2026 UEFA World Cup Qualifiers: 365SScores Impact Rating Leaders
The Golden Standard
Analyzing Player Impact in the 2026 UEFA World Cup Qualifiers
The European qualifiers delivered incredible individual performances. New impact metrics, weighting both attack and defense, allow us to dissect which players were the most consistently influential and which delivered explosive, single-game contributions. This analysis reveals a clear picture of dominance and reliability across the continent.
Part I: The Masters of Consistency
This metric identifies the players who maintained the highest level of output across the *entire* qualification campaign. These are the backbones of their national teams, blending world-class offense with diligent defensive anchoring.
Top 10 Players by Average Impact Rating
Click on a bar to see the player’s profile on 365Scores. This chart ranks the top 10 players by their total average rating, showing the most consistent performers of the qualifiers.
Rating Composition: Attack vs. Defense
Click on a bar to see the player’s profile on 365Scores. This breakdown shows *how* players earned their rating. Note the offensive dominance of the top players versus the defensive balance of players like Hojbjerg, Xhaka, and Christensen.
Key Takeaways: Consistency
The Norwegian Power Duo
Erling Haaland (84.45) and Martin Ødegaard (82.62) seize the top two spots. Their combined dominance (16 goals for Haaland, 7 assists for Ødegaard) was the engine that powered Norway to a direct World Cup qualification.
Hungary’s Lone Star
Dominik Szoboszlai (63.14) posted a massive two-way impact (13.30 Avg. Defense). However, his individual brilliance was not enough, as Hungary tragically failed to secure a play-off spot, highlighting his need for a stronger supporting cast.
The Defensive Anchors
Andreas Christensen (60.99) is the *only* player in the top 10 with a higher defense (30.92) than attack (30.07) score. He and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (17.28 Avg. Defense) prove that elite defensive work is just as impactful as scoring.
Part II: Explosive Single-Match Contributions
This data highlights the most dominant *single-game* performances of the qualifiers. These are the matches where one player took over and delivered a truly explosive, historic level of impact.
Top 5 Personal Game Ratings
Click on a bar to see the player’s profile on 365Scores. Ranks the five most dominant single-game performances by Total Impact Rating.
Game Composition: Attack vs. Defense
Click on a bar to see the player’s profile on 365Scores. Shows the breakdown of each top performance. Note Haaland’s massive attack score and Arnautovic’s rare negative defensive contribution.
Analyzing the Top 5 Performances
Erling Haaland vs. Moldova (221.92)
An unprecedented score driven by a **208.32 Attack Rating**. This historic output was generated by a multi-goal haul (reportedly five goals) and a relentless barrage of shots on target.
Bruno Fernandes vs. Armenia (163.29)
In a crucial 9-1 qualifying victory, Fernandes delivered a **hat-trick** and an assist. His 154.09 Attack Rating reflects his role as the dynamic engine driving the entire offense.
Marko Arnautovic vs. San Marino (136.31)
A display of pure attacking volume. His 136.71 Attack score was offset by a rare **-0.40 Defense score**, indicating he was entirely focused on the final third with no positive defensive contributions.
Karol Swiderski vs. Malta (135.90)
A highly efficient two-way game. Swiderski scored a **brace (two goals)** in the 2-0 win, but also recorded a high **20.10 Defense score**, showing he actively pressed and recovered the ball.
Martin Ødegaard vs. Moldova (132.74)
In the same historic match as Haaland, Ødegaard’s high score came from being the prime creative force. His 122.24 Attack Rating was achieved through delivering **multiple assists** and a high volume of key passes.
