Zlatan Ibrahimovic names Lionel Messi top of 2026 World Cup rankings
Former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has placed Argentina captain Lionel Messi at the top of his 2026 World Cup player power rankings during his punditry duties for Fox Sports.
The outspoken analyst is working for the North American broadcaster throughout the tournament hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
As part of his ongoing coverage, the former Paris St-Germain forward updates a regular segment titled ‘King of the Jungle’.
While Ibrahimovic facetiously reserves the permanent number one spot for himself, Messi comfortably leads the list of active players.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has enjoyed a stellar start to the campaign, scoring a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening fixture before adding a brace against Austria.
Mbappe and Haaland lead the chasing pack
Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland occupy second and third place respectively in the pundit’s latest standings.
Both elite forwards are currently challenging Messi for the Golden Boot, having each registered four goals for France and Norway.
Brazil winger Vinicius Junior sits in fourth position after matching that impressive four-goal tally.
The Real Madrid attacker has found the net in all three group matches for his country while also providing a crucial assist.
Yamal, Kane and Ronaldo make the cut
Spain teenager Lamine Yamal takes fifth spot following a vital goal and match-winning performance against Saudi Arabia.
The Barcelona prodigy sits just ahead of England captain Harry Kane, who has scored twice so far in the tournament.
Michael Olise represents the second French player on the list in seventh, having already contributed three assists for Les Bleus.
Meanwhile, Portugal veteran Cristiano Ronaldo has moved into eighth position following a two-goal cameo during a heavy victory over Uzbekistan.
After Ronaldo confidently claimed he was back to his best following those latest goals, his former Serie A rival offered a typically wry response.
“I thought he never left.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
