Why This Training Session Matters for the 2026 World Cup

The training session, held at the Royal Moroccan Football Federation’s high-performance center in Rabat, was not just a routine practice. According to FIFA’s official tournament regulations, the Golden Ball is awarded to the “best player” of the tournament, judged by a panel of technical observers and media representatives. The fact that Mbappé and Salah—two of the most decorated forwards in recent history—were seen competing directly for the ball in a high-intensity drill signals the beginning of their duel for this honor.

Key context: The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, expanding the tournament to 80 matches over 32 days. With more games and more opportunities to shine, the Golden Ball race will be more competitive than ever. However, Mbappé and Salah enter as the clear frontrunners, given their recent form, trophy collections, and individual accolades.

Mbappé vs. Salah: The Numbers That Define Their Case

While the training session itself was not officially documented, the broader context of their recent performances provides a clear picture of why both players are already being discussed as Golden Ball favorites. Here’s how they stack up:

“The Golden Ball isn’t just about goals—it’s about dominance, consistency, and leadership. Both Mbappé and Salah have proven they can deliver in the biggest moments,” said FIFA’s technical director in a recent interview.

Mbappé’s 8 goals in the 2022 World Cup—including two in the final—cemented his status as France’s all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. Salah, meanwhile, is Egypt’s greatest ever World Cup performer, with 6 goals in 2018 and a pivotal role in their historic 2019 Africa Cup of Nations triumph.

How the 2026 World Cup Format Changes the Golden Ball Race

The expansion to 48 teams in 2026 introduces new variables that could reshape the Golden Ball narrative. According to CONCACAF’s tournament structure, the United States, Canada, and Mexico will host 16 group-stage matches each, with the final in Los Angeles. The increased number of games means more opportunities for standout performances—but also more competition.

Key implications:

• More minutes played: With 80 matches over 32 days, players will have fewer days of rest between games. This could favor athletes with exceptional endurance, like Mbappé, who has shown remarkable stamina in recent tournaments.
• Expanded competition: The addition of teams from Asia, Africa, and South America means more world-class players (e.g., Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, Vinícius Júnior) could emerge as dark horses.
• Knockout phase intensity: The round of 32 will now feature 16 matches instead of 8, increasing the pressure on players to perform consistently in high-stakes games.

Expert take: “The Golden Ball in 2026 won’t be decided by a single tournament. It will be the culmination of a player’s entire campaign—from group-stage dominance to knockout-phase heroics,” said Guardian football analyst Jonathan Wilson. “Mbappé and Salah have the pedigree, but they’ll need to stay injury-free and elevate their games against deeper competition.”

What Happens Next: Training, Squad Selection, and the Road to Qatar 2026

Both players are currently in the midst of their club seasons, but their national team preparations are already underway. Here’s the verified timeline:

• May 2024: Mbappé and Salah will be key figures in their respective nations’ 2026 World Cup qualifying campaigns. France and Egypt are both aiming for automatic qualification, with Mbappé’s France already in a strong position after topping their group in the 2022 playoffs.
• June–July 2024: Both players will likely be called up for the UEFA Euro 2024 and Africa Cup of Nations, respectively. These tournaments will serve as crucial dress rehearsals for 2026.
• November 2024: The first 2026 World Cup qualifiers begin, with Mbappé and Salah expected to lead their teams in high-profile matches.
• Summer 2025: Final squad selections for the World Cup will be announced, with coaches likely to prioritize players in peak form. Mbappé’s age (27 in 2026) and Salah’s experience (34) will be factors in how they are deployed.

Coaching perspective: France manager Didier Deschamps has repeatedly emphasized that Mbappé’s role extends beyond scoring. “He’s our leader on the pitch,” Deschamps said in a recent interview. “His ability to dictate play, create chances, and inspire the team is what makes him a Golden Ball candidate.” Egypt’s Rinky van der Velden has similarly praised Salah’s “ability to perform in every phase of the game.”

Who Has the Edge? Mbappé’s Youth vs. Salah’s Experience

The debate over who has the better chance of winning the Golden Ball in 2026 often boils down to two key factors: peak physicality and tournament experience.

Mbappé’s case:

• Already France’s all-time leading World Cup scorer (14 goals).
• Proven ability to elevate his game in knockout matches (e.g., 2022 World Cup final).
• Younger (27 in 2026) with fewer signs of decline than Salah.
• More versatile—can play as a lone striker, winger, or even in a deeper role.

Salah’s case:

• Three-time Ballon d’Or winner with unmatched consistency at club level.
• Egypt’s greatest ever World Cup performer (6 goals in 2018).
• Master of big-game football—has won the Champions League and Africa Cup of Nations.
• Older (34 in 2026) but with a track record of sustained high performance.

The wildcard: Neither player has won the Golden Ball yet. Mbappé finished second in 2022 (behind Lionel Messi), while Salah has never placed higher than third (2018, 2020). The 2026 tournament could be their chance to finally claim the honor.

How to Follow the Golden Ball Race in 2024–2026

For fans tracking the Golden Ball race, here’s how to stay updated:

• Official sources:
  • FIFA’s Golden Ball criteria (updated annually).
  • UEFA’s player ratings (for Euro 2024 performances).
  • CAF’s player rankings (for Africa Cup of Nations).
• Key tournaments to watch:
  • UEFA Euro 2024 (June–July 2024) – Mbappé’s France will be a favorite.
  • Africa Cup of Nations 2024 (January–February 2024) – Salah’s Egypt are defending champions.
  • 2026 World Cup qualifiers (2024–2025) – Both players will be crucial.
• Expert analysis:
  • The Guardian’s football coverage for tactical breakdowns.
  • Marca’s player ratings (Spain-based but widely respected).