The UEFA World Cup Qualification 2025 has delivered some of the finest footballing moments, showcasing elite talent from across Europe. From dazzling goals to commanding midfield performances, players have stepped up in style to lead their nations toward World Cup glory. This qualification campaign has been filled with drama, precision, and tactical excellence — reminding fans why European football remains at the pinnacle of the global stage.
Throughout the UEFA World Cup Qualification 2025, several stars have stood out with their consistent brilliance, earning the highest match ratings based on performance, impact, and contribution. From young playmakers to veteran leaders, these players have set the benchmark for excellence. Below is a detailed list of the Top 10 Highest-Rated Players in the UEFA World Cup Qualification 2025, along with their stats, ratings, and key highlights.
10. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg continues to be the midfield engine for Denmark in the UEFA World Cup Qualification 2025. At 30 years old, the Tottenham Hotspur man has shown immense composure and tactical discipline. Even though he hasn’t scored yet, his two assists in three matches underline his influence in Denmark’s dominant campaign. His leadership and ability to read the game have helped Denmark remain unbeaten, currently sitting atop their qualifying group with ten points.
Højbjerg’s ability to shield the defense, distribute possession, and launch counterattacks make him vital to the team’s balance. His physical presence and vision have ensured that Denmark maintain control in midfield against strong European opposition. Despite being a defensive midfielder, Højbjerg’s passing accuracy and intelligent positioning have been key in dictating the tempo. His rating of 8.36 reflects not just statistics but his consistency, determination, and tactical understanding. Denmark’s hopes of sealing early qualification heavily rely on his form as the UEFA World Cup Qualification 2025 campaign progresses.
9. Dávid Hancko
Slovakia’s Dávid Hancko has been one of the surprise performers in the UEFA World Cup Qualification 2025. Despite being a center-back, Hancko’s attacking contributions have turned heads—scoring once and assisting another in just three games. His ability to contribute in both boxes showcases his versatility and confidence. Hancko’s 8.37 rating highlights his defensive solidity and unexpected goal threat.
The Feyenoord defender has been a rock at the back, combining defensive awareness with the courage to push forward. His aerial strength and composure under pressure have helped Slovakia maintain a strong defensive record. What makes Hancko stand out is his calmness on the ball, enabling Slovakia to build from the back effectively. His goal against Armenia and assist versus Finland underlined his impact. Slovakia’s hopes of securing a World Cup berth depend on players like Hancko who can inspire both defensively and offensively in the UEFA World Cup Qualification 2025.
8. Pedri
Spain’s midfield maestro Pedri continues to shine in the UEFA World Cup Qualification 2025. At just 22, Pedri remains the heartbeat of Spain’s possession-based style, dictating the rhythm of play with maturity beyond his years. With two goals in four appearances, he has added an attacking dimension to his game. His 8.39 rating is a testament to his creativity and intelligence.
Pedri’s performances have been marked by precision passing, vision, and control under pressure. His ability to find space and connect attacks has helped Spain maintain dominance in midfield battles. Against Sweden and Croatia, his quick turns and ball retention frustrated opponents. Despite not providing assists yet, his role as a deep-lying playmaker has allowed Spain’s forwards to flourish. In the UEFA World Cup Qualification 2025, Pedri’s influence remains central to Spain’s success, continuing his reputation as one of Europe’s finest young talents.
7. Memphis Depay
Memphis Depay’s resurgence with the Netherlands has been one of the highlights of the UEFA World Cup Qualification 2025. With seven goals and four assists in six matches, the Dutch forward has rediscovered his confidence and creativity. Playing as a false nine, Depay has blended flair with efficiency, helping the Netherlands dominate their group. His 8.44 rating reflects a player in peak form and leadership mode.
Depay’s finishing, vision, and movement have made him central to Ronald Koeman’s attacking setup. His chemistry with Cody Gakpo and Xavi Simons has produced some of the most fluid football in the qualifiers. Beyond goals, his ability to create space and link play has been crucial. Depay also became the Netherlands’ all-time top scorer, a milestone that speaks volumes about his consistency. As the UEFA World Cup Qualification 2025 continues, Depay’s performances are a key reason why the Dutch look like genuine contenders.
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6. Albert Guðmundsson
Iceland’s Albert Guðmundsson has been a revelation in the UEFA World Cup Qualification 2025. With three goals and two assists in three matches, he has been his nation’s creative spark. Guðmundsson’s attacking instincts, quick feet, and composure in front of goal have made him one of the standout midfielders of the campaign. His 8.47 rating reflects his ability to step up on big occasions.
Against France and Ukraine, Guðmundsson showed remarkable consistency and confidence. His work rate, combined with intelligent positioning, allowed Iceland to compete against stronger opponents. Despite Iceland’s uphill battle for qualification, Guðmundsson’s leadership and attacking prowess have kept them in contention. His contributions symbolize Iceland’s determination to upset the odds in the UEFA World Cup Qualification 2025. If he maintains this form, he could attract attention from top European clubs before the tournament ends.
5. Mikel Oyarzabal
Mikel Oyarzabal has played a pivotal role in Spain’s impressive UEFA World Cup Qualification 2025 campaign. The Real Sociedad forward has three goals and three assists in just three matches, displaying impeccable balance between scoring and creating. His performance against Turkey, where he provided a hat-trick of assists, was among the best individual displays of the qualifiers.
Oyarzabal’s intelligence and timing in attack have made him indispensable for Spain. His versatility allows him to play across the front line, offering Luis de la Fuente tactical flexibility. Beyond the numbers, his pressing, off-the-ball movement, and leadership have been exceptional. Oyarzabal’s sharpness and understanding of the game have cemented his place among Europe’s top forwards. As Spain edge closer to qualification, Oyarzabal’s performances are proving vital in shaping their success in the UEFA World Cup Qualification 2025.
4. Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland continues to terrorize defenses in the UEFA World Cup Qualification 2025, scoring an astonishing 12 goals in six matches. The Norwegian striker’s scoring rate is unmatched, reaffirming his position as one of the best finishers in world football. Haaland’s 8.63 rating mirrors his lethal form and consistency throughout the qualifiers.
Haaland’s physical power, movement, and finishing have transformed Norway’s attack. His partnership with Martin Ødegaard has been particularly devastating, with the duo creating and finishing chances effortlessly. Haaland’s hat-trick against Latvia and brace versus Poland highlighted his unmatched instinct in front of goal. Every time he steps on the pitch, Norway looks like scoring. As the UEFA World Cup Qualification 2025 progresses, Haaland remains the tournament’s top scorer and Norway’s biggest hope for their first World Cup in nearly three decades.
3. Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé continues to carry France’s hopes in the UEFA World Cup Qualification 2025. With three goals and two assists in just three appearances, Mbappé’s performances have been electrifying. His pace, dribbling, and finishing continue to make him one of the world’s deadliest forwards.
Mbappé’s leadership has grown under Didier Deschamps, and his consistency in key moments has helped France secure qualification early. His link-up play with Griezmann and Thuram has been fluid and threatening to opposing defenses. Even when heavily marked, Mbappé’s movement and intelligence create opportunities for his teammates. In the UEFA World Cup Qualification 2025, his 8.70 rating is proof of his world-class impact. France will look to him again to lead their charge when the World Cup begins.
2. Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino has been Spain’s surprise package in the UEFA World Cup Qualification 2025. The midfielder has scored six goals in just four appearances, becoming the nation’s highest-scoring midfielder in the competition. His box-to-box energy, timing of runs, and aerial ability have added a new dimension to Spain’s attack.
Merino’s transformation from a deep-lying midfielder to a goal threat has been remarkable. His understanding with Pedri and Rodri has strengthened Spain’s midfield dominance. Against Croatia and Serbia, Merino’s goals came at crucial moments, showing his composure under pressure. His 8.72 rating highlights his all-around influence—both defensively and offensively. As the UEFA World Cup Qualification 2025 unfolds, Merino’s form is crucial to Spain’s continued success and dominance in European football.
1. Martin Ødegaard
Martin Ødegaard tops the list as the highest-rated player in the UEFA World Cup Qualification 2025 with an impressive 8.73 rating. The Norwegian captain has been the creative force behind his country’s remarkable campaign, recording one goal and seven assists in five matches. His vision, control, and leadership have guided Norway to their first potential World Cup appearance in 28 years.
Ødegaard’s chemistry with Erling Haaland has been key to Norway’s resurgence. His passing range and ability to dictate tempo make him one of Europe’s most complete playmakers. Whether it’s splitting defenses with through balls or orchestrating attacks from deep, Ødegaard’s influence is unmatched. His consistency and composure under pressure have inspired Norway’s young squad to believe. As the UEFA World Cup Qualification 2025 reaches its decisive stage, Ødegaard’s leadership will be central to Norway’s long-awaited return to world football’s biggest stage.
| Rank | Player | Nation | Position | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Martin Ødegaard | Norway | Midfielder | 5 | 1 | 7 | 8.73 |
| 2 | Mikel Merino | Spain | Midfielder | 4 | 6 | 0 | 8.72 |
| 3 | Kylian Mbappé | France | Forward | 3 | 3 | 2 | 8.70 |
| 4 | Erling Haaland | Norway | Forward | 6 | 12 | 2 | 8.63 |
| 5 | Mikel Oyarzabal | Spain | Forward | 3 | 3 | 3 | 8.53 |
| 6 | Albert Guðmundsson | Iceland | Midfielder | 3 | 3 | 2 | 8.47 |
| 7 | Memphis Depay | Netherlands | Forward | 6 | 7 | 4 | 8.44 |
| 8 | Pedri | Spain | Midfielder | 4 | 2 | 0 | 8.39 |
| 9 | Dávid Hancko | Slovakia | Defender | 3 | 1 | 1 | 8.37 |
| 10 | Pierre-Emile Højbjerg | Denmark | Midfielder | 3 | 0 | 2 | 8.36 |
FAQs
Who is the highest-rated player in the UEFA World Cup Qualification 2025?
Martin Ødegaard is the highest-rated player with an 8.73 rating for Norway.
Who is the top scorer in the UEFA World Cup Qualification 2025?
Erling Haaland leads the scoring charts with 12 goals in six appearances.
Which country has the most players in the top 10 list?
Spain and Norway each have two players featured among the top 10 highest-rated performers.
Who is the best midfielder in the UEFA World Cup Qualification 2025?
Martin Ødegaard and Mikel Merino have been the standout midfielders based on performances and ratings.
Which player has contributed the most assists?
Martin Ødegaard leads the assists chart with seven in the ongoing qualification campaign.