Japan's Ayase Ueda named best forward of World Cup qualifying round, outranking Messi

Japan's star forward, Ayase Ueda, has achieved a remarkable feat, being recognized as the top attacker for the second round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The 27-year-old Feyenoord player earned a spot in the best 11 selected by global football statistics site Sofa Score, a testament to his outstanding performance on the international stage.

Ueda's inclusion in the elite squad places him in the company of the world's best, with his rankings even surpassing those of football legend Lionel Messi. This recognition highlights his significant impact and skill in the crucial qualifying matches.

The selection, however, comes with a notable absence for South Korean football. Despite the global attention on the qualifiers, no South Korean players managed to secure a place in Sofa Score's best 11 for this round, a point of disappointment for the nation's football fans.