26 Stars for ’26: Players Who Could Define the World Cup

This summer, 48 teams will be vying for the most coveted title in all sports – the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kicking off on June 11 and spread across three countries and 16 cities, we’ll see plenty of iconic players and up-and-coming stars. There will be those who’ll be looking to cement their legacies and others forging their own paths. But like in any tournament, there will be players who’ll have bigger spotlights than others. These will be the 26 players who will be worth to watch all summer long. Don’t be surprised to see these superstars creating highlight moments, scoring goals, and potentially lifting the trophy on July 19. _____ Why he makes the list: Alvarez has 40 goals across all competitions so far in his two seasons with Atlético Madrid. He’s a difference-maker, technical on the ball and has much more potential to grow into for both club and country. What this World Cup would mean: Alvarez was one of the youngest players in Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad in 2022. Now, still only 26, he has that experience in his back pocket and can likely play an even larger role for Lionel Scaloni’s squad in 2026 to help La Albiceleste defend its title. _____ Why he makes the list: Since arriving to Real Madrid ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, Bellingham has led Los Blancos to both the La Liga and Champions League titles even though he’s been at odds with England coach Thomas Tuchel at times. But he took England to the final of Euro 2024, firmly establishing himself as one of the game’s greatest midfielders. What this World Cup would mean: After coming close to helping the Three Lions claim England’s first major trophy in almost 60 years, Bellingham surely has his sights set on the World Cup. Time will tell whether the 21-year-old and his supporting cast (beyond Harry Kane, anyway) are up for the task. _____ Why he makes the list: In March 2025, “Fonzie” had surgery to repair the torn ACL he suffered playing for Les Rouges against the USA in the Concacaf Nations League’s consolation match. The injury was a major setback for one of soccer’s fastest players, but the good news is that he is back in action for German giants Bayern Munich. As Canada’s captain, he’ll be in front and center of what’s sure to be a sea of red for the Canadians’ group stage games in Toronto and Vancouver. What this World Cup would mean: Davies, Canada’s best ever player, helped the country snap a 36-year World Cup appearance drought nearly four years ago. But they lost all three games in Qatar, and they’re still winless all-time on soccer’s grandest stage. During his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play in a World Cup at home, Davies will be aiming to make a little more history. _____ Why he makes the list: Dembélé was the best player in the world in 2025, which helped him win the Ballon d’Or. He’s continued his solid form despite some nagging injuries as PSG look to repeat as both the Ligue 1 and Champions League winners. While he’s already a World Cup champion (2018), he has become an even more impactful player for his club after previous rollercoaster spells at Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund. What this World Cup would mean: Dembélé is a 2018 World Cup champion and started for France in the 2022 final vs. Argentina. Les Bleus are anxious to win another World Cup trophy, and they’re a favorite to do so in 2026. However, France will need all of its top talent, like Mbappé, Dembélé and Desire Doue, to be at their best in order to ward off other dangerous contenders like Spain. _____ Why he makes the list: After a summer switch from Liverpool to Bayern Munich, Luis Diaz remains at the top of his game with 19 goals for the likely German Bundesliga champions. Last season with Liverpool, he had 17 goals with eight assists across all competitions on his way to helping the club win the Premier League title. The versatile, 28-year-old winger was beloved at the English club – the fans even had a chant for him at Anfield – and his production has carried over to the Colombian national team, where he’s become one of the squad’s most impactful players. What this World Cup would mean: As the most productive Colombian international playing in Europe right now, Diaz helped lead his country to the Copa América final against Argentina in 2024 – a closely contested match that resulted in a 1-0 loss to La Albiceleste. Colombia didn’t qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but is certainly viewed as one of the top South American contenders for 2026. _____ Why he makes the list: First things first. Italy still needs to qualify for the World Cup, which they’ll have the opportunity to do so in March at the UEFA playoffs. If so, Donnarumma will need to be a key factor. The goalkeeper, who helped PSG win the Champions League last season, has now moved on to another big-time club, Manchester City. Simply put, Donnarumma knows how to win, and he provided that by leading the Azzurri to a penalty-kick win over England in London at the Euro 2020 final. What this World Cup would mean: It would mean everything to one of the most passionate soccer nations on Earth, who incredibly have not seen Italy reach the World Cup since 2014. There’s a record of success in North America, too: In 1994, Italy survived a shocking loss to the Republic of Ireland in its opener to reach the final, where it lost on penalties to Brazil. _____ Why he makes the list: Despite the club’s disappointing season, Bruno Fernandes is considered to be Manchester United’s most important player. He holds that responsibility for his national team as well, which was evident when Portugal beat Spain to win the UEFA Nations League title in 2025. Fernandes, who wore the captain’s armband late in the game after Cristiano Ronaldo went off with an injury, steadied the team and nailed his penalty kick during a dramatic shootout. What this World Cup would mean: Portugal looks more like a contender right now after defeating World Cup favorite Spain in the UEFA Nations League. The 31-year-old Fernandes is a fearless leader, creative in the midfield and knows how to balance a young squad with a legend in Ronaldo. Portugal made it to the quarterfinals at the 2022 World Cup, and, with Fernandes leading the charge, could have enough talent to make a deeper run in 2026. _____ Why he makes the list: Europe’s most ruthless goalscorer has Norway back in the World Cup for the first time since 1998. He also continues to be a goal machine for Manchester City (already with more than 100 Premier League career goals). During Norway’s World Cup qualifying run, he finished with 16 goals, tied for most ever in a European campaign, and became the fastest to reach 50 international goals by reaching that milestone in just 46 games for Norway. What this World Cup would mean: Perhaps the best player not to appear in the 2022 edition, Haaland will make not just his World Cup debut, but his first major tournament appearance in North America this summer. _____ Why he makes the list: One of the best fullbacks in football right now, though Hakimi could probably play midfielder or forward and be peerless at those positions, too. Hakimi played a key role in helping PSG win the Champions League title in 2025 and remains one of the most versatile players in the world. What this World Cup would mean: Hakimi was massive in leading Morocco on a marvelous run to become the first African country to reach the World Cup semifinals in 2022. Can the captain galvanize his national team again? Regardless of what kind of run the Atlas Lions go on this time, there’s no denying that Hakimi is already viewed as one of Africa’s greatest players ever. _____ Why he makes the list: While he may be 35 years old when the World Cup begins, Jimenez’s return to form over recent seasons has not only benefited Fulham, but helped him lead Mexico whenever he was competing for his national team. He is on pace to have back-to-back double-digit goal seasons for Fulham. With 65 Premier League goals across his career, he has the most ever by a Mexico player in that league. What this World Cup would mean: Jimenez had both goals for Mexico in its Nations League final win over Panama last March, and helped Mexico win the Gold Cup last summer over the USA by scoring in that game in Houston. Mexico’s best World Cup finish was making it to the quarterfinals in 1970 and 1986 as hosts, and as a co-host this time around, Jimenez hopes to spark what could be a historic run with a ton of fan support behind him. _____ Why he makes the list: One of the few Mexican players to find success in Europe in recent years, Gimenez has flourished since leaving Cruz Azul of Liga MX in 2022. His 45 goals in 73 Dutch league appearances for Feyenoord earned him a move to AC Milan last January, although he has regressed since arriving to Serie A. For El Tri, he seems to have cemented his role next to Raul Jimenez on coach Javier Aguirre’s front line. What this World Cup would mean: As is the case for all the USA, Canada and Mexico players, it doesn’t get more special than playing in a World Cup at home. Surely Santi is dreaming about belting out his national anthem at the historic Estadio Azteca next June 11, as Mexico becomes the first nation (and Azteca the first stadium) to host the tourney three times. _____ Why he makes the list: Kane has been one of the best forwards in the world for the better part of a decade. He is likely looking at back-to-back Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich, and has a whopping 124 goals in 130 games for the team. But his quest for glory with England has come up short. After a Euro 2020 loss to Italy in the final, he once again fell short in leading England to a European championship in 2024 against Spain. What this World Cup would mean: Is there a nation or a player more desperate to win a World Cup than England? In Qatar, you might have answered with Argentina, but Lionel Messi and Co. got their title. Now it’s time for Kane to cement his legacy of greatness and bring it home for England. _____ Why he makes the list: One of the best players ever from Africa, Mané has led Senegal to two Africa Cup of Nations trophies, including most recently in January. Regarded as one of the best wingers of his generation after breaking through with Liverpool and later Bayern Munich, he still has the talent to be a difference-maker in a game. He continues to score goals, playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. What this World Cup would mean: Senegal has a tough test at the World Cup with a group that includes France and Norway. But with Mané, who missed the 2022 edition in Qatar due to an injury, Senegal will be a formidable opponent. The objective is likely to advance as a third-place team in that group. _____ Why he makes the list: The 27-year-old midfielder was a key reason why Liverpool won the Premier League title last season. He’s a menace no matter where he is on the pitch and wins most of his one-on-one duels. He can defend, score goals (he had seven goals and six assists across all competitions during the Premier League run), and is a consistent and reliable player who will have a long and successful career. What this World Cup would mean: Mac Allister already knows what it’s like to hoist a World Cup trophy because he helped Argentina win its first title since 1986 nearly four years ago in Qatar. He also played an important role in La Albiceleste’s Copa América title in 2024. It’s experiences like those that so many other players don’t have that will aid Mac Allister as he strives to help Argentina go back-to-back for the first time since Brazil did it in 1958 and 1962. _____ Why he makes the list: Emiliano Martínez is widely considered to be one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League and around the world. His command of the box, shot-stopping ability and mind games during penalty shootouts make him a one-of-a-kind gem. Martinez has been a mainstay at Aston Villa (who remain in contention for a top-four finish in the Premier League) despite continued rumblings of a transfer from the English club. What this World Cup would mean: Martinez cemented his legendary status when he helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Martinez made countless miraculous saves, especially in the final vs. France, though perhaps none as dramatic as his late save against Randal Kolo Muani in stoppage time of extra time. He ended up winning the Golden Glove, which included some trophy ceremony antics. Then he followed that performance up by helping Argentina win the 2024 Copa América. Another World Cup trophy in 2026 would only increase his superstardom even more. _____ Why he makes the list: The 2018 World Cup winner came oh-so-close in 2022, scoring a hat trick in the final before Les Bleus fell on penalties to Argentina and Messi — Mbappé’s PSG teammate at the time. The 27-year-old has since moved to Real Madrid where, despite a trophy-less first season in 2024-25, he scored 44 goals in 59 total games and won the European Golden Shoe award for the first time. This season, he has 38 goals in just 31 games across all competitions. What this World Cup would mean: Mbappé was crushed by France’s loss in 2022, and last May he watched his former club PSG win the Champions League without him during his maiden season at Real Madrid. Back in full form this season with Madrid, that should make Mbappé highly motivated heading into this summer when he is back in action for France. A noted fan of American culture and now France manager Didier Deschamps’ captain, he’d surely relish the chance to hoist the World Cup for the second time. _____ Why he makes the list: So what if the GOAT is already 38? After helping Inter Miami win the MLS Cup title in 2025 and nearly four years after hoisting the World Cup for the first time and forever cementing his legacy, Messi still has it. He helped the Albiceleste win the 2024 Copa América — its third consecutive major title — in Miami and represented his country 196 times with 115 goals. Both those are records. What this World Cup would mean: After winning it all in 2022, Messi changed his mind about international retirement. But this World Cup, his sixth, will surely be his last. It’s fitting that it will come in the country where he and his family now live, but there’s a huge sporting challenge, too: Pele’s Brazil was the last to win back-to-back World Cups, and no country has ever won four major trophies in a row. _____ Why he makes the list: Another member of Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024 squad, Pedri played four of La Roja’s six games in Germany, then made 35 starts as Barça won La Liga for the second time in the 23-year-old’s young career. What this World Cup would mean: Pedri took a step forward last season, helping Barcelona to within a penalty-kick loss of the Champions League final and landing on some Ballon d’Or shortlists along the way. With teenage sensation Yamal by his side, he could be poised for a trophy-laden 2025-26 for club and for country. _____ Why he makes the list: Despite some of the heat that was heaped on him for skipping U.S. men’s national team duty this summer, Pulisic will be the focal point for Mauricio Pochettino’s squad this summer. As long as he can remain healthy. The 27-year-old scored a career-best 17 goals for AC Milan across all competitions last term. This season, he’s had 10 goals even though he’s hampered on occasion by injuries. But no doubt the move from Chelsea to Milan has been fruitful for both his career and continued success. What this World Cup would mean: With the tournament on home soil, next summer’s World Cup will be nothing short of a legacy-defining moment for Pulisic, whose game-winning goal over Iran in the group stage finale in 2022 sent the Americans to the knockout phase. The co-hosts will be looking to go at least one round further next year — something the USA hasn’t accomplished since they fell to Germany in the quarterfinals in 2002. _____ Why he makes the list: Lamine Yamal and Pedri deserve their plaudits, but some could argue that no player is better for Barça than the electrifying winger. Raphinha scored an astounding 13 goals in 14 Champions League games last season, outpacing all-world striker Robert Lewandowski, and added another 18 in La Liga. He’s cooled off somewhat this season across the board, but he remains an elite talent. What this World Cup would mean: The last time Brazil participated in a World Cup on North American shores, it won the title for the fourth time, snapping a 24-year trophy drought. The Seleçao added record fifth World Cup star to that famous yellow jersey in 2002, which will be 24 years ago this summer. Brazil, in other words, is due. If they can win a sixth crown in 2026, Raphinha will be a big reason. _____ Why he makes the list: The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner with Manchester City, the defensive midfielder has bounced back since a devastating ACL injury in September of that year. He remains one of the most complete players in the world, Rodri will now look to add another trophy to his name after winning the 2024 Euro. What this World Cup would mean: Spain is already a favorite to win the 2026 World Cup, with its young stars like Lamine Yamal and Pedri making the headlines. But La Roja was upset by Portugal in the 2025 Nations League finals, which was decided by a penalty shootout. Spain didn’t have Rodri, however, and it is a different team when he’s in the midfield. If Rodri can stay healthy, this is a team who could realistically win the country’s second-ever World Cup. _____ Why he makes the list: Ronaldo’s face said it all. The Portuguese superstar was beside himself in tears when he helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League title over Spain after a penalty shootout. Ronaldo scored two goals in the run of play – the game-winner over Germany in the semifinal and the tying goal against Spain in the final. At club level, he continues to plug away with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and is inching closer and closer to that 1,000-career goal mark. What this World Cup would mean: If you thought the 2022 World Cup in Qatar would be his last rodeo, you were wrong. Ronaldo will be 41 at the 2026 tournament and would give absolutely anything to win a World Cup trophy for Portugal. After all, he’s already won most everything else, including five Ballon d’Ors and he currently holds the record for the most goals in Champions League history with 140. But for him, nothing would mean as much as winning the ultimate prize. Just ask his friend, Leo Messi. _____ Why he makes the list: Salah (who turns 34 in June) was in top form for Premier League champions Liverpool last season. He led the league with 29 goals and 18 assists and has the unique ability to lift his teammates up in the process. Salah signed an extension with the Reds that will keep him there through 2027, which is good for the club considering he hasn’t shown signs of slowing down anytime soon. What this World Cup would mean: Egypt last played in a World Cup in 2018 and didn’t make it out of the group stage. The national team once made it to the Round of 16, but that was in 1934. Given what Morocco did in Qatar in 2022 – becoming the Cinderella of the tournament and going on a magical run to the semifinals – could Salah lead Egypt on a similar ride in 2026? _____ Why he makes the list: Vinicius was the 2024 Best FIFA Men’s Player and the Ballon d’Or runner-up. Earlier this season, he surpassed the 100-goal mark for Real Madrid, only the 23rd player in club history to achieve this feat. He’s also become a leader for the club after being assigned the captain’s armband in February for the first time since joining Madrid. Despite all his club accolades (three La Liga titles and two Champions League), he still has work to do with Brazil. What this World Cup would mean: Brazil is desperate for a successful World Cup. The Seleçao has not hoisted the trophy since 2002, and given the amount of talent in this squad, there’s really no excuse. Winning it all in 2026 would be legacy-building stuff for a player like Vini Jr., who has already won so much with Real Madrid. However, he’s still only 25 and as long as he stays fit and in form, will have more major tournaments ahead of him. _____ Why he makes the list: After helping Leverkusen to an undefeated Bundesliga season in 2023-24 and the club’s first-ever German top flight title, the attacking playmaker joined Liverpool last summer. It hasn’t been the smoothest ride for Wirtz at Anfield, but he remains a big investment for the club as it tries to keep pace in the Premier League. What this World Cup would mean: Four-time world champion Germany hasn’t been able to even survive the group stage at the past two World Cups. There’s no doubt that Writz and the rest of Die Mannschaft will be bent on ending that embarrassing streak next summer. _____ Why he makes the list: Still just 18, Yamal already might be the best player on the planet. The silky-smooth attacker played a key role in helping La Roja win the European Championship in 2024 by scoring a spectacular goal in the semifinal win over France, then followed that up by leading Barcelona to the Spanish title and the Champions League semis in 2024. He remains in torrid form for Barça this season, with 15 goals in just 30 games. What this World Cup would mean: For all those accomplishments, Yamal still isn’t yet a household name in quite the way Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé are. One reason for that? Yamal has yet to play in a World Cup. He’ll become a bona fide global superstar next summer, though, on a team that is more than capable of lifting the trophy.