Most assists in FIFA World Cup 2022 - Four footballers lead the tally 

The art of assisting does not get its due credit in football. But with the data analytics revolution over the last few decades, fans are beginning to identify how vital these second-last passes can be and the skill it takes to thread a ball by breaking defensive lines. 

Some of the genius playmakers in world football have been at the top of their game in the FIFA World Cup 2022. Harry Kane, who over the last few years has gone into a deeper role, leads the table of most assists alongside Lionel Messi, Bruno Fernandes and Antoine Griezmann. 

Most assists in FIFA World Cup 2022

Harry Kane (England) - 3 assists

Harry Kane’s World Cup ended with a dreadful penalty miss, but he remains on top of the playmakers list with three assists. After assisting Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford in their opening group game against Iran, the Spurs forward also set up Phil Foden against Wales. 

Antoine Griezmann (France) - 3 assists

Griezmann contributed six goals to France’s 2018 World Cup triumph (4 goals + 2 assists) and he is balling it in Qatar as well. Although he hasn’t scored a goal yet, Griezmann assisted both the goals against England in the quarter finals. In the group stages, his cross from the right flank helped Mbappe score a late winner against Denmark.  

Bruno Fernandes (Portugal) - 3 assists

Bruno Fernandes emerged as Portugal’s best player of the tournament, scoring two goals and assisting thrice. He set up Joao Felix and Raphael Leao with terrific passes in their 3-2 thriller against Ghana and it was his corner kick that allowed Pepe to become the oldest goal-scorer in World Cup among European footballers.

Lionel Messi (Argentina) - 3 assists

Lionel Messi, who has eight assists in his World Cup career, made three terrific assists in the ongoing edition. He threaded a beautiful pass into the path of Nahuel Molina from an angle that ceased to exist against Netherlands in the quarterfinal. He also assisted Enzo Fernandes’ stunning strike against Mexico. Messi's weaving run, finished off by a pin-point pass for Argentina's third goal against Croatia in the semi-final was his third assist.

Kylian Mbappe (France) - 2 assists

Kylian Mbappe is leading the Golden Boot race in the ongoing edition. The French forward has scored five, and assisted two goals as well. No footballer in the ongoing World Cup has more goal contributions than him. He assisted two goals to Olivier Giroud against Australia and Poland. 

Photo Credit: Alamy