Lionel Messi’s magical step, Cristiano Ronaldo’s acrobatic finishing, Lamine Yamal’s exploits on the wing and Kylian Mbappe’s sensational speed.
The wait is almost over to witness it all as the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Thursday, June 11th.
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From legends of the game to up-and-coming stars, Al Jazeera picks the top 10 players to watch in the tournament.
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Four years ago, Messi realized a childhood dream by lifting the elusive World Cup, the missing piece in his vast trophy collection.
The 38-year-old star forward returns in search of reaching the final for a record-tying sixth time as Argentina successfully defend the title they won in Qatar.
Messi, who is at the heart of Argentine soccer, may have limited involvement in this tournament as his age and fitness will determine his role in defending the title.
Lamine Yamal (Spain)
Yamal may only be 18 years old, but he is arguably the best winger of his generation and shows maturity well beyond his years.
Yamal heads into his first World Cup after playing a key role in leading Spain to the Euro 2024 title, and fans and pundits are looking forward to seeing what new tricks he brings to the table.
If Yamal continues his talent and goal-scoring exploits, he could become the youngest player to win the Golden Boot, which is awarded to the competition’s top scorer.
Kylian Mbappe (France)
The 2022 World Cup was bittersweet for Mbappé, as he narrowly missed out on winning the championship despite scoring a sensational hat-trick in the final, which was ultimately decided on penalties.
However, there were some silver linings to the campaign. Mbappe won the Golden Boot award as the tournament’s top scorer, reminding opponents of his destructive attacking ability.
Now with more experience under his belt, the Frenchman heads to the 2026 World Cup with his eyes firmly set on the prize money.
And another milestone is just around the corner. Mbappe is just one goal shy of Olivier Giroud’s 57 goals, France’s all-time top scorer. Giroud achieved the feat at the age of 36, while Mbappé was able to do it at the age of 27.
Erling Haaland (Norway)
One of the most lethal strikers in European football, Norway’s Haaland will make his World Cup debut this summer.
Haaland, who leads Norway’s promising ‘golden generation’, was outstanding in the UEFA qualifiers, finishing as top scorer with 16 goals, more than twice as many as his nearest challenger.
In October, the Manchester City forward became the sixth player in history to score 50 international goals with fewer than 50 caps, and the first in 53 years. The 25-year-old is aptly labeled a ‘goal machine’.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
The 2026 World Cup could be Ronaldo’s last dance.
The 41-year-old forward is in the twilight years of his career, but his incredible fitness levels continue to push him forward despite his age.
Having led Portugal to continental glory, Ronaldo is aiming for his first World Cup title and ultimately hopes to repeat that success on the world stage.
The talismanic forward struggled for a few minutes at the Qatar 2022 World Cup due to a falling out with then-manager Fernando Santos, but he has achieved much under manager Roberto Martinez and is aiming to improve on his previous best record of four goals in the tournament.
Harry Kane (England)
Striker Kane heads into the World Cup in the best form of his career, having just won his second Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich.
The England national team captain, who has been the league’s top scorer in consecutive seasons, will bring sublime attacking power to the Three Lions, who are one of the pre-tournament favorites for the title.
Kane, who won the Golden Boot award after scoring six goals at the 2018 World Cup, is expected to challenge for that honor again as he leads England.
If successful, Kane will become the first player in history to win the Golden Boot award twice.
Vinicius Jr. (Brazil)
The huge difference four years makes is best reflected in Vinicius Jr.’s remarkable journey. He had just broken into the team for the 2022 World Cup. Vinicius has now emerged as one of the biggest stars in world football.
Vinicius, known for his speed, dribbling and technique, will be at the forefront of the Selecao’s star-studded attack, which also includes surprise all-time top scorer Neymar Jr., as Brazil look to rediscover their title-winning pedigree.
Vinicius Junior has a trusted mentor in coach Carlo Ancelotti, under whom he flourished during the Italians’ reign at Real Madrid and was named FIFA Men’s Player of the Year in 2024.
Antoine Semenyo (Ghana)
After joining Manchester City earlier this year, winger Semenyo quickly impressed with his playmaking ability. His 10 goals played a key role in City’s title challenge, but the 26-year-old will fondly remember the season for his incredible backheel finish that gave the club their eighth FA Cup trophy.
At the World Cup, Semenyo could even build on that form and emerge as the Ghana team’s marquee player, stepping up in the absence of injured midfielder Mohamed Kudus.
With the Ghanaian national team in a period of transition, Semenyo stands tall as their talisman.
Arda Gyular (Tolkier)
Crescent Stars are back in the World Cup after more than 20 years and Turkish fans will be pinning all their hopes on a promising side led by star winger Arda Güler.
Already establishing himself as one of the best young players in Europe, Guler is ready to take the next step and announce himself on the world’s biggest stage as the Real Madrid sensation prepares for his first major tournament with the national team.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
One of African football’s greatest icons, Salah has broken countless personal records and won honors for almost every major club, but the 33-year-old has yet to win a title for his home country.
A muscle injury threatened to derail his World Cup efforts, but fans will be relieved to know that the “King of Egypt” will be leading the charge in North America as he looks to complete unfinished business in what is likely his final action on the world stage.
The FIFA World Cup begins on June 11th. Check out Al Jazeera’s dedicated 2026 World Cup page for all the latest news, fixtures and live text commentary, and stay up to date with group standings, real-time results and schedules.
