Who will be the tournament MVP? See the top Golden Ball betting favorites and current lines for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Last Updated: June 10, 2026The Golden Ball is the ultimate individual prize that every player dreams of capturing in soccer. It’s the award presented by FIFA to the best player of the World Cup, a tradition that has been around since 1982.
While the official decision is made by the FIFA Technical Study Group, let’s be honest: the Vegas sportsbooks don’t miss a beat, and they already know exactly who is peaking heading into the tournament here in North America. Looking at the numbers and the recent season, it makes perfect sense why these stars are dominating the betting lines.
The 5 Top Favorites on Vegas Lines
If you want to know where the money is going, I’ve highlighted the five main contenders. And for that authentic feel, the odds are listed:
- Harry Kane (England): The striker is the heavy favorite at the sportsbooks right now. He’s coming off an absurd season, racking up 46 goals and 14 assists. If England makes a deep run, it’s hard to see this award going anywhere else. His line leads the way at +700.
- Lamine Yamal (Spain): This kid is a nightmare for any defender. With 16 goals and 11 assists in his European campaign, he’s taken control of the Spanish team with a natural ease that’s frankly scary. The market respects his talent immensely, putting his line at +800.
- Kylian Mbappé (France): It’s impossible to leave the French superstar off any list. In the World Cup, the guy simply transforms into an unstoppable monster. He’s heading into the tournament in top form with odds of +1000.
- Lionel Messi (Argentina): An old friend of ours who is now shining in the MLS. Never doubt Leo Messi, especially with the tournament being played in his current backyard. He’s won this award before and continues to decide games like few others. His line is tied with Mbappé at +1000.
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal): The living legend. Even in a different stage of his career, CR7’s goal-scoring nose and magnetism always draw the spotlight (and a lot of betting money). For those who trust in the Portuguese great, the return is huge: +3300.
Other Names on the Radar
The World Cup is a lightning-fast tournament and anything can happen in a month of competition. The level of play will be insane, so take a look at this list of 17 other superstars who are running as longshots and offering great value for those looking for an edge in the markets:
- Michael Olise (France): +1000
- Vinicius Jr. (Brazil): +1400
- Bruno Fernandes (Portugal): +2000
- Raphinha (Brazil): +2000
- Erling Haaland (Norway): +2500
- Jude Bellingham (England): +2500
- Declan Rice (England): +2500
- Rodri (Spain): +2500
- Pedri (Spain): +2500
- Rayan Cherki (France): +2500
- Ousmane Dembele (France): +2500
- Vitinha (Portugal): +2500
- Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain): +2500
- Bernardo Silva (Portugal): +3300
- Endrick (Brazil): +3300
- Fabián Ruiz (Spain): +3300
- Cole Palmer (England): +5000
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The stage is set, and the betting lines don’t lie about the favorites. Now it’s time to get the watch party ready and see who makes history on the fields here!
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