Global League Index
World Cup · 2026
Which domestic league performs best on the world stage?
Group stage
How ratings are calculated›

The Global League Index tracks which leagues are having the biggest impact on the 2026 World Cup.

Each league receives a composite score based on how its eligible players (those who have played at least 60 minutes) are performing per 90 minutes on the pitch. Stats are weighted by minutes played, so a player who has featured more heavily counts for more.

Goals and assists carry the most weight — a goal is worth ×28 and an assist ×20 — reflecting that direct contributions to scoring are the clearest measure of impact. Defensive and midfield contributions are also rewarded: tackles (×2.5), interceptions (×2.0), progressive passes (×2.2), duels won (×1.8) and pressures (×1.2).

Goalkeepers are tracked separately within each league profile using a dedicated formula based on saves, goals conceded and clean sheets. They are not included in the overall league composite score, as goalkeeper stats operate on a different scale to outfield metrics.

Progressive passes, duels won and pressures are marked as pending — the data is available but we're still calibrating the weightings to make sure they reflect real impact fairly.

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League ↗ tap to expand
Score
Notes & sources
Cumulative: all leagues throughout the tournament; eliminated leagues freeze at exit (dimmed). Isolated: stats from that round only.
Data sources
[1]FBref / Opta — match-by-match player stats, 2026 FIFA World Cup. fbref.com
[2]Transfermarkt — club-to-league mapping. transfermarkt.com
Methodology
[5]Composite score: Goals (×28) + Assists (×20) + Prog passes (×2.2) + Duels won (×1.8) + Tackles (×2.5) + Pressures (×1.2) + Interceptions (×2.0). Weights provisional.
[6]Eligibility: > 60 mins played. Player counts reflect only those who have appeared on the pitch — squad members yet to play are not included. Counts will rise as the tournament progresses. Avg player / 90 = composite score ÷ average 90s played per eligible player. Excludes eliminated leagues.
[7]Progressive passes: moves ball ≥10 yds toward goal or into penalty area (excl. defensive third). Opta definition via FBref.
[8]Data visualisation page: planned feature — see project timeline notes.