10 Players to Watch at the 2026 World Cup
June 27, 2026 · Global
This article highlights 10 players to watch at the 2026 World Cup, including legends like Messi and Ronaldo as well as young stars like Lamine Yamal and Erling Haaland.
The biggest World Cup in history is finally here. Kicking off on Thursday, June 11, across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the 2026 FIFA World Cup features a record 48 teams and 104 matches spread across 16 venues. With this expanded format, there are more opportunities than ever for new stars to shine. As the rest of the world turns attention to North America over the next month, here are the 10 players most likely to create the moments we'll remember for years to come.
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Lionel Messi, Argentina
The defending champion will fight along with Messi. At 38 years old, this may be his last World Cup, and he will be playing in the country where he now plays professionally for Inter Miami in the MLS. Argentina remains one of the favorites, and Messi is the main reason why. The possibility of one final magical run, and the potential for a long-awaited meeting with rival Cristiano Ronaldo, easily makes this the biggest story of the tournament. -
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
Speaking of Ronaldo... Like Messi, this will be his record sixth World Cup, and possibly his last, having just turned 41. There are question marks over how much of an impact he can make in the tournament at his age, but Portugal has never won a World Cup, and if he really wants to have a chance of surpassing Messi on the all-time list, he may need to win this one. Portugal may have the deepest squad in the tournament, and if they can finally get over the hump, Ronaldo will be the center of attention. -
Lamine Yamal, Spain
This will be the moment that really shifts the baton. As Messi and Ronaldo slowly withdrew, an 18 year old phenom emerged ready to take over. Spain enter the tournament as big favorites, and Yamal, fresh off his 16 goals and 11 assists at Barcelona, picking up LaLiga's Player of the Year award, is one of the favorites for the Golden Boot. This is Yamal's chance to officially take his place as the new face of football. -
Kylian Mbappe, France
Alongside Spain, France is considered the favorite to win it all. They almost did it four years ago, losing to Argentina in a penalty shootout. Despite this, Mbappe finished the tournament with eight goals and two assists, winning the Golden Boot, and is the favorite to win it again this time. He is 27 years old and has scored 56 goals in the last two seasons with Real Madrid. If Les Bleus win the World Cup, it will be because of Mbappe.
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Harry Kane, England
Will it (eventually) return home for England? The Three Lions have not won a World Cup title since 1966, and they have lost several key players from previous years, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Harry Maguire. However, Kane is still one of the world's best strikers, and just scored 36 goals in 25 games for Bayern Munich last season. England remain one of the favorites and they will need Kane to feature if they are to win. -
Erling Haaland, Norway
Haaland is probably an even better striker than Kane, without the same pressure. Norway entered the tournament as one of the dark horse teams, a team that was not expected to win, but could have done so considering the draw. They have been in Group I where they will play against France, Senegal and Iraq. Norway could easily go all the way, and if they do, Haaland is the one who will benefit. There is a reason why he is one of the favorites for the Golden Boot. He has scored 55 goals in 50 appearances for Norway, and he is only 25 years old. -
Vinicius Junior, Brazil
Brazil has more World Cup titles than any other country, and enters each tournament with the hope of winning. They have several aging superstars this time around, including Neymar, Casemiro, Marquinhos and Fabinho, providing an opportunity for Junior to take over. He recently scored 16 goals and five assists at Real Madrid, and remains one of the faces of the next golden generation of football stars at just 25 years old. This is a chance for him to prove that he deserves to be at the top of the list. -
Ousmane Dembele, France
Dembele won the Ballon d'Or last season after his incredible performances with Paris Saint-Germain, where he scored 33 goals and 15 assists in 49 appearances, leading PSG to back-to-back Champions League titles. Mbappe gets a lot of attention, and rightfully so, but Dembele's creativity and flexibility make France very dangerous. He may not have won the Golden Boot, but there is an argument that he was the most talented player in the entire tournament. -
Yan Diomande, Ivory Coast
Every World Cup comes with its share of stars, and Diomande could be a contender this year. Ivory Coast may not be one of the contenders, but they have a chance to make a splash in Group E featuring Germany, Ecuador and Curacao. Diomande is just 19 years old and excelled in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig last season, scoring 12 goals and eight assists in 28 games. Casual fans may not know his name yet, but they will soon. -
Vitinha, Portugal
Just like Dembele is for France, Vitinha is Portugal's creative midfielder and one of the best playmakers in the world. He finished third in last year's Ballon d'Or voting, behind only Dembele and Yamal, and was recently declared Man of the Match in PSG's Champions League win over Arsenal. Ronaldo may be the main concern, but Vitinha is the player who will determine how far Portugal really goes in this tournament.
