Ranking the top 5 midfielders of the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals

× The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached the semi-final stage, with only four teams left to compete for the title. These four teams, ranked first to fourth in the official FIFA rankings, each overcame one team in the previous round to get to this stage. Ad The quarter-final games did not serve up a great deal of drama as the four best teams in the world made it through.

There were obvious shows of quality and class, as some players stood out clearly amongst their peers. World number one France claimed a comfortable victory over a Morocco side that looked like a shadow of itself, while a goalkeeping error gave Spain the win over Belgium. Elsewhere, a similar goalkeeping situation gave England a huge helping hand against Norway, with the Three Lions needing extra-time to win.

The ten men of Switzerland also forced Argentina into extra-time, but La Albiceleste prevailed. Ad Trending Here is our list of five standout midfielders from the FIFA World Cup quarter-final games. 5 best midfielders from 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals #5 Adrien Rabiot France star Adrien Rabiot patrolled the middle of the park as Les Bleus claimed a convincing victory over Morocco in their quarter-final encounter.

The AC Milan man kept things moving nicely, helping to provide a solid base for their dominant attackers to operate freely. Ad Rabiot completed 94% of his passes, making a tackle, three clearances, and three interceptions. He won 50% of his ground duels and 100% of his aerial duels, and attempted one shot.

#4 Manu Kone With Aurelien Tchouameni yet to hit full fitness, Manu Kone was the choice to start in midfield for France. The AS Roma midfielder made his fourth start of the FIFA World Cup and once again showed by Didier Deschamps trusts him as Tchouameni's deputy. Ad In a game where Les Bleus enjoyed the lion's share of the ball, they needed Kone to be prepared to read the game and take action before anything happens.

Kone won 75% of his ground duels and 50% of his aerial duels. He created a chance, completed one tackle, and recorded an interception during the game. #3 Alexis Mac Allister Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister opened his goalscoring account in this summer's FIFA World Cup for Argentina against Switzerland.

The 27-year-old managed to score with a header despite being one of the shortest players on the pitch. Ad Mac Allister completed 94% of his passes in the game and created a chance. He made three tackles, four clearances, and four interceptions, and won six ground duels in an all-action display for La Albiceleste.

#2 Rodri Spain captain Rodri out on another impressive performance in the middle of the park as La Roja claimed another scalp against Belgium. Everything went through the Manchester City man, as he dictated the tempo for his team. Ad Rodri had more touches of the ball than any other player on either team, and he created two chances.

He completed six long balls and won 100% of his ground duels, while making a tackle, a block, and two clearances. #1 Jude Bellingham Jude Bellingham delivered another spectacular performance for England as they navigated their way past a tricky FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Norway. The Real Madrid man scored both goals as his side came from behind to win 2-1, netting a brace in a second successive game.

Bellingham was everywhere for the Three Lions, attempting five shots and completing 75% of his dribbles. He won eight ground duels and four fouls, while also making one tackle, a clearance, and an interception. × Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback Quick Links More from Sportskeeda Edited by Sulayman Salahudeen The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached the semi-final stage, with only four teams left to compete for the title. These four teams, ranked first to fourth in the official FIFA rankings, each overcame one team in the previous round to get to this stage. Ad The quarter-final games did not serve up a great deal of drama as the four best teams in the world made it through.

There were obvious shows of quality and class, as some players stood out clearly amongst their peers. World number one France claimed a comfortable victory over a Morocco side that looked like a shadow of itself, while a goalkeeping error gave Spain the win over Belgium. Elsewhere, a similar goalkeeping situation gave England a huge helping hand against Norway, with the Three Lions needing extra-time to win.

The ten men of Switzerland also forced Argentina into extra-time, but La Albiceleste prevailed. Ad Trending Here is our list of five standout midfielders from the FIFA World Cup quarter-final games. 5 best midfielders from 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals #5 Adrien Rabiot France star Adrien Rabiot patrolled the middle of the park as Les Bleus claimed a convincing victory over Morocco in their quarter-final encounter.

The AC Milan man kept things moving nicely, helping to provide a solid base for their dominant attackers to operate freely. Ad Rabiot completed 94% of his passes, ma