By Tom Clark
Assists often prove just as valuable as goals at major tournaments and the World Cup's elite playmakers will again have the opportunity to shape the biggest matches in North America.
History suggests the winning total in this market is surprisingly modest. Four assists would have been enough to finish at least joint-top of the standings at every World Cup since 1998, while only three were required to share first place in Qatar 2022 and two topped the charts in Russia four years earlier.
With the expanded 48-team format providing nations with an extra knockout match, four assists appears to be the mark to be looking at.
That means pinpointing players from teams expected to enjoy deep runs are particularly appealing - and a weak group to boost early numbers is another thing to look out for.
France are expected to challenge for the trophy and Michael Olise looks perfectly placed to benefit.
The Bayern Munich star enjoyed a remarkable club season, registering 25 goals and 28 assists in all competitions, while his ability to create chances ranks among the best attacking players in Europe.
Perhaps most importantly, Olise has clinical forwards Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele to create for.
Norway and Senegal could prove tricky group foes but France's meeting with Iraq gives Olise a golden opportunity to rack up the goals and assists.
If Les Bleus progress as expected, Olise could have seven or eight matches across the tournament to build his assist tally.
England also possess one of the strongest attacking units at the tournament, with Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford all capable of finishing chances from almost nothing.
The Three Lions have also been handed an appealing group-stage fixture against Panama, a match that could provide significant opportunities for England's creative players, and if Thomas Tuchel’s men reach the semi-finals or beyond, Jude Bellingham's influence in advanced areas could come to the fore.
Bellingham registered only four assists for Real Madrid in La Liga this term but created 36 chances for his teammates.
Colombian legend James Rodriguez operates behind lethal finishers Luis Diaz and Luis Suarez and takes set-pieces for his country.
Colombia were particularly dangerous from dead-ball situations in qualifying as Rodriguez topped the South American assist charts with seven.
He also led the way at the 2024 Copa America with six assists.
Other contenders
Bruno Fernandes (Portugal)
The Manchester United captain set a new Premier League assists record this season with 21 and shared top spot at the 2022 World Cup with three.
Lamine Yamal (Spain)
Spain's latest superstar announced himself with four assists at Euro 2024 and would be a major contender if fully fit. The possession-heavy style of the European champions sees them consistently carve out chances and few players are better equipped to take advantage than Yamal.
Vinicius Junior (Brazil)
Brazil's favourable group could allow the Real Madrid ace to rack up some early assists, particularly against Haiti, while his pace and ability to create overloads make him one of the tournament's most dangerous attacking players.
