Top 10 Players To Watch Out For At The 2026 World Cup

Star power will be on display when the 2026 World Cup kicks off .

With the expansion of the tournament to 48 teams, there will be more participants than ever competing for the sport’s biggest prize when the best players in World Cup 2026 converge on North America.

Whether it’s aging players aiming to go out on top, World Cup 2026 star players trying to solidify their place among the elite, or youngsters eager to carve out a name for themselves, individual excellence will take centre stage this summer.

Here’s a look at the best players in World Cup 2026:

Today’s icons

Kylian Mbappe (France)

One of the biggest names in soccer will be on the hunt for more silverware, as Kylian Mbappe attempts to lead France to a third consecutive World Cup final. After experiencing the joy of winning it all in 2018, Mbappe and France were on the losing end in 2022. Although it was undoubtedly heartbreaking, defeat in the final against Argentina could be what drives Mbappe and this stacked France squad back to the final. Considering that he’s been in top form with Real Madrid this season, Mbappe and France will be among the favourites (currently +600 at bet365) to win the tournament for the third time in the country’s history.

Erling Haaland (Norway)

Norway likely won’t win the World Cup. But as long as Erling Haaland is healthy, Norway has to be considered a threat to topple any team at the World Cup. The striker’s prolific scoring record with Manchester City carried over into qualifying, as Haaland led Norway to its first World Cup of the 21st century with 16 goals in just eight games. Although it’s a team sport, Haaland—arguably one of the best players at the 2026 World Cup—is one of a handful of players capable of single-handedly changing the fortunes of his team with his physical approach and clinical finishing. 

Vinicius Junior (Brazil)

There hasn’t been a “passing of the torch” in Brazilian soccer. Neymar still gets all the headlines despite no longer being the best player on the national team. That honour belongs to Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior. But this summer is an opportunity for a changing of the guard, especially if coach Carlo Ancelotti omits Neymar from the final squad. Then the spotlight will be on Vinicius. Strong individual performances amidst a lengthy World Cup campaign could propel Vinicius into another realm of superstardom. If he can help end Brazil’s 24-year World Cup drought, Vinicius will be revered like Ronaldo, Romario, and Pele.

Next generation

Jude Bellingham (England)

It wouldn’t be the World Cup without highlighting the pressure on England to succeed. It was only up until recently that the nation was starved for success, failing miserably over several decades after winning the World Cup on home soil 60 years ago. But then there was an awakening this decade. After making it to the Euro 2020 final, England looked even better during another run to the final at Euro 2024 thanks to the emergence of Jude Bellingham as a bonafide superstar. At 22, the complete midfielder has the composure and vision that’s usually reserved for players much older than him. He’s one of the main reasons why simply reaching another final won’t be good enough for England. 

Lamine Yamal (Spain)

Few players will generate as much excitement this summer as Lamine Yamal. And it’s only his first World Cup. The 18-year-old has established himself as one of soccer’s most popular players after an exhilarating beginning to his Barcelona and Spain career. Along with domestic success, the product of Barcelona’s revered La Masia academy already has a European Championship winners medal after helping Spain win Euro 2024. If Spain wins the World Cup for the first time since 2010, Yamal, regarded as one of the best players at the 2026 World Cup, will vault himself into stardom and become a household name.

Leaving legends

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Was 2022 Lionel Messi’s last World Cup? Or will it be this year? Nobody knows yet—except Messi, of course. But if he does suit up for Argentina again, Messi will provide a creative spark that could drive the South American nation toward its second straight World Cup title. If he does play, Messi will have a good chance to become the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer. He’s tied in fourth place with 13 goals, three behind Miroslav Klose’s record with Germany. Assuming he’s not content with the storybook ending in 2022, all eyes will be on the 38-year-old and a loaded Argentina team that will be among the favourites (currenlty +800) to hoist the World Cup trophy again.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Cristiano Ronaldo is another legendary player who could be making his last World Cup appearance in 2026. Despite being 41, Ronaldo can still deliver moments of individual brilliance that can influence matches. While he might not be a guaranteed starter for Portugal, Ronaldo will be on the hunt to become the first player ever to score at six different World Cups. But beyond the goals, Ronaldo will be desperate for his own fairy tale ending at the World Cup, the only major trophy he’s yet to win during his illustrious career.

Hometown favourites

Alphonso Davies (Canada)

The pressure will be on Canada’s Alphonso Davies to deliver at the 2026 World Cup. After scoring the country’s first-ever World Cup goal in 2022, expectations will be higher for the face of Canadian soccer in 2026. It’s a chance for him, and Canada, to prove they belong on the sport’s biggest stage after going winless in 2022. With three group stage matches on home soil, confidence is higher than ever that Davies will lead Canada to its first-ever victory at the World Cup.

Christian Pulisic (United States)

The 2026 World Cup is an opportunity for Christian Pulisic to solidify his legacy as the best soccer player in the history of the United States men’s national team. The 27-year-old has excelled in European soccer during stints in Germany, England, and now Italy with AC Milan. “Captain America” will need to be in top form if the USMNT has any hope of improving on its Round of 16 appearance at the 2022 World Cup. The United States hasn’t made it to the quarterfinals since 2002.

Santiago Gimenez (Mexico)

Pulisic’s AC Milan teammate Santiago Gimenez can probably relate to the pressures that the American is facing. As one of the faces of Mexican soccer, the 24-year-old striker has the weight of a soccer-loving nation on his shoulders, with Mexico relying on Gimenez to deliver goals on home soil during Mexico’s three group stage games. His physicality, presence in the box, and lethal finishing could be what Mexico needs to get over the hump and advance beyond the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in the country’s history.

Honourable mentions:

Jamal Musiala (Germany), Florian Wirtz (Germany), Bruno Fernandes (Portugal), Vitinha (Portugal), Raphinha (Brazil), Pedri (Spain), Rodri (Spain), Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Ousmane Dembele (France), Harry Kane (England), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Julian Alvarez (Argentina)