Rankings: World Cup newcomers making the biggest impact
By Joel Masibo, July 8, 2026Several players experiencing their first FIFA World Cup have quickly become some of the tournament’s standout performers. While some arrived in North America with established reputations, others have used the competition to announce themselves on football’s biggest stage.
Attacking
1. Erling Haaland (Norway) – Rankings score: 8.04 | Overall ranking: 3rd
Haaland has wasted no time proving why he is regarded as one of the world’s elite strikers. The Norway captain has driven his nation into the quarter-finals with a series of clinical displays, scoring three braces during the tournament, including a decisive two-goal performance against Brazil in the Round of 16.
His intelligent movement, physical dominance and lethal finishing have earned him the highest attacking rating among first-time World Cup players and the third-best score overall.
2. Johan Manzambi (Switzerland) – Rankings score: 7.32 | Overall ranking: 5th
Swiss midfielder Johan Manzambi has been one of the biggest revelations of the tournament. The 20-year-old made an unforgettable entrance by scoring twice after coming off the bench against Bosnia and Herzegovina during the group stage.
That achievement made him Switzerland’s youngest World Cup scorer since 1950 and the youngest Swiss player ever to score multiple goals in a single World Cup match. Since then, he has continued to shine with influential performances as Switzerland reached the last eight.
His attacking rating places him second among tournament debutants and fifth overall, while his displays have strengthened his case for the FIFA Young Player Award.
3. Julian Quinones (Mexico) – Rankings score: 6.98 | Overall ranking: 8th
Mexico’s journey to the Round of 16 owed much to Quinones’ contributions in front of goal. He scored the opener against Ecuador in the Round of 32 before assisting Raul Jimenez’s second goal, a performance that earned him the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match award.
He also found the net during Mexico’s thrilling Round of 16 defeat to England. His attacking instincts, direct running and constant threat have helped him become the third-highest ranked World Cup debutant in the attacking category.
Creativity
1. Michael Olise (France) – Rankings score: 8.19 | Overall ranking: 1st
No newcomer has influenced the creativity rankings more than France playmaker Michael Olise. Sitting at the top of the overall standings, Olise has consistently opened up opposition defences through his passing, close control and vision.
The Bayern Munich midfielder has already registered five assists, the highest total at this World Cup and joint-most in a single tournament since assist records began in 1966.
2. Florian Wirtz (Germany) – Rankings score: 7.58 | Overall ranking: 2nd
Although Germany exited earlier than many expected, Florian Wirtz still produced some of the tournament’s finest creative displays.
The Liverpool attacking midfielder excelled at receiving possession under pressure, linking midfield with attack and creating opportunities between defensive lines. He contributed assists against Ecuador, Paraguay and during Germany’s commanding 7-1 victory over Curaçao.
His creativity score places him second among all players and second among debutants.
3. Lamine Yamal (Spain) – Rankings score: 7.48 | Overall ranking: 4th
Already recognised as one of football’s brightest young stars, Lamine Yamal has further enhanced his reputation during Spain’s run to the quarter-finals.
Operating mainly from the right wing, he has repeatedly unsettled defenders with clever movement, accurate passing and exceptional dribbling. His performances have earned him the third-best creativity rating among World Cup newcomers and fourth overall.
Defending
1. Luc de Fougerolles (Canada) – Rankings score: 7.47 | Overall ranking: 4th
Canada’s impressive campaign has also introduced one of the tournament’s top young defenders.
De Fougerolles has shown remarkable composure both with and without the ball, helping the co-hosts keep clean sheets against Qatar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and South Africa before their Round of 16 exit.
The Fulham defender’s consistent performances have earned him the highest defensive score among first-time World Cup players and the fourth-best overall.
2. Pau Cubarsi (Spain) – Rankings score: 7.12 | Overall ranking: 7th
Despite his young age, Pau Cubarsi has played with remarkable maturity throughout Spain’s unbeaten defensive run.
The Barcelona centre-back has helped Spain remain the tournament’s only side yet to concede, keeping clean sheets against Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Austria and Portugal.
Whether breaking up attacks, winning possession or initiating moves from defence, Cubarsi has displayed confidence well beyond his years. His rating makes him the second-highest ranked debutant in the defensive category.
3. Chris Richards (United States) – Rankings score: 7.18 | Overall ranking: 6th
Chris Richards formed the backbone of the United States defence during their run to the Round of 16.
Strong in aerial battles, composed under pressure and dependable in one-on-one situations, the central defender delivered consistently impressive performances before the hosts were narrowly eliminated by Belgium.
His defensive score ranks third among World Cup debutants and seventh overall.
Honourable mention: Cabo Verde’s historic newcomers
Every member of Cabo Verde’s squad was making a first World Cup appearance, and two players stood out in particular.
Sidny Lopes Cabral finished as the country’s highest-ranked player in both the attacking and creativity categories, recording scores of 5.69 and 6.23 respectively. Meanwhile, Pico Lopes impressed defensively with a score of 6.60, placing him 29th overall among all defenders in the tournament.