Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane lead Ballon d’Or 2026 race after World Cup

Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane have emerged as the leading contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or following Spain’s World Cup triumph in North America.

The conclusion of the global tournament has significantly changed the race for football’s most prestigious individual award, with World Cup performances once again expected to play a major role in determining the winner.

Before the final, Lionel Messi was considered the strongest candidate to claim the award for a record ninth time, with bookmakers placing the Argentina captain as the favourite.

However, the outcome of the World Cup has altered the predictions, with Yamal and Kane now positioned at the top of the rankings.

Both players are currently listed with odds of 3.00, making them the joint favourites for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Yamal’s chances have increased after helping Spain secure their second World Cup title. The Barcelona forward played a key role in La Roja’s successful campaign and has strengthened his claim for the individual honour.

Kane, meanwhile, has also boosted his chances after leading England’s attack and continuing his impressive form at club and international level.

Messi has dropped down the rankings and now shares third place with Rodri, who was named the best player of the 2026 World Cup.

Both players are priced at 4.5, while France forward Kylian Mbappé follows closely behind at 5.00 after finishing as the tournament’s top scorer.

The chances of reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé retaining the award have reduced, with the Paris Saint-Germain forward given odds of 25.

His PSG teammates Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz are considered even less likely candidates, with odds of 29 and 35 respectively.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held on 26 October, with the event making history by leaving Paris for the first time in its 70-year existence.

The ceremony will take place in London as a tribute to Stanley Matthews, the first-ever Ballon d’Or winner, who received the trophy exactly seven decades earlier.

Ballon d’Or 2026 Odds