FIFA World Cup 2026: Next Generation and Legends: 26 Players to Watch
The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins in six months, featuring a historic 48-team format across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With the group draw complete and most teams qualified (six spots remain via playoffs in March 2026), superstars like Argentina's Lionel Messi, Brazil's Vinícius Júnior, France's Kylian Mbappé, and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo are poised to shine. Emerging talents such as Spain's Lamine Yamal could also steal the spotlight.
Here are 26 players (in alphabetical order) poised to shape the tournament. We highlight their recent form and what 2026 could mean for their legacies.
Julián Álvarez
Striker | Argentina
Álvarez netted 29 goals across competitions in his debut season at Atlético Madrid, showcasing technical brilliance and untapped potential. He featured in the FIFA Club World Cup spotlight.
At 25, he builds on his 2022 World Cup-winning experience, ready for a starring role in Argentina's title defense under Lionel Scaloni.
Jude Bellingham
Midfielder | England
Bellingham dazzled in his 2023-24 Real Madrid debut, driving La Liga and Champions League triumphs, then leading England to the Euro 2024 final.
The 21-year-old eyes World Cup glory after near-misses. England's supporting cast may limit progress beyond stars like Harry Kane.
Alphonso Davies
Fullback | Canada
Davies recovered from a torn ACL sustained in Concacaf Nations League play. As one of soccer's fastest players, he captains Canada amid expected home crowds in Toronto and Vancouver.
Canada's top player ended a 36-year World Cup drought in 2022 but winless there. Davies aims for historic home success.
Ousmane Dembélé
Forward | France
Dembélé dominated Ligue 1 with 27 goal contributions, powering PSG to Champions League glory in 2025. A 2018 winner, he seeks Ballon d'Or contention.
France craves another title as favorites. Dembélé, alongside Mbappé, must excel to overcome threats like Spain.
Luis Díaz
Forward | Colombia
Díaz thrived at Liverpool with 17 goals and eight assists, securing a Premier League title. His versatility boosts Colombia's attack.
He guided Colombia to the Copa América final (1-0 loss to Argentina). Now qualified, Colombia emerges as a South American dark horse.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Goalkeeper | Italy
Donnarumma heroically led Italy to Euro 2020 glory via penalties. Italy eyes North American redemption after recent struggles.
A World Cup win would thrill passionate fans, echoing 1994's final run (lost on penalties to Brazil).
Bruno Fernandes
Midfielder | Portugal
Fernandes anchors Manchester United and Portugal, key in their UEFA Nations League win over Spain.
Portugal looks contender-strong. The 30-year-old leader balances youth with Ronaldo for a deep run beyond 2022 quarters.
Erling Haaland
Striker | Norway
Haaland's ruthless scoring propelled Norway to qualification (first since 1998), including wins over Italy.
The goal machine debuts at a major tournament, making Norway instant dark horses.
Achraf Hakimi
Fullback | Morocco
Hakimi excels as a top fullback, leading defenders in goals and aiding PSG's Champions League triumph.
He drove Morocco's 2022 semifinal run (first for Africa). As captain, he targets another historic surge.
Raúl Jiménez
Striker | Mexico
Jiménez rebounded with 14 goals for Fulham, leading Mexico in key matches.
He eyes a historic co-host run, building on Nations League success. Mexico seeks quarters or beyond (last in 1986).
Santiago Giménez
Forward | Mexico
Giménez shone in Europe with Feyenoord and Milan, partnering Jiménez up front.
Home World Cup magic awaits, starting at the iconic Estadio Azteca—hosting its third opener.
Harry Kane
Striker | England
Kane dominated Bundesliga scoring en route to Bayern's title, nearing England's first major trophy since 1966.
Captain Kane hungers for World Cup cementation of his legacy.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Forward | Georgia
Kvaratskhelia's skill aided PSG's European title. Georgia reached Euros but missed World Cup qualification.
A potential debut would mark a milestone for the small nation—though qualification fell short this cycle.
Alexis Mac Allister
Midfielder | Argentina
Mac Allister anchored Liverpool's Premier League win with versatile play.
A 2022 winner, he aids Argentina's bid for back-to-back titles (last by Brazil 1958-62).
Emiliano Martínez
Goalkeeper | Argentina
Martínez ranks among elite keepers with commanding presence and penalty heroics at Aston Villa.
Golden Glove winner in 2022, another triumph would elevate his legend further.
Kylian Mbappé
Striker | France
Mbappé exploded with 58 goals in 2025 at Real Madrid, chasing records amid a prolific year.
Motivated after 2022 final heartbreak, the captain seeks triumph on North American soil.
Lionel Messi
Forward | Argentina
Messi, turning 39 soon, remains vital internationally despite MLS play, eyeing one final bow.
His sixth World Cup (potentially last) fits perfectly in his adopted home—chasing unprecedented repeat success.
Pedri
Midfielder | Spain
Pedri starred in Spain's Euro 2024 win and Barcelona's campaigns.
Paired with Yamal, he positions Spain for a second World Cup crown.
Christian Pulisic
Forward | USA
Pulisic delivered a career-best season at Milan, captaining the hosts.
Legacy-defining home tournament; USMNT targets deeper runs post-2022 knockout advancement.
Raphinha
Forward | Brazil
Raphinha electrified Barcelona with Champions League dominance.
Brazil, due since 2002, eyes a sixth title—24 years after North American glory.
Rodri
Midfielder | Spain
Rodri, post-ACL recovery, anchors Manchester City as Ballon d'Or holder.
Spain contends strongly, but needs his midfield mastery for victory.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Striker | Portugal
At 41, Ronaldo tops Saudi scoring, confirming 2026 as his final World Cup.
He chases the elusive trophy in his sixth appearance.
Mohamed Salah
Forward | Egypt
Salah led Liverpool to Premier League glory with 29 goals and 18 assists. Egypt qualified strongly.
Inspired by Morocco's 2022 run, Salah eyes a breakout for the Pharaohs.
Vinícius Júnior
Forward | Brazil
Vinícius claimed Best FIFA Men's Player honors with stellar Real Madrid output.
Talent-rich Brazil craves a sixth title; no excuses for the 24-year-old star.
Florian Wirtz
Midfielder | Germany
Wirtz drove Leverkusen's success, poised for bigger stages.
Germany aims to end group-stage woes with emerging talents.
Lamine Yamal
Forward | Spain
At 18, Yamal dazzles as a global sensation, key in Spain's triumphs.
World Cup debut could cement superstardom on a title-capable squad.The expanded format promises more drama, upsets, and iconic moments from these stars.
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