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FIFA Unveils 2026 World Cup Power Rankings After Opening Round of Matches

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Messi Will Triumph in Qatar 2022 – Mr Macaroni Predicts

The world football governing body, FIFA, has released its latest Power Rankings for the 2026 World Cup following the conclusion of the opening round of group-stage fixtures, with several global stars making early statements in the tournament.

The rankings, powered by advanced analytics, assess players based on attacking output, creativity, and defensive contribution.

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According to FIFA, the system goes beyond goals and assists to measure overall influence in matches, including chance creation, attacking progression, and defensive actions.

Messi tops attacking rankings after hat-trick display

Argentina captain Lionel Messi leads the attacking category after a stunning performance in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria, where he netted a hat-trick and dominated proceedings from start to finish.

According to FIFA, “Messi accounted for 60% of Argentina’s attempts at goal, every shot they had on target and all three of their goals.”

The report further added: “La Albiceleste’s three successful strikes came from 1.58 expected goals (xG), highlighting the efficiency of Messi’s finishing.”

FIFA also noted: “The Inter Miami star’s influence extended well beyond the penalty area, too. He received possession 23 times between Algeria’s midfield and defensive lines and completed 12 line breaks, repeatedly helping Argentina transform possession into danger.”

Global stars dominate attacking top 10
Behind Messi in the attacking rankings are New Zealand’s Elijah Just, France’s Kylian Mbappe, Sweden’s Yasin Ayari, and England captain Harry Kane.

Other notable names include Erling Haaland, Vinicius Junior, Luis Diaz, Alexander Isak, Amad Diallo, and several other standout performers from the opening matches.

Rezaeian leads creativity chart

Iran defender Ramin Rezaeian tops the creativity rankings after an impressive display in Iran’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand, where he played a key role in building attacking moves and influencing transitions.

He is followed by Michael Olise, Florian Wirtz, Lee Kang-in, Julio Enciso, Ryan Gravenberch, Bukayo Saka, Brahim Diaz, and Mohamed Salah, all of whom featured prominently in creative contributions during their opening fixtures.

Cornelius dominates defensive rankings

Canada’s Derek Cornelius leads the defensive category after a commanding performance in Canada’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, helping his side secure a strong result.

He sits ahead of Nikola Katic, Tarik Muharemovic, Xavier Schlager, Tyler Adams, Sidny Lopes Cabral, Amar Dedic, Jesús Gallardo, and Willy Semedo in the defensive rankings.

FIFA explains ranking system

FIFA emphasized that the rankings are designed to reflect more than just traditional statistics.

The body reiterated that player influence is measured across multiple phases of play, including chance creation, attacking build-up, and defensive interventions.

The rankings will continue to be updated throughout the tournament as performances evolve across matches hosted in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

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Carlos Queiroz Parts Ways With Ghana Again After AFCON Qualifying Setbacks

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Carlos Queiroz has parted ways with Ghana for a second time after the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Portuguese coach mutually agreed to terminate his contract as head coach of the Black Stars.

The GFA announced the decision in a statement, saying the agreement followed discussions held in a spirit of mutual respect.

ALSO READ: Queiroz Makes Shock Return as Ghana Coach After World Cup Exit

According to the association, both parties agreed that ending the professional relationship was the most appropriate course of action under the present circumstances and in the best interests of Ghana, the Black Stars and Ghanaian football.

The GFA thanked Queiroz for his commitment, professionalism and dedication during his time with the national team.

The association also acknowledged his efforts in helping to build a stronger future for the Black Stars and supporting the development of Ghanaian talent since taking charge ahead of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The GFA also expressed appreciation to Queiroz’s technical staff for their support and contribution to the Black Stars project.

The football body wished Queiroz well in his future endeavours and said it would announce detailed technical arrangements and the next steps regarding the leadership of the Black Stars in due course.

Queiroz’s latest departure comes as Ghana continues its campaign in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series.

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Yayi Backs Abeokuta 10km Race

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Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), representing Ogun West Senatorial District at the National Assembly and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, has thrown his weight behind the 2026 Abeokuta 10km Race, assuring that he will personally grace the October 3 event.

He gave the assurance when the Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML), Yetunde Olopade, paid him a courtesy visit to formally invite him to the race, which is being held in his honour.

The Senator commended Olopade for taking over the leadership of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, expressing delight at the progress and achievements of the company under her watch.

He described the decision to honour him with the race as a gesture he deeply appreciates, assuring that despite his busy schedule, he would make every effort to be present at the event.

“Let me start by thanking you for taking up the mantle of leadership of the company. I was truly delighted when I learnt that you are the one in charge.

“As for the race, I want to sincerely thank you for organising it in my honour. You have honoured me, and I appreciate the gesture with every sense of responsibility.

“I will do everything humanly possible to be part of it, especially because it is a race held in my honour. I will also be glad to be there to honour you in return,” he assured.

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Olopade presented a running kit to the Senator during the visit, saying that Senator Adeola was being honoured in recognition of his contributions to youth and sports development in Ogun State.

“For everything you have done for youth and sports development, we have come to invite you to support the race. Of course, we also humbly request your presence on the 3rd of October.”

The 2026 Abeokuta 10KM Race is specifically designed for Nigerian athletes, with the organisers aiming to promote homegrown talent, while also creating a lasting legacy.

Registration for the race is still ongoing at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Kuto, Abeokuta, while registered participants are scheduled to collect their race kits from September 30 to October 2 ahead of the October 3 race.

The Abeokuta 10KM Race remains one of the notable road-running events on Nigeria’s athletics calendar and is expected to bring together athletes, sports enthusiasts and other stakeholders for the fifth edition of the race.
Photo Caption: From Left Managing Director, Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade and Senator Solomon Adeola

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Chairman NSC Secures FIFA Committee Backing for Nigeria Football Reforms

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Signals have emerged that the International Association Football Federation (FIFA) would back Nigeria’s plan to reform her football administration, in view of which the entire Board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi threw in the towel recently.

Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, offered this insight in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Friday after meeting with FIFA and Confederation of African Football (CAF) officials in Switzerland.

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He said the government presented its reform proposals to FIFA after the resignation created a leadership vacuum within the NFF.

“After the resignation of the entire board of the NFF and the General Secretary, naturally we have a lacuna, because there was no provision in the rulebook for situations like that, where we have nobody now to run the NFF legally within the rulebook.”

According to Dikko, the government wants to undertake a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s football structures, with the process involving consultations with stakeholders.

He said, “We told them, this is our position as a government. The government wants to undertake a comprehensive reform of the football structures in Nigeria, which is something that even FIFA knew has been on the cards for decades in Nigeria.

“So we discussed comprehensive proposals from the government, which are the issues that we think should be reformed, based on the concerns of the stakeholders, and we all agreed on that.”

Dikko said FIFA had endorsed both the resignation of the NFF board and the proposed reforms, while stressing that the process must follow the applicable rules.

“In short, FIFA endorsed the resignation, endorsed reform, agreed that the reform must happen, but it has to go through the proper process and the rulebooks, and they are ready to accommodate that,” he asserted.

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