26 stars for '26: The highest gamers who might outline the World Cup

Laken Litman

School Soccer & Soccer Analyst

Doug McIntyre

Soccer Journalist

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in a single 12 months, and we anticipate to see loads of high gamers on the 48-team event throughout america, Canada and Mexico subsequent summer season.

Whereas there are nonetheless spots up for grabs (solely 13 nations have formally certified), large names like Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Brazil’s Vinícius Júnior are set to seem. Different elite playmakers like France’s Kylian Mbappe and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo ought to be part of them, whereas children like Spain’s Lamine Yamal could possibly be set for a breakout summer season.

Looking forward to subsequent 12 months, these 26 gamers (listed in alphabetical order) might outline the 2026 World Cup. FOX Sports activities soccer reporters Doug McIntyre and Laken Litman break down why we’re excited to see these stars. Let’s get into it!

_____

Why he makes the checklist: Alvarez scored 29 targets throughout all competitions in his first season with Atlético Madrid. He’s a difference-maker, technical on the ball and has way more potential to develop into for each membership and nation. We received’t have to attend till the 2026 World Cup to see him on the massive stage as Alvarez shall be within the highlight this summer season when he performs within the FIFA Membership World Cup.

What this World Cup ’26 would imply: Alvarez was one of many youngest gamers on Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad in 2022. Now, nonetheless solely 25, he has that have in his again pocket and might seemingly play a good bigger position for Lionel Scaloni’s squad in 2026 to assist La Albiceleste defend its title.

_____

Why he makes the checklist: In his first season in Spain’s capital throughout the 2023-24 marketing campaign, Bellingham was a revelation, main Los Blancos to each the La Liga and Champions League titles. He then took England to the ultimate of Euro 2024, firmly establishing himself as one of many sport’s best midfielders.

What this World Cup ’26 would imply: After coming near serving to the Three Lions declare England’s first main trophy in nearly 60 years, Bellingham certainly has his sights set on the World Cup. Sadly for the 21-year-old, his supporting forged (past Harry Kane, anyway) in all probability isn’t up for the duty.

_____

Why he makes the checklist: In March, “Fonzie” had surgical procedure to restore the torn ACL he suffered taking part in for Les Rouges towards the U.S. within the Concacaf Nations League’s comfort match. The damage is a serious setback for one among soccer’s quickest gamers, however the excellent news is that he ought to have sufficient time to recuperate and captain Jesse Marsch’s group in entrance of what’s positive to be a sea of purple for the Canadians’ group stage video games in Toronto and Vancouver.

What this World Cup ’26 would imply: Davies, Canada’s greatest ever participant, helped the nation snap a 36-year World Cup look drought three years in the past. However they misplaced all three video games in Qatar, and so they’re nonetheless winless all-time on soccer’s grandest stage. Throughout his once-in-a lifetime alternative to play in a World Cup at house, Davies shall be aiming to make a bit extra historical past.

_____

Why he makes the checklist: Some have referred to as Dembele the most effective participant on the earth in 2025. It’s not so farfetched given the ahead led Ligue 1 with 27 purpose contributions this season as he helped PSG win the Champions League title. Whereas he’s already a World Cup champion (2018), he grew to become an much more impactful participant for his membership after Neymar and Mbappe moved on and has even put himself in rivalry for the Ballon d’Or this 12 months.

What this World Cup ’26 would imply: Dembele is a 2018 World Cup champion and began for France within the 2022 closing vs. Argentina. Les Bleus are anxious to win one other World Cup trophy, and so they’re a favourite to take action in 2026. Nonetheless, France will want all of its high expertise, like Mbappe, Dembele and Need Doue, to be at their greatest to be able to keep off different harmful contenders like Spain.

_____

Why he makes the checklist: Luis Diaz had his most profitable season at Liverpool this 12 months, scoring 17 targets with eight assists throughout all competitions on his technique to serving to the membership win the Premier League title. The versatile, 28-year-old winger is beloved at Liverpool – the followers actually have a chant for him at Anfield – and his manufacturing has carried over to the Colombian nationwide group, the place he’s change into one of many squad’s most impactful gamers.

What this World Cup ’26 would imply: As the most efficient Colombian worldwide taking part in in Europe proper now, Diaz helped lead his nation to the Copa América closing towards Argentina a 12 months in the past – a carefully contested match that resulted in a 1-0 loss to the La Albiceleste. Colombia didn’t qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, however is actually seen as one of many South American contenders for 2026.

_____

Why he makes the checklist: Issues have been even bleaker in Italy than in Germany, the place the latter’s fellow four-time World Cup winner failed even to qualify for the final two tournaments. Italy can nonetheless emerge victorious from any competitors it’s in, nonetheless: Donnarumma proved it by main the Azzurri to a penalty kick win over England in London the the Euro 2020 closing.

What this World Cup ’26 would imply: It could imply every part for one of the passionate soccer nations on Earth. There’s a report of success in North America, too: In 1994, Italy survived a surprising loss to the Republic of Eire in its opener to succeed in the ultimate, the place it misplaced on spot kicks to Brazil.

_____

Why he makes the checklist: Regardless of the membership’s disappointing season, Bruno Fernandes is taken into account to be Manchester United’s most essential participant. He holds that accountability for his nationwide group as properly, which was evident when Portugal not too long ago beat European champion Spain to win the UEFA Nations League title. Fernandes, who wore the captain’s armband late within the sport after Cristiano Ronaldo went off with an damage, steadied the group and nailed his penalty kick throughout a dramatic shootout.

What this World Cup ’26 would imply: Portugal seems extra like a contender proper now after defeating World Cup favourite Spain in Nations League. The 30-year-old Fernandes is a fearless chief, inventive within the midfield and is aware of the best way to stability a younger squad with a legend in Ronaldo. Portugal made it to the quarterfinal on the 2022 World Cup, and, with Fernandes main the cost, might have sufficient expertise to make a deeper run in 2026.

_____

Why he makes the checklist: Europe’s most ruthless goalscorer has Norway on tempo to succeed in the World Cup for the primary time since 1998; on Monday, Haaland’s game-winning strike in a 2026 qualifier in Estonia gave the Norwegians their fourth straight victory on the highway to Canada/Mexico/USA 2026, a run that additionally contains final week’s 3-0 drubbing of four-time world champ Italy.

What this World Cup ’26 would imply: Maybe the most effective participant to not seem within the 2022 version, Haaland would make not simply his World Cup debut, however his first main event look in North America subsequent summer season.

_____

Why he makes the checklist: Among the finest fullbacks in soccer proper now, although Hakimi might in all probability play midfielder or ahead and be peerless at these positions, too. In any case, he had essentially the most targets of any defender in Ligue 1 this season. Hakimi performed a key position in serving to PSG win the Champions League title, and shall be on the massive stage this summer season as his squad compete within the FIFA Membership World Cup.

What this World Cup ’26 would imply: Hakimi was huge in main Morocco on a fabulous run to change into the primary African nation to succeed in the World Cup semifinals in 2022. Can the captain impress his nationwide group once more in what would be the greatest World Cup ever? No matter what sort of run the Atlas Lions go on this time, there’s no denying that the 26-year-old Hakimi is already seen as one among Africa’s best gamers ever.

_____

Why he makes the checklist: Jimenez had 14 targets and three assists throughout all competitions for Fulham this 12 months, which was the primary time because the 2019-20 season that he had scored in double figures for his membership. And whereas he could also be 34 years previous, Jimenez’s return to kind not solely benefited Fulham, however helped him lead Mexico each time he was competing for his nationwide group this season.

What this World Cup ’26 would imply: Jimenez scored each targets for Mexico in its Nations League closing win over Panama in March, and is poised to have an enormous summer season main El Tri by way of the Gold Cup. The squad is a favourite to win the event and if it does, Jimenez will most actually have had one thing to do with it. Mexico’s greatest World Cup end was making it to the quarterfinal in 1986, and as a co-host subsequent 12 months, Jimenez hopes to spark what could possibly be a historic run with a ton of fan assist behind him.

_____

Why he makes the checklist: One of many few Mexican gamers to reach Europe lately, Gimenez has flourished since leaving Cruz Azul of Liga MX in 2022. His 45 targets in 73 Dutch league appearances for Feyenoord earned him a transfer to Italy in January; he was among the many few shiny spots for Milan throughout the again half of final season. For El Tri, he appears to have cemented his position subsequent to Raul Jimenez on coach Javier Aguirre’s entrance line.

What this World Cup ’26 would imply: As is the case for all of of the American, Canadian and Mexican gamers, it doesn’t get extra particular than taking part in in a World Cup at house. Absolutely Santi is dreaming about belting out his nationwide anthem on the historic Estadio Azteca subsequent June 11, as Mexico turns into the primary nation (and Azteca the primary stadium) to host the tourney thrice.

_____

Why he makes the checklist: Kane has been among the best forwards on the earth for the higher a part of a decade. He not too long ago received the Bundesliga championship with Bayern Munich, and got here bitterly near main England to a European championship final summer season (however the Three Lions bumped into the inevitable Spain). Kane was the Bundesliga’s high scorer this season and received the Golden Boot with 26 targets, and had the second-most photographs with 110.

What this World Cup ’26 would imply: Is there a nation or a participant extra determined to win a World Cup than England and their captain Kane? In Qatar, you might need answered with Argentina, however Leo Messi and Co. bought their title. Now it’s time for Kane to cement his legacy of greatness and convey it house for England.

_____

Why he makes the checklist: Some of the skillful, enjoyable to observe gamers round, Kvaratskhelia left eventual Scudetto winner Napoli midseason to maneuver to PSG, the place he promptly helped the membership seize its first European title by scoring within the 5-0 closing win over Inter Milan.

What this World Cup ’26 would imply: The previous Soviet republic took an enormous stride on the worldwide stage final summer season by making their European Championship debut after which qualifying for the spherical of 16. Ought to Kvaratskhelia and Crusaders additionally guide a spot on the 2026 World Cup, it will mark the tiny (inhabitants: 3.7 million) nation’s first look at soccer’s marquee occasion.

_____

Why he makes the checklist: The 26-year-old midfielder was a key motive why Liverpool received the Premier League title this season. He’s a menace irrespective of the place he’s on the pitch and wins most of his one-on-one duels. He can defend, rating targets (he had seven targets and 6 assists throughout all competitions this season), and is a constant and dependable participant who could have an extended and profitable profession.

What this World Cup ’26 would imply: Mac Allister already is aware of what it’s prefer to hoist a World Cup trophy as a result of he helped Argentina win its first title since 1986 almost 4 years in the past in Qatar. He additionally performed an essential position in La Albiceleste’s Copa America title final summer season. It’s experiences like people who so many different gamers don’t have that may support Mac Allister as he strives to assist Argentina go back-to-back for the primary time since Brazil did it in 1958 and 1962.

_____

Why he makes the checklist: Emiliano Martinez is broadly thought of to be among the best goalkeepers within the Premier League and world wide. His command of the field, shot-stopping skill and thoughts video games throughout penalty shootouts make him a one-of-a-kind gem. Martinez has been a mainstay at Aston Villa for 5 years, although there are some rumblings of a summer season switch.

What this World Cup would imply: Martinez cemented his legendary standing when he helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Martinez made numerous miraculous saves, particularly within the closing vs. France, although maybe none as dramatic as his late save towards Randal Kolo Muani in stoppage time of additional time. He ended up successful the Golden Glove, which included some trophy ceremony antics. Then he adopted that efficiency up by serving to Argentina win the 2024 Copa America. One other World Cup trophy in 2026 would solely develop his superstardom much more.

_____

Why he makes the checklist: The 2018 World Cup winner got here oh-so-close in 2022, scoring a hat trick within the closing earlier than Les Bleus fell on penalties to Argentina and Messi — Mbappe’s Paris Saint-Germain teammate on the time. The 26-year-old has since moved to Actual Madrid the place, regardless of a trophy much less first season in 2024-25, he scored 31 targets in 34 video games and received the European Golden Shoe award for the primary time.

What this World Cup ’26 would imply: Mbappe was crushed by France’s loss in 2022, and he watched his hometown membership PSG win the Champions League with out him throughout his maiden season in Spain. That ought to make Mbappe extremely motivated heading into the 2025-26 marketing campaign and the World Cup proper after it. A famous fan of American tradition and now Didier Deschamps captain, he’d certainly relish the possibility to hoist the World Cup within the shadow of New York Metropolis subsequent summer season.

_____

Why he makes the checklist: So what if the GOAT turns 38 later this month. Three years after hoisting the World Cup for the primary time and ceaselessly cementing his legacy, Messi nonetheless has it on the worldwide degree. He helped the Albiceleste win the 2024 Copa América — its third consecutive main title — in Miami final summer season, and represented his nation for the 192nd time in final week’s World Cup qualifying win over Chile.

What this World Cup ’26 would imply: After successful all of it 4 years in the past, Messi modified his thoughts about worldwide retirement. However this World Cup, his sixth, will certainly be his final. It’s becoming that it’ll come within the nation the place he and his household now dwell, however there’s an enormous sporting problem, too: Pele’s Brazil was the final to win back-to-back World Cups, and no nation has ever received 4 main trophies in a row.

_____

Why he makes the checklist: One other member of Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024 squad, Pedri performed 4 of La Roja’s six video games in Germany, then made 35 begins as Barca received La Liga for the second time within the 22-year-old’s younger profession.

What this World Cup ’26 would imply: Pedri took a step ahead this season, serving to Barcelona to inside a penalty kick lack of the Champions League closing and touchdown on some Ballon d’Or shortlists alongside the best way. With teenage sensation Yamal by his facet, he could possibly be poised for a trophy-laden 2025-26 for membership and for nation.

_____

Why he makes the checklist: Regardless of a number of the warmth that has been heaped on Pulisic for skipping U.S. males’s nationwide group obligation this summer season, Pulisic is coming off the membership season off his life in Italy.

The 26-year-old scored a career-best 17 targets for the Rossoneri throughout all competitions final time period. Slowed by accidents early in his profession, he’s stayed largely wholesome for 2 years working, making 100 appearances with Milan since arriving from Chelsea in 2023.

What this World Cup 2026 would imply: With the event on house soil, subsequent summer season’s World Cup shall be nothing wanting a legacy-defining second for Pulisic, whose game-winning purpose over Iran within the group stage finale in 2022 despatched the Individuals to the knockout section. The co-hosts shall be seeking to go at the least one spherical additional subsequent 12 months — one thing the USMNT hasn’t achieved since they fell to Germany within the quarterfinals in 2002.

_____

Why he makes the checklist: Yamal and Pedri deserve their plaudits, however some might argue that no participant higher for Barca final season than the electrifying 28-year-old winger. Raphinha scored an astounding 13 targets in 14 Champions League video games final season, outpacing all-world striker Robert Lewandowski, and added one other 10 in La Liga.

What this World Cup ’26 would imply: The final time Brazil participated in a World Cup on North American shores, it received the title for the fourth time snapping a 24-year trophy drought. The Selecao added report fifth World Cup star to that well-known yellow jersey in 2002, which shall be 24 yeas in the past subsequent summer season. Brazil, in different phrases, is due. If they’ll win a sixth crown in 2026, Raphinha shall be an enormous motive.

_____

Why he makes the checklist: Rodri tore his ACL towards Arsenal in September, however made his long-awaited return and performed his first minutes because the damage with Manchester Metropolis in Might. Simply how detrimental was his absence? Man Metropolis struggled with out the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, and misplaced the FA Cup closing to Crystal Palace this spring. Now that the world’s greatest defensive midfielder is again, Man Metropolis has an opportunity to win a trophy this summer season when it competes on the FIFA Membership World Cup.

What this World Cup ’26 would imply: Spain is already a favourite to win the 2026 World Cup, with its younger stars like Lamine Yamal and Pedri making the headlines. However La Roja was upset by Portugal within the current Nations League finals, which was determined by a penalty shootout. Spain didn’t have Rodri, nonetheless, and it’s a totally different group when he’s within the midfield. If Rodri can keep wholesome, it is a group who might realistically win the nation’s second-ever World Cup.

_____

Why he makes the checklist: Ronaldo’s face stated all of it. The 40-year-old famous person was beside himself in tears when he helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League title over Spain after a penalty shootout. Ronaldo scored two targets within the run of play – the game-winner over Germany within the semifinal and the tying purpose towards Spain within the closing. At membership degree, he was the Saudi Professional League’s high scorer this previous season with 25 targets and is inching nearer and nearer to that 1,000-career purpose mark.

What this World Cup ’26 would imply: For those who thought the 2022 World Cup in Qatar can be his final rodeo, you had been incorrect. Ronaldo shall be 41 on the 2026 event and would give completely something to win a World Cup trophy for Portugal. In any case, he’s already received most every part else, together with 5 Ballon d’Ors and he presently holds the report for essentially the most targets in Champions League with 140. However for him, nothing would imply as a lot as successful a World Cup. Simply ask his pal, Leo Messi.

_____

Why he makes the checklist: The 32-year-old Salah was in high kind for Premier League champions Liverpool this season. He led the league with 29 targets and 18 assists and has the distinctive skill to raise his teammates up within the course of. Salah not too long ago signed a two-year contract extension with the Reds that may hold him there by way of 2027, which is nice for the membership contemplating he hasn’t proven indicators of slowing down anytime quickly.

What this World Cup ’26 would imply: Egypt final performed in a World Cup in 2018 and didn’t make it out of the group stage. The nationwide group as soon as made it to the Spherical of 16, however that was in 1934. Given what Morocco did in Qatar in 2022 – changing into the Cinderella of the event and happening a magical run to the semifinal – might Salah lead Egypt on an analogous trip in 2026?

_____

Why he makes the checklist: Vinicius was the 2024 Greatest FIFA Males’s Participant and the Ballon d’Or runner-up. He scored 21 targets and added 18 assists throughout all competitions for Actual Madrid this previous season, although he has been a bit inconsistent in his play this season. Whereas that could possibly be due partially to constructing chemistry with Kylian Mbappe, the winger is reportedly near signing a brand new cope with the membership that might hold the winger there by way of 2030.

What this World Cup would imply: Brazil is determined for a profitable World Cup. The Seleçao has not hoisted the trophy since 2002, and given the quantity of expertise on this squad, there’s actually no excuse. Successful all of it in 2026 can be legacy-building stuff for a participant like Vini Jr., who has already received a lot – together with LaLiga and Champions League titles. Nonetheless, he’s nonetheless solely 24 and so long as he stays match and in kind, could have extra main tournaments forward of him.

_____

Why he makes the checklist: After serving to Leverkusen to an undefeated Bundesliga season in 2023-24 and the membership’s first-ever German high flight title, the attacking playmaker, 22, seems set to affix English Premier League champions for the season forward of the ’26 World Cup.

What this World Cup ’26 would imply: 4 time world champion Germany hasn’t been capable of even survive the group stage on the previous two World Cups. There’s little question that Writz and the remainder of Die Mannschaft shall be bent on ending that embarrassing streak subsequent summer season.

_____

Why he makes the checklist: Nonetheless simply 17, Yamal already is perhaps the most effective participant on the planet. The silky easy attacker performed a key position in serving to La Roja win the European Championship final summer season by scoring a spectacular purpose within the semifinal win over France, then adopted that up by main Barca to Spanish title and the Champions League semis. No marvel he’s on the Ballon d’Or brief checklist this 12 months.

What this World Cup ’26 would imply: For all these accomplishments, Yamal nonetheless isn’t but a family title in fairly the best way Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe are. One motive for that? Yamal has but to play in a World Cup. He’ll change into a bona fide world famous person subsequent summer season, although, on a group that’s greater than able to lifting the trophy.

Laken Litman covers faculty soccer, faculty basketball and soccer for FOX Sports activities. She beforehand wrote for Sports activities Illustrated, USA As we speak and The Indianapolis Star. She is the creator of “Sturdy Like a Lady,” printed in spring 2022 to mark the fiftieth anniversary of Title IX. Comply with her at @LakenLitman.

Doug McIntyre is a soccer reporter for FOX Sports activities who has coated United States males’s and girls’s nationwide groups at FIFA World Cups on 5 continents. Comply with him @ByDougMcIntyre.