New designs for the World Cup awards.. Who decides the individual titles?

In conjunction with the start of the 2026 World Cup, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), in cooperation with Adidas, revealed the new designs for the tournament’s prestigious individual awards, which include the Golden Ball for the best player, the Golden Shoe for the top scorer, and the Golden Glove for the best goalkeeper.

This edition witnesses a fierce struggle for individual titles between the giants and the new generation, as Argentine Lionel Messi defends his title in the best player category amid strong competition from Frenchman Kylian Mbappe and Englishman Harry Kane, along with rising star Lamine Yamal.

In the Golden Boot race, Mbappe seeks to maintain the top scorer title he achieved in the last edition, facing the ambition of Harry Kane, Norwegian Erling Haaland, Brazilian Vinicius Junior, and the legend Cristiano Ronaldo.

As for the Golden Glove Award, Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is looking forward to retaining it, amid a major challenge from prominent goalkeepers such as David Raya, Jordan Pickford, Alisson Becker, and veteran Manuel Neuer.