​The race for the Ballon d’Or is entering its final stretch after the world’s best players made significant statements during the 2026 World Cup.Eight-time winner Lionel Messi showed that, at 39, he could still force himself into the conversation, firing eight goals to propel Argentina to the final and briefly take the crown as the competition’s all-time top goalscorer – until he was eclipsed by Kylian Mbappe.However, Spain’s triumph over Argentina in the finale will surely bode well for the likes of 2024 winner Rodri and Lamine Yamal in their pursuit of the individual accolade, who will look to start the new club season with some spellbinding performances to complement their part in winning football’s most coveted trophy.Harry Kane was the favourite for the Ballon d’Or before this summer after his sublime goalscoring campaign with Bayern Munich – can he replicate that unparalleled form in the early months of 2026/27 to make team achievements irrelevant come October’s ceremony?Here’s how the top 10 front-runners stack up in The Independent’s Ballon d’Or 2026 power rankings:1. RodriRodri won the Golden Ball at the World Cup to stamp his mark on the Ballon d’Or race (AP)You might not like it, but the weight of the World Cup in the eyes of the Ballon d’Or jury is undeniable. Just ask Luka Modric.Rodri had a sensational World Cup at the heart of Spain’s midfield, shielding their rock-solid defence while acting as the metronome that took play forward. His influence took him to the Golden Ball ahead of top goalscorers Messi and Mbappe – and we feel like that could be the precursor to him bringing home a second Ballon d’Or in October.That would feel like a bit of an injustice, considering he didn’t have the most spectacular domestic season. Returning from injury with Manchester City, it took him a while to properly find his feet in a campaign that saw Pep Guardiola’s side win the FA Cup and League Cup, but miss out on the Premier League title. But the World Cup is the World Cup – and whether you agree with the importance of team achievements in an individual award, the reality is that it does matter a hell of a lot.His pursuit of a second crown in three years could hinge on his recovery from minor back surgery, and then a possible move to Real Madrid. If he carries his World Cup form and inspires a lightning start to the season at the Santiago Bernabeu, that spotlight could be what swings the jury in his favour.2. Harry KaneHarry Kane scored 61 goals in 51 games for Bayern last term (Getty)England captain Kane is still the odds-on favourite to win the Ballon d’Or despite failing to set the World Cup alight quite like he managed the Bundesliga in 2025/26. That’s a testament to just how prolific he was last term.Kane was the top goalscorer in Europe, hitting 61 goals in 51 games across all competitions as he spearheaded Bayern towards the league and cup double; he’s added silverware to his ever-present individual numbe