Rodri Hernandez in FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Ball race after Spain’s Final run

Rodri Hernandez has forced his way into the FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Ball conversation after steering Spain to the Final in Dallas on 18 July.

Who is Rodri Hernandez’s main rival?

Lionel Messi remains the favorite at 40%, but Rodri sits just behind him on 22% in the latest Oddschecker model. Jude Bellingham is third at 33% after his late substitute strike in England’s third-place win over France on 17 July.

What did Rodri do in the knockout rounds?

Spain needed every ounce of Rodri’s composure to beat France 2-1 after extra time in the quarter-final on 10 July. Three days later he controlled the midfield again as Spain edged Portugal 1-0 in the semi-final. His metronomic passing kept the tempo high even when opponents pressed.

Could Rodri win the Golden Ball without lifting the trophy?

Yes. Oddsmakers believe Rodri’s all-tournament displays-six starts, one assist, zero yellow cards-could still earn him the MVP award even if Argentina beat Spain in the Final on 20 July. The model gives Spain a narrow edge to lift the World Cup, but the Golden Ball voters may reward the engine room over the scorer.

What happens next for Rodri Hernandez?

A Spain victory would almost certainly hand Rodri the Golden Ball. An Argentina win would make Messi the odds-on favorite to claim his second MVP, yet Rodri’s leadership throughout the campaign keeps his name in the frame. Either way, the 2026 edition has announced Rodri as a global star.