New York, July 18: Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina could have ramifications beyond deciding the next world champions, with the outcome potentially playing a decisive role in the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Unlike previous editions, where a clear favourite often emerged, this year’s race for football’s most prestigious individual honour remains one of the most open in recent memory. History, however, suggests that success on the biggest stage often proves decisive.
Only four of the last 19 Ballon d’Or winners failed to lift either the UEFA Champions League, FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship or Copa America in the same calendar year. Lionel Messi accounted for three of those exceptions, while Cristiano Ronaldo claimed the other.
That trend puts Sunday’s final firmly in the spotlight, with Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal among the leading contenders.Messi, 39, is chasing a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or after another remarkable campaign. The Argentine has scored eight goals and provided four assists during the World Cup, helping guide the defending champions to a second successive final. Victory would also make him the first captain in history to lead his country to back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles.
Yamal, meanwhile, is bidding to become one of the youngest Ballon d’Or winners in history. Although the 19-year-old has scored just once during the tournament, his performances have been central to Spain’s march to their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 2010. The Barcelona winger also enjoyed an impressive club season, registering 24 goals and 18 assists as his side won La Liga.
Several other players remain in contention, though their chances may have diminished following their teams’ exits from the World Cup.England captain Harry Kane enjoyed a prolific campaign, scoring 61 goals in all competitions as Bayern Munich completed a domestic league and cup double. However, semi-final exits in both the UEFA Champions League and the World Cup could hurt his prospects.
France striker Kylian Mbappe also impressed, finishing among the tournament’s leading scorers after topping the scoring charts in both La Liga and the Champions League. Yet another World Cup disappointment and a trophyless season with Real Madrid may prove costly in the Ballon d’Or race.Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele, the reigning Ballon d’Or holder, remains in contention after helping his club retain both Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League titles. His World Cup tally of five goals and two assists has further strengthened his credentials.Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and PSG’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are also expected to feature among the nominees, although the absence of either major international success or continental glory could count against them.
With football’s biggest prize on the line at the MetLife Stadium, Sunday’s final could ultimately determine not only the next world champions but also the player who succeeds as the game’s finest individual performer in 2026. (Agencies)
