The provide a data-driven measure of player performance throughout the . Using advanced analytics, these rankings assess contributions across Attacking, Creativity and Defending categories, tracking the players who have the greatest influence on matches as the tournament unfolds.
Over the past couple of days there have been some major moves in the Power Rankings thanks to some star turns across matches in Group E, Group F, Group G and Group H.
Germany's Deniz Undav has climbed to the top of the Attacking standings, while Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo, Spain winger and Japan striker Ayase Ueda are among the biggest climbers following the latest round of matches.
The latest update reflects all matches played up to and including Egypt's victory over New Zealand, with Argentina's meeting with Austria yet to be incorporated into the rankings.
Undav produced the highest attacking score from Germany's over Côte d'Ivoire after coming off the bench to turn the match. The forward had three open-play attempts, all of which were on target, and scored two game-changing goals, helping Germany turn attacking pressure into a crucial victory. His Attacking score of 8.52 was the highest in the match, with Undav producing an xG performance of 1.03 after finding the net twice. Undav's finishing proved decisive and it pushed him up ten places to sit above Lionel Messi at the summit of the overall Attacking ranking.
The Netherlands forward was the standout performer in his side's emphatic against Sweden, moving up 147 places to 15th in the overall Attacking ranking. Gakpo registered the highest Attacking score of the match at 8.68 after scoring twice and repeatedly threatening the Swedish defence. The Liverpool man recorded five attempts at goal and eight ball progressions, consistently driving the Dutch forward from the left flank. Gakpo also made significant gains in the Creativity ranking after also producing the highest score in that category against Sweden (8.23) – inspiring a climb of 103 places to 24th.
Japan's dominant display in was reflected throughout the Power Rankings, but it was Ueda who led the match’s Attacking category after recording a score of 8.40. The striker scored twice from five open-play attempts and his movement inside the penalty area, ability to occupy defenders and clinical finishing provided the cutting edge to Japan's territorial dominance. As well as firing the Samurai Blue to a convincing victory, Ueda’s other reward was a significant rise of 189 places to 20th in the overall Attacking ranking.
While Mikel Oyarzabal (8.54) and Alex Baena (8.19) topped the Attacking and Creativity rankings respectively in the against Saudi Arabia, Yamal was in close quarters – finishing second and third in each category with scores of 7.65 and 7.60. The Barcelona star’s contribution extended well beyond his goal as he combined direct running with relentless progression, finishing the match with seven take-ons, seven ball progressions and five open-play attempts at goal. Yamal has now broken into the overall top 10 for Creativity – climbing 24 places to 8th, and also rose 71 places to 18th in the Attacking ranking.
Egypt's talisman produced the highest Attacking score of the past two days – 9.26 – in a stirring display that helped the Pharaohs come from behind to . Salah netted once from four open-play attempts and registered two shots on target, while his goal proved a game-state-changing moment as Egypt overturned a half-time deficit. Salah also topped the Creativity ranking in the match with a score of 8.16, reflecting his ability to progress the ball and unlock New Zealand. An assist, nine progressive passes and involvement in two goal sequences underlined his importance to Egypt's attacking play.
Belgium's clean sheet owed much to the contribution of Mechele, who posted the highest defensive score of the match at 8.02. The defender recorded 13 possession regains, six interceptions and six aerial duels won, helping Belgium sustain attacks while limiting Iran's opportunities to counter. His ability to break up play and quickly restore possession made him the standout defensive performer of the contest and saw Mechele soar 42 places up to 2nd in the overall Defending ranking.
Lopes delivered the highest defensive score (7.74) in Cabo Verde's with Uruguay after an outstanding display of anticipation and recovery work. The Shamrock Rovers centre-back registered 15 possession regains, three retained interceptions and won all three of his duels, while also contributing ten clearances in the defensive third. It earned Lopes a rise of 13 places to 4th on the overall Defending ranking, rewarding his influence in protecting Cabo Verde against a Uruguay side that enjoyed significant possession.
Ecuador were frustrated by Curaçao despite controlling much of the match, but PSG star Pacho still delivered one of the strongest defensive displays of the round in theand was awarded a score of 7.85. Only outperformed defensively by team-mate Alan Franco (7.88), Pacho ranked highly for interception and block threat, won five possession contests and helped Ecuador keep a clean sheet. His front-foot defending and ability to organise the defensive line ensured Curaçao were largely restricted to sporadic attacking moments. The performance moved Pacho up 153 places to 18th in the overall Defending ranking.
Sources: FIFA Official
