Jonathan David and Matheus Cunha among biggest Attacking climbers since second group games began
Lucas Paqueta and Vladimir Coufal make significant gains in the Creativity rankings
Neil El Aynaoui and Chris Richards leap up the Defending rankings after resolute displays
The provide a data-driven measure of player performance throughout the . Using advanced analytics, the rankings assess contributions across three key categories – Attacking, Creativity and Defending – tracking the players who have the greatest influence on matches as the tournament unfolds.
After the first round of group games, the Attacking ranking, while Ramin Rezaeian led the way in Creativity and Derek Cornelius in Defending. However, since the second set of group matches has got underway, several players have made significant gains across the three categories. Here, FIFA brings you six of the standout movers in the FIFA Power Rankings.
Climbing 176 places to tenth in the World Cup’s Attacking rankings was David, after producing one of the standout individual performances of the tournament so far. The Canada striker scored a hat-trick in his side's over Qatar and was a constant threat throughout the contest. The Power Rankings reflect more than David's three goals. He registered eight attempts from open play, six efforts on target and ranked first in the match for xG performance, highlighting both the volume and quality of his attacking output.
Cunha surged 174 places to 11th in the Attacking rankings after making the most of his opportunity to return to Brazil's starting line-up against Haiti. The forward scored twice in his side's and provided the cutting edge for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. were particularly influential. He scored two non-penalty goals and outperformed his xG by +0.83. While Brazil's creative players repeatedly supplied opportunities, Cunha's ability to convert those chances ensured the Seleção's dominance was reflected in the scoreline.
Brazil midfielder Paqueta was one of the biggest risers in the ‘Creativity’ rankings, climbing 211 places to 41st place following a superb display against Haiti. His performance illustrated the importance of players who connect midfield and attack while progressing possession into dangerous areas. Paqueta finished the match with an assist, also recording eight midfield line-breaks and three defensive-unit line-breaks to help Brazil advance the ball into threatening positions throughout.
The Czechia defender was a surprising mover, ascending 93 places to 32nd in the creativity rankings after producing the highest creative score in his side's with South Africa. While he did not register an assist, Coufal repeatedly threatened South Africa through his crossing and ball progression, ranking first in the match for cross threat. Coufal ranked highest in the match for creative influence, completing three line-break involvements in attempt-at-goal sequences and two defensive-unit line breaks.
Morocco's over Scotland was built on defensive organisation and discipline, and El Aynaoui played a central role. The holding midfielder was rewarded with a significant rise in the Defending rankings – up 211 places to 11th – after producing the highest defensive score in the match. El Aynaoui recorded eight possession regains, four blocks and seven tackles in the defensive third as Morocco secured a clean sheet and limited Scotland's attacking opportunities. While Ismael Saibari's goal secured the three points, El Aynaoui's work without the ball was equally important to the result.
Richards climbed 165 places to fifth in the defensive rankings after helping USA. The centre-back produced the highest defensive score in the match and provided a commanding presence at the heart of the American defence. Richards registered 10 possession regains and repeatedly disrupted Australia's attempts to build attacks through central areas, with his positioning and reading of the game helping USA hold on for a clean sheet.
Sources: FIFA Official
