Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe headline Sofascore's statistical Team of the Week for the World Cup quarter-finals, underscoring their continued impact on the tournament. Argentina's Messi, playing in his sixth World Cup at age 39, continues to be a dominant force, providing an assist in the quarter-final match against Switzerland and maintaining his position as Sofascore's highest-rated player of the tournament so far.
Messi's corner kick led to Argentina's opening goal, contributing to his World Cup assist tally. He has been named in the Team of the Week in each knockout round. Kylian Mbappe also featured prominently, scoring a crucial goal against Morocco, which brought his World Cup career total to 20. He is currently level with Messi atop the Golden Boot race with eight goals.
England's Jude Bellingham is the notable English inclusion, recognized for his performance in the quarter-final against Norway. Bellingham scored a brace, including the winning goal in extra time, bringing his tournament total to six goals, matching Harry Kane. His efforts secured England's place in the semi-finals.
Other players recognized for their quarter-final performances include:
Goalkeeper and Defense
Thibaut Courtois of Belgium earned a high rating despite his team's exit. He made significant saves before sustaining an injury late in the match. Norway's Julian Ryerson was acknowledged for his defensive contributions against England, despite also being forced off due to injury. France's Dayot Upamecano delivered a commanding defensive display, helping France control their match against Morocco. Lisandro Martinez of Argentina was recognized for his steady defensive performance throughout 120 minutes against Switzerland. England's Djed Spence made a significant impact coming off the bench, contributing to goal opportunities and defensive plays in a short span.
Midfield and Attack
Spain's Rodri dictated the midfield in their victory over Belgium, maintaining high pass accuracy and consistency. Ousmane Dembele of France secured the team's second goal against Morocco, showcasing the attacking prowess of the French side. Norway's Andreas Schjelderup scored his first international goal against England, giving his team an early lead and causing stress for the English defense. He was a key figure for Norway, who reached the World Cup for the first time since 1998.