Top Star Players to Watch at World Cup 2026

The Road to World Cup 2026

The wait is almost over as the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on Thursday, June 11. The tournament promises to be an exciting event with many top star players participating.

Top Star Players to Watch

From the legends of the game to emerging stars, here are the top 10 players to watch at the World Cup 2026:

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Four years ago, Messi fulfilled a childhood dream when he lifted the elusive World Cup, the missing piece in his vast collection of trophies. Now, aged 38, the star forward returns for a joint-record sixth appearance at the finals, as Argentina look to successfully defend the title won in Qatar.

Lamine Yamal (Spain)

Yamal may be only 18 years old, but the winger shows maturity far beyond his years. After playing a key role in guiding Spain to the Euro 2024 title, Yamal heads to his maiden World Cup, with fans and critics eager to see which new tricks he will pull out of his hat.

Kylian Mbappe (France)

The 2022 World Cup was bittersweet for Mbappe, who narrowly missed out on the title despite scoring a sensational hat-trick in the final. Now, with more experience under his belt, the Frenchman heads to the 2026 World Cup with his eyes firmly on the prize.

Erling Haaland (Norway)

One of the most lethal strikers in European football, Norway’s Haaland will make his World Cup debut this summer. Leading Norway’s promising “golden generation”, Haaland was the standout performer in UEFA qualifying, finishing as the top scorer with 16 goals.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

The 2026 World Cup could be Ronaldo’s last dance. At 41, the forward is in the twilight of his career, though he continues to defy age with his remarkable fitness levels. Having guided Portugal to continental glory, Ronaldo will hope to finally replicate that success on the global stage.

Harry Kane (England)

Fresh off the high of lifting his second Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich, striker Kane heads to the World Cup in some of the best form of his career. The England captain will bring sublime attacking firepower to the Three Lions, one of the pre-tournament favourites.

Vinicius Jr (Brazil)

What a difference four years can make is best reflected in Vinicius Jr’s remarkable journey. At the 2022 World Cup, he had only just broken into the side. Now, Vinicius arrives as one of the biggest stars in world football.

Antoine Semenyo (Ghana)

After joining Manchester City at the beginning of the year, winger Semenyo has quickly impressed with his playmaking ability. At the World Cup, Semenyo could build on that form and even emerge as the poster boy of the Ghana team.

Arda Guler (Turkiye)

The Crescent Stars will rise again at a World Cup after more than two decades, and Turkish fans will rest all their hopes on a promising squad, headlined by star winger Arda Guler.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

One of the greatest icons of African football, Salah has broken countless individual records and won almost every major club honour, but the 33-year-old has yet to lift a title with his nation. A muscle injury threatened to derail his World Cup campaign, but fans will be relieved to know the “Egyptian King” will be leading their charge in North America.