FIFA Power Rankings: Doku, Dembele, Rodri among biggest climbers

The FIFA Power Rankings, powered by Aramco, have updated following the conclusion of the group stage at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Using advanced analytics, the rankings measure player performance across three categories: Attacking, Creativity, and Defending. The top-ranked players in each category are Germany's Denis Undav (Attacking, 8.37), France's Michael Olise (Creativity, 8.02), and Canada's Derek Cornelius (Defending, 7.3).

Biggest Climbers in Attacking

Ousmane Dembele of France made a significant leap in the Attacking ranking after scoring a hat-trick against Norway. His first tournament treble for Les Bleus came from three attempts on target, showcasing clinical finishing. Dembele stayed wide on the right to receive passes in space following switches of play and repeatedly attacked the isolated Norway left-back, Fredrik Andre Bjorkan. His attacking score of 8.5 moved him 49 places up to sixth in the Attacking ladder. Additionally, his consistent forward passing, totaling 12 progressive passes, earned him a Creativity score of 6.63, lifting him 96 places in that bracket.

Another notable climber is a 20-year-old Swiss forward who made his first start of the tournament against Canada. He scored three goals from just six attempts and provided an assist for Ruben Vargas' goal against the co-hosts. His average score of 7.56 places him among the tournament's most exciting young attackers.

Creativity Surges

Jude Bellingham of England climbed 332 places in the Creativity ranking after a standout performance against Panama. He scored England's opening goal and assisted Harry Kane for the second, helping secure first place in Group L. His forward runs threatened the Panama backline, and he was well-positioned to cross for Kane's header. Bellingham's attacking score was 6.72, moving him 52 places to 14th, while his Creativity score of 5.98 fueled his dramatic rise.

Kylian Mbappe, though not scoring, made a telling impact with a Creativity score of 8.6. The Real Madrid forward registered two assists for Dembele and consistently created opportunities for others through his movement—illustrated by 31 offers in behind—and final-ball quality. He now sits third in Attacking and has ascended 59 places to fifth in Creativity.

A 22-year-old player completed his first 90 minutes of the World Cup in the last group fixture against Switzerland and entered the top 10 of the Creativity ranking in second place.

Defensive Dominance

Spain's record of three clean sheets in winning Group H is reflected by the prominence of Aymeric Laporte and Rodri in the Defensive ranking. Rodri, in particular, has been a key figure in Spain's solid backline, contributing to their defensive stability.

Other Notable Movers

Leandro Trossard helped Belgium secure a 5-1 victory over New Zealand, opening his World Cup goals account with two goals and earning a score of 8.3. His seven open-play attempts underlined his determination to make an impact, moving him 141 places into the top 50 of the Attacking ranking at 49th.

Earlier group-stage action saw significant leaps by Côte d'Ivoire duo Nicolas Pepe and Guela Doue in the Attacking and Defending brackets, respectively, as highlighted in a previous article.