03.12.2025 16:35
In The Athletic's list of the top 100 footballers for the 2026 World Cup, only Arda Güler from the national team is included. The young star is ranked 30th, while Kylian Mbappe tops the list.
The countdown continues for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly organized by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While 42 of the 48 teams that will participate in the tournament have been confirmed, the remaining 6 countries will be determined through European and intercontinental play-off matches. The groups will be announced on Friday, December 5.
THE ATHLETIC'S "TOP 100 FOOTBALLERS" LIST
Shortly before the tournament, The Athletic published the "Top 100 Players of the World Cup" list, featuring star names from countries guaranteed or likely to participate in the tournament.
The list was prepared based on criteria such as current form, career achievements, importance to the national team, and market value.
ONLY ONE NAME FROM THE A NATIONAL TEAM: ARDA GÜLER
The only player from the A National Team to make the list is Arda Güler. The 20-year-old Real Madrid star found himself in 30th place on the list.
Evaluation for Arda Güler;
"Arda Güler, a player who can make you smile with his delicate passes and flashy moves, had to be patient at Real Madrid, but he has shown himself this season under Xabi Alonso. If Turkey passes the play-off, he will make a great contribution to the World Cup."
THE TOP 10 OF THE LIST
The best 10 footballers as determined by The Athletic are as follows;
- Kylian Mbappé – France
- Erling Haaland – Norway
- Lamine Yamal – Spain
- Harry Kane – England
- Pedri – Spain
- Jude Bellingham – England
- Vinicius Junior – Brazil
- Lionel Messi – Argentina
- Kevin De Bruyne – Belgium
- Gianluigi Donnarumma – Italy