The World Cup 2026 is over, and the individual awards have their winners. Spain captain Rodri claimed the official Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, while Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to equal Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goalscoring record. After 104 matches across almost six weeks in the United States, Canada and Mexico, BBC reporters delivered their verdicts on the best goal, best player, best fans and best save. So where do England and the Premier League contingent land in the reckoning?
Rodri Wins the Golden Ball
Rodri was named the best player of World Cup 2026 and lifted the official Golden Ball. The Spain captain, a commanding presence in midfield, dictated the tempo of his side’s play from the group stage to the final week. His consistency in build-up and ball recovery shaped every match Spain contested.
The award recognises a player who operates away from the spotlight usually reserved for forwards. For the reporters, the choice reflects a wider trend: World Cup 2026 rewarded playmakers and controllers as much as goalscorers. Rodri joins the select group of midfielders honoured at the very top of the world game.
Messi Equals Klose’s Goalscoring Record
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick that saw him equal the all-time World Cup goalscoring record held by Germany’s Miroslav Klose. The performance stands as one of the defining moments of the tournament and underlines the Argentine’s remarkable longevity at the highest level.
For many observers, the shared record marks a passing of the torch between generations. Messi, a fixture across multiple editions, wrote his name into history alongside a striker who once looked untouchable. The hat-trick was singled out as one of the standout individual displays of the competition.
England and the Premier League in the Reckoning
Jude Bellingham remains the leading English name in the reporters’ best-player debate. The midfielder was once again central to England’s attacking play, reinforcing his standing as a global star and a showcase for the talent developed and displayed in the Premier League and across Europe.
Beyond Bellingham, World Cup 2026 highlighted the depth of England’s Premier League-based squad. Three Lions supporters were also named among the most passionate, adding to the atmosphere in North American stadiums. For England, the takeaway is a generation that continues to shape the biggest tournaments.
Best Goal and Best Fans: The Other Categories
Beyond the Golden Ball, BBC reporters recognised the best goal and best save of the tournament, chosen by chief football writer Phil McNulty. These categories spotlight the moments of individual brilliance that lit up the 104 matches of the competition.
The best fans award underlines the atmosphere generated in stadiums across the United States, Canada and Mexico. In this first 48-team World Cup, the mood in the stands was a defining feature, with supporters travelling from around the world to back their nations.
FAQ
Who won the World Cup 2026 Golden Ball?
Spain captain Rodri won the official Golden Ball as the best player of World Cup 2026.
What record did Messi equal at the tournament?
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to equal Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goalscoring record.
How many matches were played at World Cup 2026?
There were 104 matches, played across almost six weeks in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Where did England’s players feature in the awards?
Jude Bellingham was among the English names in the best-player debate, though the official Golden Ball went to Rodri.
Which categories did BBC reporters award?
The reporters named the best goal, best player, best fans and best save of the tournament.
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