Who are the best star players to watch at World Cup 2026? | World Cup 2026 News
FIFA World Cup 2026: Key Players to Watch
The excitement is building as the FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to begin Thursday, June 11. Fans around the globe are ready to witness exceptional talent, from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to emerging stars like Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé.
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Lionel Messi, at 38, is making his sixth World Cup appearance. Four years ago, he led Argentina to its third world title in Qatar, fulfilling a lifelong aspiration. As the team aims to defend its championship, Messi’s role may be influenced by age and fitness.
Lamine Yamal (Spain)
Eighteen-year-old Lamine Yamal will make his World Cup debut following a standout role in Spain’s victory in Euro 2024. Known for his exceptional skill, Yamal is anticipated to showcase his talents on this significant stage.
Kylian Mbappé (France)
Kylian Mbappé, who narrowly missed the title in 2022 despite scoring a hat trick in the final, is poised to return with greater experience. He won the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer last time and is just one goal shy of matching France’s all-time scoring record, held by Olivier Giroud.
Erling Haaland (Norway)
Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, known as a “goal machine,” will make his World Cup debut after leading UEFA qualifying with 16 goals. Haaland reached 50 international goals in fewer than 50 caps, a remarkable feat in football.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo is prepared for potentially his last World Cup. Despite challenges in Qatar, he continues to defy age with unmatched fitness and will seek to guide Portugal to its first World Cup victory, having already led the team to European glory.
Harry Kane (England)
England captain Harry Kane arrives at the tournament in impressive form after winning his second Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich. The Golden Boot winner from 2018 aims to capture the honor again, which would make him the first player to win it twice.
Vinicius Jr (Brazil)
Having established himself as a prominent player in world football since the last World Cup, Vinicius Jr will be a critical part of Brazil’s attack. He is expected to step up in the absence of several injured teammates as Brazil seeks to reclaim its championship status.
Antoine Semenyo (Ghana)
Ghana’s Antoine Semenyo heads to his first World Cup after an impressive season with Manchester City. As Ghana’s squad transitions, Semenyo’s emerging playmaking ability places him in a key role as the team navigates injuries.
Arda Güler (Turkey)
Star winger Arda Güler will represent Turkey in its first World Cup appearance in over two decades. With a growing reputation in European football, Güler is poised to make a significant impact on the global stage.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
As one of Africa’s greatest football icons, Mohamed Salah returns for his second World Cup, seeking a title that has eluded him. Despite recent injury concerns, fans are optimistic about his contributions as he leads Egypt’s campaign.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 promises thrilling matchups and memorable performances. Follow all the action on Al Jazeera’s dedicated World Cup page for the latest news, match updates, and in-depth analysis.
