Best Player of Matchday 3 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup: standout performances before the knockout stage

The group stage has come to an end.

And, as every World Cup tends to prove, the final round always brings a different kind of drama.

Some teams entered under pressure.

Others, already through to the knockout stage, rotated their squads.

But regardless of the circumstances, a handful of players seized the opportunity to make a statement before the tournament entered its decisive phase.

It was a matchday for forwards.

For defenders who dominated both ends of the pitch.

For players who turned strong campaigns into genuine bids for World Cup stardom.

From elite individual displays to eye-catching numbers and performances that helped shape the final group standings, The Offside has selected the leading contenders for Matchday 3 Player of the Round.

Vinícius Júnior (Brazil)

If there were still any doubts about who has become Brazil's main attacking leader, they have all but disappeared during the group stage.

Against Scotland, Vinícius Júnior delivered another match-winning performance.

Once again.

Brazil's No. 7 scored twice in a 3-0 victory, taking his tournament tally to four goals and one assist in just three matches, firmly establishing himself as one of the standout players of the World Cup so far.

The numbers, however, tell only part of the story.

Vinícius was involved in almost every dangerous Brazilian attack.

Running in behind.

Demanding the ball.

Creating one-on-one situations.

He even thought he had completed his hat-trick, only to see a controversial offside decision rule out his third goal.

The hat-trick was within touching distance.

Match stats:

• 2 goals

• 8 shots

• 5 shots on target

• 1 disallowed goal

Whenever Vinícius finds space, the tempo of the game changes instantly. Few players in world football can accelerate a match quite like him.

Jean Paul van Hecke (Netherlands)

Forwards usually steal the headlines.

But some defensive displays deserve just as much recognition.

Van Hecke delivered exactly that.

In the Netherlands' 3-1 victory over Tunisia, the centre-back showed why he has emerged as one of the Premier League's most complete defenders.

He scored.

Dominated defensively.

And dictated the Dutch build-up with remarkable composure.

His passing accuracy was nothing short of exceptional, especially considering how much possession the Netherlands enjoyed.

Match stats:

• 1 goal

• 130 successful passes from 133 (98%)

• 94 successful passes from 97 attempted in the opposition half

• 10 defensive actions

More than simply defending, Van Hecke allowed the Netherlands to control the rhythm of the match from start to finish.

Modern centre-backs defend. The very best also build attacks. Van Hecke did both at the highest level.

Ousmane Dembélé (France)

Norway rotated heavily with the knockout stage already secured.

France showed no mercy.

And Dembélé turned the opportunity into a masterclass.

The French winger scored all three goals in a dominant performance.

Three shots.

Three on target.

Three goals.

Yet reducing his display to the hat-trick alone would hardly do it justice.

His ability to explode past defenders, switch direction effortlessly with either foot and consistently win one-on-one duels made France's right flank a nightmare for Norway throughout the match.

Very few players in world football are as comfortable using both feet as Dembélé.

And it showed from the opening whistle.

Match stats:

• Hat-trick

• 3 shots

• 3 shots on target

• 3 goals

Dembélé has always been unpredictable. When efficiency matches his flair, he becomes almost impossible to stop.

Pape Gueye (Senegal)

Some players need ninety minutes.

Pape Gueye needed just over thirty.

Coming off the bench in the 57th minute, the midfielder completely transformed the closing stages of Senegal's 5-0 victory over Iraq.

He was directly involved in three goals.

Raised the tempo.

Made late runs into the box.

And displayed remarkable efficiency.

It was exactly the type of substitute performance that forces a manager to rethink his starting XI ahead of the knockout rounds.

Match stats:

• 2 goals

• 1 assist

• 6 shots

• 3 shots on target

• 90% passing accuracy

More than simply contributing to the scoreline, Gueye immediately elevated Senegal's overall level.

Some substitutes come on to protect a result. Gueye came on to win the game.

What do you think?

Matchday 3 brought the group stage to a fitting conclusion.

Vinícius continued his outstanding World Cup.

Van Hecke reminded everyone that defenders can dominate games too.

Dembélé produced one of the tournament's finest individual performances.

Pape Gueye changed an entire match after coming off the bench.

Now it's your turn.

🗳️ Who was the best player of Matchday 3 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?