World Cup 2026: Ibrahim Maza outshines Lamine Yamal and Jamal Musiala in remarkable dribbling statistic

Algeria midfielder Ibrahim Maza has emerged as the most successful dribbler of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, finishing ahead of some of football’s biggest young stars despite failing to register a goal or an assist.

The 20-year-old started all three of Algeria’s group matches and consistently impressed with his ability to carry the ball, beat defenders and drive his team forward, becoming one of the Fennecs’ standout performers.

Although his efforts did not translate into direct goal contributions, Maza’s displays underlined his growing importance to Vladimir Petković’s side as Algeria secured progression beyond the group stage.

His tournament statistics place him ahead of players including Spain’s Lamine Yamal and Germany’s Jamal Musiala, highlighting the influence he has had throughout the opening phase of the competition.

Ibrahim Maza leads World Cup dribbling rankings

Maza has established himself as one of Algeria’s key players through his ability to progress the ball and create attacking opportunities.

Midfielder excels despite no goal contributions

The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder featured from the start in each of Algeria’s three group-stage fixtures.

He was substituted only once, leaving the field in the 81st minute against Argentina after another energetic display.

Operating mainly in central midfield, Maza alternated between the roles of playmaker and false nine, linking midfield with attack through intelligent movement and direct running rather than relying solely on passing.

His ability to retain possession under pressure and challenge defenders has become an important part of Algeria’s attacking approach.

Even during periods when the Fennecs struggled to convert possession into clear opportunities, Maza repeatedly used his dribbling ability to break defensive lines and move his team into dangerous positions.

Maza finishes ahead of Europe’s young stars

The tournament’s individual statistics underline the impact of the Algerian midfielder.

Algerian tops dribbling chart

Maza completed 13 successful dribbles during the group stage, the highest total recorded in the competition.

That places him ahead of South Korea’s Kang-In Lee, who completed 11 successful dribbles, while Spain’s Lamine Yamal and Germany’s Jamal Musiala each finished with nine.

Leading the dribbling rankings against some of the world’s most highly rated young talents reflects Maza’s confidence and consistency throughout the tournament.

Attacking Influence Extends Beyond Dribbling

The Algerian international has also been among the competition’s most active attacking players.

Maza Among Tournament’s Most Frequent Shooters

In addition to leading the dribbling statistics, Maza has attempted eight shots during the group stage.

He shares that total with fellow Algeria midfielder Fares Chaibi, placing both players among the tournament’s 40 most active attacking performers.

The overall shooting rankings are led by Kylian Mbappé and Kevin De Bruyne, who have each registered 16 attempts, while Lionel Messi follows with 15.

Although Maza has yet to score or provide an assist, his performances have demonstrated his growing influence within Algeria’s midfield.

By combining ball-carrying ability with a willingness to attack defenders and create openings, the 20-year-old has become an increasingly important figure for the Fennecs as they continue their World Cup campaign.