Alongside the national pride, it’s the players that make each World Cup special.
Let’s check out the odds for the Golden Ball (tournament’s best player), as well as what to know about the early favorites, as of June 18.
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Kylian Mbappé, France: +600 (bet $10 to win $70 total)
What to know: Mbappé finished second to Messi for the Golden Ball in 2022, but did win the Golden Boot in Qatar, after scoring eight goals in the tournament. He scored twice in France’s opening win over Senegal.
Michael Olise, France: +650 (bet $10 to win $75 total)
What to know: He will star alongside Mbappé for France in this edition of the World Cup, and against Senegal, he had his first assist of the tournament.
Lionel Messi, Argentina: +650 (bet $10 to win $75 total)
What to know: In the history of the World Cup, the Golden Ball has been awarded 11 times and Messi is the only player who has won it twice: 2014 (Brazil) and 2022 (Qatar). In Argentina’s 2026 opening match, Messi accomplished his first-ever World Cup hat trick.
Harry Kane, England: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total)
What to know: Kane won the Golden Boot in Russia in 2018, scoring six goals across the tournament. In England’s opening win over Croatia, he found the back of the net twice.
Lamine Yamal, Spain: +1200 (bet $10 to win $130 total)
What to know: The global superstar of the future, Lamal is considered by many to be the next guy to enter the Messi-Ronaldo class. He only played a few minutes in Spain’s opening draw against Cape Verde, however, as he appears to still be nursing a hamstring injury.
Vini Jr., Brazil: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)
What to know: The Brazilian superstar had a goal and two assists in his first World Cup back in 2022 in Qatar, and in one match so far this tournament — a draw with Morocco — Vini has one goal.
Erling Haaland, Norway: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)
What to know: In his World Cup debut, the Norwegian superstar scored two goals to help push Norway past Iraq. It now sits atop Group I.
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