The world’s brightest and biggest soccer stars are coming together.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup features a record 48 teams, allowing more top talents to converge to determine the globe’s best soccer country.
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Such tournaments are usually decided by the superstars that can make something out of nothing in a sport with increasing defensive tactics.
Here are the superstars to know and watch for the 2026 tournament in North America:
Lionel Messi, Argentina
After winning the 2022 World Cup to solidify himself as the GOAT, the 38-year-old Lionel Messi is hoping for another triumphant run in his last dance. He doesn’t have the burst he did in his prime, but there’s still juice there and he’s still a major threat with his ballstriking and playmaking in the attacking third. Argentina’s chances will run through him.
Kylian Mbappe, France
Mbappe hasn’t fully lived up to the hype since moving to Real Madrid in terms of winning trophies, but the World Cup is where he has shined the most. Winning it as a teenager before almost topping Messi in 2022 likely means he’ll be in the conversation again this year. His speed and ballstriking are among the best right now, and there are not many scarier sights than an Mbappe who is feeling momentum.
Lamine Yamal, Spain
Mbappe was only 18 when he fully broke out on the global level. Lamine Yamal could rival that. The 18-year-old is already a global sensation thanks to his achievements with Barcelona and Spain in the 2024 Euros, but there are still plenty of heights to hit. The left-footed right winger gets you off your seat with his dribbling, flair and playmaking, and it’s almost unbelievable to say a powerhouse’s ceiling relies on someone of his age. But it’s true, and Spain will need him to be fully fit from injuries to have a shot.
Erling Haaland, Norway
For the first time, Erling Haaland and Norway are in the spotlight. It’s been a long time coming, and one of the world’s best strikers will look to show what previous international tournaments didn’t feature. The 6-foot-5 striker has incredible speed and strength and has been a goalscoring machine wherever he has played. How he handles the heat will be interesting for someone who averages low touches, but Haaland equals goals — that needs to translate here for Norway’s hopes.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
Like Messi, Ronaldo’s athleticism is far from his prime. But he’s still searching for his first World Cup in what should be the 41-year-old’s last dance at this level. Portugal is fortunately equipped with the best talent Ronaldo has played with at this level, but the team’s ceiling will be determined by how efficient the veteran striker can be, ideally in fewer minutes. Despite Ronaldo’s decline, his availability will bring in viewership in bunches.
Ousmane Dembele, France
France is loaded with attacking starpower and some names won’t pop up here. But the reigning Ballon d’Or winner will, despite a season where he didn’t play as often. But Ousmane Dembele still came away with another Ligue 1 title while repeating in the UEFA Champions League. The versatile left-footed forward is a much different player than he was in 2022, which should help Les Bleus on the margins compared to their final loss.
Harry Kane, England
Kane finally started winning trophies once he switched from Tottenham to Bayern Munich in Germany. The 32-year-old striker is searching for that one undeniable hardware for his resume, though, which would be the World Cup. Kane is potentially playing in his final World Cup since his game may not translate by the time the 2030 tournament comes around, so he’ll need to be as proactive and commanding as ever to rewrite the narratives on the big stage.
Vinicius Jr., Brazil
The Brazilian national team is fully switching the page from Neymar Jr.’s chapter to Vinicius Jr. Neymar is on the squad, but injuries will likely limit his minutes to a super sub role. Vini Jr. strangely isn’t the same goal threat with Brazil as he is with Real Madrid at club level, but he has all the talent and tools in the world that he needs to apply. If he fails to do so, Brazil’s chances to win it all would be incredibly slim. But if he’s flowing, there are not many better wingers to watch.
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Achraf Hakimi, Morocco
Moving to a defender, Morocco made a shocking run to the semifinals in 2022 with upsets over Spain and Portugal, eventually falling to France. A key reason why was Achraf Hakimi, who can just about do everything from right-back. He relentlessly overlaps in attack with the ability to underlap and get in goalscoring positions. Elite dribbling wingers can give him some issues, but he possesses blistering recovery pace to compensate. Keep an eye on him with Morocco having more attacking talent this time.
Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium
De Bruyne turns 35 later in June, but he still possesses gamebreaking quality from midfield that’ll make or break Belgium’s chances as it hopes to finally jump some hurdles. The former Manchester City star moved to Italian side Napoli and posted five goals and two assists in 18 league appearances, a decent return at this stage of his career. If he can turn back the clock one more time, he’ll show why he’s been one of this generation’s best midfielders.
Honorable mentions
With too many names that deserve a spot, keep an eye on these difference makers, in no particular order:
Joao Neves and Vitinha, Portugal: The two Paris Saint-Germain midfielders can run the show against anyone despite their smaller frames. They have elite technical ability, stamina and press resistance.
Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, England: Rice has been named England’s vice-captain and does everything at a high level, while Bellingham can be a major box-crashing goal threat with his frame.
Willian Pacho and Piero Hincapie, Ecuador: A lockdown left-back and a do-it-all left center-back make for an intriguing combination. Good luck getting past them.
Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie De Jong, Netherlands: The best center-back of this generation is entering his last dance, while De Jong is a premier gliding and tempo-setting midfielder.
Desire Doue and Michael Olise, France: Les Bleus’ attacking depth and quality continues with the right-footed Doue and the left-footed Olise, both of whom can step in anywhere up top and perform.
Rodri and Pedri, Spain: Two elite press-resistant midfielders who combine well with their playstyles and will provide Spain a robust on-the-ball combo.
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