Top ten defenders in 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage’s opening fixtures
The ongoing 2026 World Cup features a catalogue of defenders who have impressed in the first round of matches.
While goals and assists often dominate the headlines, the defending rankings recognised the players whose interventions prevented danger and helped shape results.
Here are the top ten defenders based on the FIFA rankings.
1. Derek Cornelius (Canada) – 7.3
2. Nikola Katić (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – 7.1
3. Tarik Muharemović (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – 7.1
4. Xaver Schlager (Austria) – 7.0
5. Tyler Adams (United States) – 6.9
6. Sidney Lopes Cabra (Cabo Verde) – 6.7
7. Amar Dedić (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – 6.6
8. Jesús Gallardo (México) – 6.6
9. Willy Semedo (Cape Verde) – 6.6
10. Alessandro Circati (Australia) – 6.6
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
World
Zelensky sacks Ukraine’s top general after firing defence minister
Mr Syrskyi’s dismissal came days after Mr Zelensky fired Ukraine’s defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, a decision that sparked protests across the country.
Heading 1
FG awards 37 oil, gas blocks to 31 firms
A total of 143 companies submitted 200 bids for 37 of the 50 oil and gas blocks originally put on offer.
States
Edo assembly passes revenue harmonisation bill, targets unified IGR
The bill was approved following its third reading during plenary.
Hot news Home top
 Burna Boy ranked as Africa’s best-selling artiste with 14.46 million equivalent album units
The 14.46 million equivalent album units were derived from a combination of album sales, physical and digital single sales, and streaming equivalents.
Economy
Investors gain as market capitalisation crosses N159 trillion mark
The performance marked the third consecutive trading session of gains.
Abuja
ICPC hands over forfeited $65 million housing project to FMBN
The ICPC handed over 27.92 hectares of forfeited land linked to a diverted $65 million housing project to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.
