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Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s 2026 World Cup Power Rankings

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been making headlines ever since the start of the 2026 World Cup due to his entertaining and cutting punditry for FOX Sports. Now, the legendary striker has ranked the best performers this summer based on their individual performances.

The Swede didn’t have too much luck when it came to the biggest international stage, failing to find the net in either of his two World Cups. However, he’s still a revered figure in the game, with his opinion holding a lot of weight among players and fans.


Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alexi Lalas


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As part of his role on FOX, Ibrahimovic has a regular segment called ‘King of the Jungle’. This is where he will regularly make changes to his top nine performers at the World Cup.

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Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) Troy Taormina (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)

While actually tasked with giving his 10 best players at the United States, Canada and Mexico-hosted tournament, Zlatan has placed himself in the top spot permanently. So, ignoring that, Lionel Messi has been the star of the World Cup.

That’s reflected in Ibrahimovic’s rankings, as he’s rewarded the greatest footballer of all time’s performances with the top spot among active players. Messi netted a sensational hat-trick in Argentina’s opening game, before adding a brace against Austria.

Kylian Mbappe (2nd) and Erling Haaland (3rd) are two of the best strikers in world football. They are also Messi’s closest rivals in the Golden Boot race this summer, having netted four goals for France and Norway, respectively.


Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez in action for Argentina


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Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane are all expected to finish among the top goalscorers in this summer’s tournament.

Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Junior has equalled that goal tally after finding the net in all three of his nation’s group games. He’s also provided a single assist, cementing himself as Carlo Ancelotti’s talisman and Ibrahimovic’s fourth-best player.

Lamine Yamal proved he’s Spain’s most important player with his performance and goal against Saudi Arabia after La Roja struggled without him starting in the opening game. The best young player on the planet has been better than sixth-placed England hero Harry Kane, who has two goals so far.

Michael Olise may not have found the net yet for France, but he’s still been impressive for Les Bleus. The ex-Premier League winger has set up three goals already, and looks a strong contender for the Playmaker Award.

Elsewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo has now made his way into Ibrahimovic’s rankings after missing out the week before. Portugal’s thrashing of Uzbekistan saw CR7 announce he’s ‘back’ following a two-goal cameo. That puzzled Ibra, who ‘thought he never left’.

But the Manchester United and Real Madrid icon can’t force his way past one of the surprise packages of the competition so far. Deniz Undav hasn’t started any of Germany’s games, but has still picked up three goals and two assists. Undav is eighth, one place above Ronaldo.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s World Cup Power Rankings

Rank

Player

Country

Goals

Assists

1.

Lionel Messi

Argentina

5

0

2.

Kylian Mbappe

France

4

0

3.

Erling Haaland

Norway

4

0

4.

Vinicius Jr

Brazil

4

1

5.

Lamine Yamal

Spain

1

0

6.

Harry Kane

England

2

0

7.

Michael Olise

France

0

3

8.

Deniz Undav

Germany

3

2

9.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal

2

0

Statistics in this article are courtesy of FIFA. Correct as of 26-06-26.

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European Giants Join Race For ‘Powerful’ Celtic Ace

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Celtic appear likely to lose one of their key players this summer, as reports emerge over growing interest in the midfield ace in the transfer market.

It comes as the Hoops are trying to build a squad capable of comfortably competing for the Scottish Premiership title again, after last season’s dramatic ending.

There were several changes in the dugout, but eventually Martin O’Neill secured the league title on the final day of the season, cementing his legacy at Celtic Park.

The experienced head coach has since been handed a further one-year deal, and will now get the chance to help stabilise the side for the future.

That includes some important signings to help improve the quality at his disposal, but it could also see some huge sales over the course of the summer transfer window for Celtic.

AS Roma Join Arne Engels Race

Celtic midfielder Arne Engels takes a shot vs Aberdeen

One of the Celtic stars who is in-demand this summer is Arne Engels, with the midfielder seemingly attracting the attention of several different clubs.

The 22-year-old is into the final two years under contract with the Hoops, and after another important campaign for the star, there could be an exit on the horizon.

According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Italian giants AS Roma are inserting themselves in the race to sign Engels this summer, as the battle for his signature heats up.

Premier League clubs are claimed to be monitoring a deal for the Belgian midfielder too, which could see his value shoot up as Celtic look to keep hold of the star.

It underlines just how tough the market could be for the champions, as their promising options and key stars continue to gain interest from other teams in the transfer market.

With just two years remaining on his deal, it may be one of the final chances for Celtic to land a big fee for Engels, before a potential rebuild.

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Engels Exit A Potential Blow

Arne Engels Celtic

An exit for Engels could prove to be a huge blow for Celtic, with the midfielder being an ever-present force over the course of the past campaign.

The Belgian star, who has been described as “powerful”, has been a relatively reliable option in the squad and continues to improve at the age of just 22.


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Celtic are pushing to secure his signature.

With so many teams seeing that potential, it’s clear that Celtic will have a hard time keeping hold of him, while this summer could prove an ideal time to at least grab the maximum value from him in the market.

It’ll be tough to find the next player who could replace Engels, with a clear need for long-term planning to kick in for another star who could have just as much of an impact.

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Leeds Make Contact To Jacob Widell Zetterstrom

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Leeds United have made contact to sign a goalkeeper this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano, as the club step up their plans to improve the squad.

It comes as the Whites have already sealed their first deal of the window, with an agreement reached to sign Harry Wilson as a free agent after his contract expired at Fulham.

There was an offer lodged for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles, with talks ongoing to sign him, while another free agent could join in the form of Julian Brandt.

With those moves looking to improve the midfield and forward ranks, it’s the goalkeeping options next up on the radar for Leeds.

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke showing appreciation towards supporters

Leeds have faced plenty of problems in the goalkeeping areas in recent seasons, and they are looking to solve that once again this summer with another possible arrival.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Whites have made contact over a deal to sign Derby County and Sweden shot-stopper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.

It’s claimed that enquiries have been made over a price for the 27-year-old, but the likes of Eintracht Frankfurt and Wolves remain in the race for his signature.

Zetterstrom has spent two years at Derby after joining the club from Djurgardens, becoming the club’s number-one option between the sticks in the Championship.

The goalkeeper has a contract that runs until 2027, with the club holding an option for another year on top of that, as he continues to demonstrate his quality.

With the World Cup underway, Zetterstrom joined up with the Sweden squad to put together a deep run in the competition. He was sidelined for the opening two group games, but the Derby star was drafted in for the final match against Japan, as he made several top saves in a 1-1 draw, helping Sweden qualify for the round of 32.

It remains to be seen whether Graham Potter will stick with Zetterstrom for the coming game, but his quality is starting to be recognised on the big stage, and Leeds are one of several teams now in the race to sign him.

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Leeds Need To Fix Goalkeeper Problems

Daniel Farke

Leeds have faced constant issues in the goalkeeping departments over the years that have proven costly. Illan Meslier made several mistakes before he was eventually replaced with the arrival of Lucas Perri.

The 28-year-old has also struggled, with the Brazilian eventually being replaced himself by Karl Darlow through the second-half of the campaign.


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Now, with even more changes expected, Leeds need to ensure their next arrival between the sticks will be the right one to stop the team from dropping points.

It remains to be seen whether that will be Zetterstrom or another option, but it could be an important window for arrivals at the back.

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Liverpool Now in Contact to Sign Bruno Guimaraes

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Liverpool are one of several clubs that have been sounded out over a potential move for Bruno Guimaraes this summer, according to TeamTalk, as doubts continue to rise over the midfielder’s future at Newcastle United.

The Brazilian has emerged as a potential target for the Reds as they consider their options for the central ranks over the course of the transfer window.

Alex Scott has been linked with a reunion with Andoni Iraola, as the Liverpool boss looks to inject some energy and pace into his team in the middle of the park.

Aside from him, there may be a move for Bruno Guimaraes on the cards that could open up a path towards a surprising big-money signing.

Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes celebrates vs Crystal Palace via Reuters

According to a report from TeamTalk, Liverpool are among a whole host of clubs who have been contacted about a possible move for Guimaraes.

It comes after reports claimed that Arsenal had made an offer for the Brazilian midfielder, who has entered the final two years under contract at St. James’ Park.

However, they clearly aren’t alone, as Liverpool have seemingly been sounded out as a possible destination by intermediaries, along with Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Barcelona.

As it stands, Newcastle don’t wish to lose the 28-year-old, who has made 195 appearances for the club since joining from Lyon back in 2022.

However, the growing uncertainty surrounding Guimaraes’s future means that an exit could be inevitable this summer, as teams prepare to make a possible offer to the Magpies.

It’s unclear whether Liverpool will be one of those teams lining up a move following the contact for the midfielder, but it would prove to be another sign of intent from the Anfield outfit if they could get a deal over the line.

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Liverpool Transfer Fund Concerns

Andoni Iraola looks on during a Bournemouth match in the Premier League Hannah Mckay Via Reuters

Despite being described as “one of the best midfielders in the world”, there may be some concerns surrounding any Liverpool move for Guimaraes this summer.

The Reds are already preparing to spend upwards of £100 million to sign Yan Diomande this summer as their number-one choice to succeed Mohamed Salah on the right flank, which is likely to take up the majority of the club’s budget.

Add to that the huge signings of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz last summer, both of whom broke the Premier League transfer record one after the other, and it’s clear that Liverpool’s squad starts to look top-heavy with its financial investments.


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Adding Guimaraes into the mix, who is already 28, and it becomes tough to see the long-term planning that comes from making such a huge transfer.

It makes a deal unlikely, with Liverpool expected to turn towards budget options who they can maximise the value out of while building towards the future.

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