At the FIFA World Cup 2026™, FIFA will launch a new individual player ranking system based on data collected during matches. The will provide objective, data-driven insight into player performance.
All outfield players will receive a score between 0-10 in three categories (attacking, creativity and defending). Goalkeepers will be scored in two categories: in possession and defending the goal. A ‘Power Ranking Classification’ will be produced after each match round, showing the top 100 players in each category. The Power Ranking is considered as a measure of match and tournament performance: each player receives a score for each match and for their overall performance in the tournament.
Exclusive use of FIFA data – the most detailed performance data globally
Supported by FIFA’s Enhanced Football Intelligence algorithms
Developed by football experts under the guidance of Arsene Wenger
Performance broken down into distinct areas, showcasing players’ best attributes
Using FIFA’s world leading performance data, the FIFA Power Rankings give an objective rating to each outfield player on three key performance aspects: attacking, creativity and defending. Goalkeepers are scored on two performance aspects: in possession and out of possession (defending the goal)
All players – who must play a minimum of 20 minutes to get a score – are awarded a score between 0-10 for each category. These scores will be available four hours after each match.
Following each match round, an updated tournament Power Ranking classification will be created. This will analyse each player’s performance over the whole tournament, providing a score for each player in every category. This allows players’ individual characteristics to shine and accurately represents their contribution to the game.
Attacking: Those who can execute decisive attacking actions at the most important moments.
Creativity: Players who can link quality of vision and execution to unlock the attack
Defensive: Players who anticipate danger and make crucial defensive actions.
Defending the goal: Goalkeepers capable of being decisive when defending their goal, with a strong presence and authority to dominate their area.
In possession: Goalkeepers who are dynamic in their scanning and decision making to execute the right distribution, especially in defensive-to-offensive transitions.
The FIFA Power Rankings are an objective way of measuring performance, powered by FIFA’s world-leading Enhanced Performance Data.
Metrics have been selected which indicate successful performance in each category. First, all data is normalised to contextualise player performance according to their time on the pitch, and the time their team spent in possession. Next, metrics are placed into Metric Groups, and a performance score calculated for each metric group. The Metric Groups are then further calculated to give a final Power Ranking in each category.
The algorithms behind the FIFA Power Rankings have been developed by FIFA’s in-house Football Performance Insights Team, under the guidance of Arsène Wenger and the Technical Study Group. They are fully automated, created at the end of each match and continuously updated during the tournament.
For each match, players are scored in relation to all other players from the same match. This allows the players who make the difference in a match to shine.
After every match, an updated tournament classification is produced, ranking each player in relation to all other players at the tournament. This gives fans and experts worldwide unique insights into player performance at the tournament.
Sources: FIFA Official
