10 Players to Watch at the FIFA World Cup 2026

We are six months from the biggest World Cup in history as 48 nations vie for football’s most prestigious trophy.  The World Cup is where legends are born.  We’ve seen players break through on the global stage at this event.  The great Pelé in 1958, Maradona in 1986, and Lionel Messi in 2022. So who are the names to watch in 2026?   Here are ten players to keep an eye on this summer.

Icons Who Remain

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

At 38, this could be Lionel Messi’s final World Cup. Then again, we could see in 2030 when Argentina will be one of the co-hosts. Once again, Messi will lead the attack for his country and after lifting the trophy in 2022, he’s looking to make history and win back-to-back titles. Messi is three goals short of tying the all-time scoring mark at the World Cup, and has a chance to break the record in 2026. He’ll be a contender to win the Golden Boot on the betting markets and Player of the Tournament, if Argentina gets to another final. Messi is must-see TV and when he’s on the pitch, the entire world is watching.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Along with Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greats in football and will be 41 at next year’s World Cup.  Surely, this will be his final appearance (Portugal is a co-host in 2030). He still commands attention on the pitch and is nearing 1,000 career goals and has scored 8 at 22 World Cup appearances.  For football fans, 2026 could likely be their final chance to witness one of the greatest footballers on the biggest stage. While he is older, Ronaldo can still deliver world-class moments as he tries to lead Portugal to a first World Cup. And based on the draw, we could see Ronaldo face Messi in the quarterfinal stage.

In Their Prime

Vinicius Junior (Brazil)

Vinicius Junior headlines Brazil’s next generation – taking over from Neymar – as his flair and pace make him one of the most entertaining players this summer. The Real Madrid forward lost out the 2024 Ballon d’Or award but has a chance to make up for that in 2026. He’s only scored 8 times for Brazil, and once at the World Cup, but if Vinicius can deliver a World Cup, he’ll go down as one of the country’s greats, joining the likes of Ronaldo and Pele.

Erling Haaland (Norway)

Norway had no problem punching a ticket to the World Cup, the first time since 1998 and a big reason was the play of Erling Haaland. He led all of Europe with 16 goals during qualification – and is arguably the best pure striker in the world.  This will be his first major international tournament and his odds to win the Golden Boot will increase if Norway can get out of the group stage. The Manchester City striker could single-handedly change Norway’s chances at this tournament.

Desire Doue (France)

Desire Doue will be just 21 years old next summer but has the potential to steal the show for France.  Doue has been thriving at PSG and was part of the national side that won silver at the Paris Olympics in 2024. He’s exciting, quick and knows how to find the back of the net.  Doue could form a dangerous attack alongside Kylian Mbappe.  He’s already played in a Champions League final and could break through on the world stage next summer.

Bukayo Saka (England)

Bukayo Saka has been named England Men’s Player of the Year twice and is the main threat for Arsenal.   While players like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham get most of the attention, Saka adds to the Three Lions set-up.  His pace and ability to get by defenders makes him very dangerous for England.   The ball sticks to him and so many of England’s attacks go through his Saka. The 24-year-old could be the piece that sends England further through the tournament. 

Christian Pulisic (USA)

Christian Pulisic has been the golden boy for the USMNT for over a decade and has scored 30 goals for his country. He scored the winner vs. Iran at the 2022 World Cup and now has a chance to shine on home soil.  Pulisic has always carried the load, but next summer, it should be shared.  Still, any chance of the U.S. doing well, goes through the 27-year-old.  The captain’s European experience makes him the face of U.S. football.

The Next Generation

Xavi Simons (The Netherlands)

Xavi Simons definitely falls into the category of ‘one to watch’ as this attacking midfielder is known for his incredible vision, creativity and football IQ.  Simons rose through the Barcelona academy and played at PSV and RB Leipzig before moving to Tottenham.  The 22-year old is a game-changer with a big personality, always seeking to create and score, making him a key contributor to the Dutch’s chances in 2026.

Florian Wirtz (Germany)

He is Liverpool’s newest superstar but Florian Wirtz can handle the pressure.  Since winning the World Cup in 2014, Germany has crashed out in the group stage in the last two tournaments.  Now, Wirtz is part of the new generation of German football and looks to change the past.  The 22-year old is exciting, deadly in front of goal and has a great supporting cast to get the job done. 

Lamine Yamal (Spain)

Lamine Yamal is just 18-years old and has already won the European Championship with Spain and La Liga with Barcelona. Yamal leads Spain, the favorites to win it all and would turn 19 just a week before the World Cup final.  What can’t this kid do?  He’s fast, smart and can upend defenders with his skill and tempo.  Yamal is the face of Spanish football for the next decade and he would be a great bet to be named Player of the Tournament if he can lead Spain to another World Cup trophy.

Passing of the Torch

Every World Cup sees a changing of the guard and 2026 is no exception.  With Messi and Ronaldo possibly taking their last bows, we’ll see the future of global football on full display.  Mbappé, Haaland, and Bellingham to Simons, Wirtz and Yamal.  The only thing certain, the beautiful game will be in great hands moving forward.