrow 8/5 favourite to be named player of the tournament but Argentina veteran Messi is snapping at his heels at 7/4. Haaland's Norway and Kane's England meet in Saturday's quarter-final and several other players could be propelled into Golden Ball contention if they finish the World Cup strongly.
World Cup icons Mbappe and Messi continue to dazzle
Mbappe has scored seven goals on France's run to the quarter-finals, including three of their four strikes in knockout wins over Sweden and Paraguay. Les Bleus, who face Morocco in Thursday's first semi-final, are favourites to win the World Cup although six of the last seven Golden Ball winners failed to get their hands on the trophy. The 2022 World Cup final developed into a stunning personal duel between Mbappe and Messi and it could be a similar story this time around. The Argentina veteran was outstanding in the group stage and starred in thrilling 3-2 wins over Cape Verde in the round of 32 and Egypt in the last 16. Messi, the tournament's leading scorer despite missing two penalties, is 7/4 to claim a record-extending third Golden Ball but Argentina have looked vulnerable in their last two games. Norway striker Haaland has enjoyed a magnificent debut World Cup, scoring seven goals including a brilliant brace in the last-16 win over Brazil. He averages a goal every 14 touches at the tournament and the 7/1 shot is more appealing in the Golden Ball betting than 8/1 Kane, whose only goals from open play came against Croatia, Panama and DR Congo.
Back Bellingham to be England's golden boy
Italy's Toto Schillaci, in 1990, was the last man to win both the Golden Ball and the Golden Boot so it could pay to look beyond the tournament's star strikers. England's Jude Bellingham was not a guaranteed starter at the beginning of the World Cup but he has had a huge impact on the tournament and is worth a bet at 10/1. Bellingham has scored four goals from open play — the same number as Kane — and his quickfire double against Mexico put England on the path to a famous last-16 victory at the Azteca Stadium. The Real Madrid man relishes the big occasion, scoring a stunning late overhead kick against Slovakia at Euro 2024, and he was named in FIFA's Men's World 11 in 2024 and 2025. England have a decent path to the final, facing Norway before a potential semi against Argentina or Switzerland, and Bellingham should be central to their success. Other contenders include France playmaker Michael Olise, who has registered five assists and is 10/1 for the Golden Ball. Spain's Lamine Yamal is 18/1 despite arriving at the tournament short of full fitness and contributing only one goal in five appearances. Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele scored a first-half hat-trick against a second-string Norway side during the group stage. However, Dembele has been overshadowed by France teammate Mbappe — as reflected by his Golden Ball odds of 20/1.
Back Jude Bellingham to win the Golden Ball at 10/1 with LiveScore Bet
