Spain clinched the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging out Argentina in a thrilling final, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in extra time.The victory has significantly impacted the Ballon d’Or race, elevating teenage forward Lamine Yamal to the forefront of contenders.Despite his early exit from the Champions League, Yamal’s World Cup triumph adds weight to his candidacy for the prestigious award.However, other top candidates like Ousmane Dembele and Harry Kane face scrutiny due to their incomplete trophy hauls.

Dembele, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, was eliminated in the World Cup semi-finals, while Kane failed to secure major trophies at both club and international levels.Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi also remain in contention, with Messi’s Argentina falling short in the final.

The race is considered unusually open this year due to the incomplete CVs of leading candidates, leaving voters with a tough decision between players with compelling but unfinished cases.

Yamal’s youth and World Cup win are expected to play a crucial role in his favor, though questions remain about whether his early Champions League exit will overshadow his achievements.The Ballon d’Or ceremony approaches, promising an exciting yet unpredictable outcome.