# World Cup Impact on 2026 Ballon d'Or Race

- Topic: sports
- Source: Hindustan Times
- Published: 2026-07-21
- Original: https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/football/how-the-world-cup-transformed-2026-ballon-dor-race-creating-new-contenders-and-sinking-established-favourites-101784621516526.html
- Language: en
- Image: https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2026/07/21/1600x900/logo/TOPSHOT-FBL-WC-2026-MATCH102-ENG-ARG-56_1784622064522_1784622102426_c2f15b8a-52e7-49a5-b1bc-a0d28cf13602.jpg

The 2026 World Cup has reshaped the Ballon d'Or conversation, elevating new contenders and diminishing established favourites. Players like Rodri, Messi, and Cubarsi have benefited from their World Cup performances.

## Key takeaways

- Rodri's World Cup campaign transformed him from a possible lower-ranked nominee to a genuine contender for the award.
- Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe strengthened their positions with impressive World Cup performances.
- The World Cup has created new contenders and rescued old ones, with players like Pau Cubarsi and Jude Bellingham benefiting from their international performances.

> Summary by Daily Read Bytes. Read the original at https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/football/how-the-world-cup-transformed-2026-ballon-dor-race-creating-new-contenders-and-sinking-established-favourites-101784621516526.html