,fit(1920:))
This is the World Cup of the superstar, the biggest names showing up and doing what they do better than anyone else.
Lionel Messi’s six group stage goals have ensured that the multiple Ballon d’Or winner has broken the all-time World Cup goalscoring record.
After also firing a high volume of goals in the Americas, Kylian Mbappe is now just one behind the Argentine legend on that list, while his second strike against Senegal secured him the honour of becoming France’s all-time record scorer.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s early opener against Uzbekistan meanwhile meant that he became the first player to score in six consecutive finals and it should come as no surprise that Erling Haaland has introduced himself to the competition in typically prolific fashion.
The ‘Striking Viking’ is the first player to score in each of his opening trio of World Cup fixtures.
Add Vinicius Jr inspiring Seleção to the Round of 16 via a quartet of goals and quite understandably these giants of the game have dominated the conversation to date.
Yet the fact remains that no man has ever won a major tournament, only teams, and while these leading protagonists shine in the spotlight other Ballon d’Or nominated stars have excelled alongside them.
All four below have been indispensable, impactful, and impressive, to much less fanfare.
Bruno Fernandes: The creator-supreme
Having broken a Premier League record for assists in 2025/26, the Manchester United schemer began his third World Cup campaign brightly, conducting Portugal throughout against DR Congo and injecting energy into their attacking impetus.
He finished the game as statistically Portugal’s second-best performer, after Joao Neves.
His stand-out offering, however, came in the subsequent dismantling of Uzbekistan, Fernandes creating two big chances, assisting for Ronaldo’s second, and completing 12 sprints.
A well-balanced midfield trio of Fernandes, Vitinha and Neves is one of the greatest strengths of the Seleção das Quinas as they vie to go deep this summer.
Bruno Fernandes World Cup 2026 in numbers
Games 3, Minutes 270
Goal involvements: 1
Key passes: 4
Progressive carries:
Accurate passes: 87.3%
Passes in opposition half: 116
Distance run per 90: 10.2km
Sprints per 90: 9
Lautaro Martinez: The lethal foil
)
Boasting 38 goals in 80 international appearances, the Inter Milan striker has spearheaded Argentina’s attacking endeavours for eight years now. In that time he has been an invaluable foil for Messi, as well as leading the charge in his own right, as his nigh-on one-in-two strike-rate illustrates.
Though the numbers across his opening two World Cup outings this summer are unassuming they fail to factor in his clever movement, that has created space and opportunity for Messi to shine. They are assists of a kind.
With Messi rested for the final group game, Martinez took centre-stage, twice hitting the woodwork and scoring from the spot.
Lautaro Martinez World Cup 2026 in numbers
Games 3, Minutes 180
Goal involvements: 1
Shots: 4 (Two on target)
Carries: 16
Passing accuracy: 86.3%
Progressive carry distance: 93.3m
William Saliba: The impenetrable starting point
France’s formidable forward-line has established itself as one of the most prominent narratives of the summer, scoring 4.3 goals per 90 and racking up a plethora of other chances.
It should not be overlooked, however, that at the back they have conceded only twice, one of which was a late consolation.
Saliba has played a significant part in this defensive strength, displaying all of the attributes that saw him nominated for a Ballon d’Or in 2024.
Note the Arsenal man’s passing stats below, the centre-back so often the starting point in another Les Bleus attacking raid.
William Saliba World Cup 2026 in numbers
Games 3, Minutes 270
Interceptions per 90: 1.3
Passing accuracy: 94.7%
Recoveries: 10
Clearances: 9
Dribbled past: 1
Casemiro: The experienced fulcrum
The fulcrum of any Brazil midfield will always be expected to offer an attacking threat, as well as boss the centre-circle. In his final World Cup the 34-year-old has fulfilled these twin obligations well.
Casemiro went into the tournament in good form, after turning around a disappointing period at Manchester United that led to some English pundits believing his best days were behind him.
Rejuvenated and ever-influential, his experience in the middle is a valuable asset as Carlo Ancelotti’s Seleção strive to win a sixth World Cup.
No Brazil player has made more successful tackles in the Americas while his 76 passes against Japan in the Round of 32 was more than any team-mates, besides the centre-back pairing.
Casemiro World Cup 2026 in numbers
Games 4, Minutes 290
Goal involvements: 1
Duels won: 40
Carrying distance: 267.0m
Recoveries: 15
Passing accuracy: 89%
Defensive linebreaks: 57
