Read 3 minutesNew Delhi19 Jun 2026 09:18 PM IST
Since each of the 48 competing teams has played at least once in the FIFA World Cup 2026, the starting markers have been created. Speed, as always, is a particular attraction and expect the likes of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to be in the conversation.
Accordingly, none of them are at the top BBC-Quoted official physical tracking data issued by the global governing body. Australia defender Jordan Boss is ranked first with a best speed of 36.7 km/h, achieved during the Socceroos’ 2-0 win over Turkey.
The 23-year-old Feyenoord full-back has surpassed Haaland, who recorded a top speed of 36.5kph in Norway’s 4-1 thrashing of Iraq. The striker’s Manchester City team-mate and Uzbekistan defender Abdukodir Khusanov is third on the list (also at 36.5kph), while another Aussie, Mohamed Toure, is fourth (35.8kph).
Comparison with other sports
To put this number into context, Usain Bolt clocked a world record 100m sprint time of 9.58 seconds at the 2009 IAAF World Championships, reaching a top speed of 44.7kph. In cricket, former India captain MS Dhoni recorded the fastest speed of 31kph while running between the wickets during a T20I against Australia in 2017.
leaving behind @msdhoni Sounds impossible! Check out his ⚡️-quick run analysis #NerolacCricketLive on October 13 on Star Sports. pic.twitter.com/rPbtbmsKES
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) 11 October 2017
In tennis, Serbian legend Novak Djokovic has previously recorded an on-court speed of 36kph. NFL running backs are known for top speeds of around 29-30kph, and elite NBA players such as De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Maxey achieve similar speeds.
Who is Jordan Boss?
Hailing from Melbourne, Boss joined Melbourne City’s academy at the age of 13. His reputation and reputation grew in his teenage years, rapidly inching up before joining Westerlo for around 2 million Australian dollars.
Australia’s defender Jordan Boss is the fastest player at 36.7 kilometers per hour. (AP)
He impressed for two years at the Belgian club before moving to Dutch giants Feyenoord in July 2025 for around AUD 9 million. The youngster is fresh off a rolling season, establishing himself as one of the Eredivisie’s most exciting full-backs.
The boss was named player of the month for September and his four goals and six assists led the Rotterdam-based club to second place in the league and a place in the Champions League.