2026 World Cup Player of the Tournament odds: Who will win the Golden Ball?

With France tipped as the favourites for glory in North America, it is perhaps no surprise to see their leading star Mbappe earmarked as the frontrunner in the Golden Ball race, with the striker enjoying another superb World Cup for Les Bleus.

Messi continues to defy the ageing process and carry Argentina forwards, with the 2022 winner showing he still has what it takes to compete at the very highest level. The Argentine is now the favourite to win this summer's Golden Boot, and having led his country to glory last time out, there's little to suggest he can't repeat the feat this year.

Haaland is a new entry in the top three in the market after his starring role for Norway, scoring twice as they dumped out five-time winners Brazil in the Round of 16. While also a contender for the Golden Boot, the Manchester City striker is the closest in the market to the two clear frontrunners.

England captain Kane is level in the market with Haaland after his starring role for the Three Lions so far, while they are also joined by Olise, who has arguably been just as influentual for France as Mbappe has been.

Only one of the last seven World Cup Golden Ball awards has gone to a player from a winning nation, meaning it is a fairly open field in terms of contenders for the award.

One of the nearest challengers to the leading two is England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who has put in a number of Player of the Match performances for Thomas Tuchel's men in their bid for a first World Cup since 1966.

Ousmane Dembele is another French name on the list, with the Paris Saint-Germain forward impressing but unfortunate to be out-shone by team-mates Mbappe and Olise so far.

Lamine Yamal, one of the favourites for the award pre-tournament, has slipped down the market, with the Spain youngster enduring an injury-hit start to his first-ever World Cup.

You can discover more 2026 World Cup content in our designated content hub, from an in-depth betting guide and the complete fixture schedule, to individual group previews and a look at the outright winner odds.

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All odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.

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