10 players to keep an eye on in the World Cup

Two of the greatest players in football history, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, are about to make their final appearances on the sport's biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup.

Messi and Ronaldo can finally pass the baton to a new generation, which includes Spaniard Lamine Yamal. Kylian Mbappé — who was just 19 when he won the World Cup with France in 2018 — is still hoping to confirm his place as Messi and Ronaldo's successor. But there are other players who are also ready to shine in the United States, Canada and Mexico — from Norwegian goalscorer Erling Haaland to American Christian Pulisic. Check out 10 players to keep an eye on in this World Cup that starts on Thursday.

Lionel Messi, Argentina The magnificent Messi finally achieved his career ambition in Qatar four years ago by leading Argentina to World Cup glory, emulating national icon Diego Maradona. With this, Messi effectively completed his career in football, winning the main titles for clubs and national teams, as well as individual awards. Since Qatar, he has moved to the United States, making Inter Miami a dominant force in MLS, winning the MLS Cup last year. His status as the greatest player of all time is still debated, with Maradona and Pelé generally considered his main rivals for the title. However, winning two World Cups — which Pelé did in 1958 and 62 — would further strengthen his position. Messi, however, gave Argentina something to worry about two weeks before the World Cup. The 38-year-old was substituted in an Inter Miami game and diagnosed with "an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left thigh." However, he returned on Tuesday in a friendly against Iceland, coming off the bench to score a goal in a 3-0 victory.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal Ronaldo is still waiting for the only trophy he is missing from his record-packed career. The Portuguese star arrives at the World Cup after leading Saudi club Al Nassr to the league title this season. This trophy joins league titles with Manchester United in England, Real Madrid in Spain and Juventus in Italy, as well as five Champions League trophies (four with Madrid, one with United). He also won the European Championship with Portugal and two UEFA Nations League titles. With 143 goals, he is the record holder in men's international football, and no one has scored more than his 41 goals in World Cup qualifying. Even at the age of 41, his hunger for trophies and records shows no sign of abating.

Kylian Mbappé, France Mbappé has long been considered the player who will take over the title of best in the world after Messi and Ronaldo. Some would say that the Real Madrid striker has already done that, winning the World Cup and several other competitions, but the fact that he has not yet won the Champions League or the Ballon d'Or leaves a huge doubt about his career. He should have a good chance of winning this year's Ballon d'Or — awarded annually to the best player in the world — if he can lead France to another World Cup title after topping Spain's scoring charts and shining in the Champions League. Mbappé is often measured by what he hasn't achieved, rather than what he has. After two years at Madrid, he is still hoping for important titles in Spain.

Ousmane Dembélé, France The current Ballon d'Or holder became a Champions League winner for the second time after theParis Saint-Germain successfully defends its title. The French striker has revived his career since joining PSG three years ago. Considered one of Europe's biggest prospects at the start of his career, Barcelona bought Dembélé for $173 million in 2017. A disappointing time in Spain led many to think he would never fulfill his potential. Nobody says that now.


Erling Haaland, Norway The Manchester City striker is playing in his first major international tournament after breaking records at club level. Haaland, 25, is on track to break the Champions League and Premier League goalscoring records, already surpassing the marks set by Messi in terms of speed of goal accumulation. Norway are an underdog at this World Cup, but with Haaland, they have probably the most lethal striker in the tournament.

Lamine Yamal, Spain The Spanish teen sensation was the star of his team's victory at the 2024 European Championship, even though he hadn't turned 17 on the eve of the final. With mesmerizing speed and dribbling, he became the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Euros. Yamal is being compared to Messi, with whom he was photographed as a baby. He has overtaken Mbappé as the player most likely to fill the void when Messi and Ronaldo retire, and an impressive World Cup could strengthen that argument.

Jude Bellingham, England He is the midfielder that virtually every big team wanted when Real Madrid secured his signature in 2023. He led the club to their 15th Champions League and the Spanish title in his first season, as well as taking England to the Euro final with one of the tournament's goals along the way. Bellingham is a winner on the pitch, capable of unforgettable moments on the biggest stage, and despite a disappointing season at Madrid, he will be one of England's biggest hopes for a major title, something that hasn't happened since 1966.

Neymar, Brazil The greatest goalscorer in Brazil's history has borne the weight of a nation on his shoulders throughout his career. Despite achieving top honors as a player, he has yet to lead Brazil to a sixth World Cup title. Neymar, now 34, was called up by coach Carlo Ancelotti for his fourth World Cup after battling injuries and a disappointing move to Saudi Arabia since the last edition in Qatar four years ago.

Mohamed Salah, Egypt The Egyptian icon is leaving Liverpool after a disappointing campaign but remains his country's talisman. Egypt can only hope that the 33-year-old striker has saved his best for the World Cup. Salah scored 257 goals in 442 games and won a full collection of trophies with Liverpool — including the Champions League and two Premier League titles. With Egypt, he was runner-up in two African Cup of Nations.

Christian Pulisic, USA From an early age, Pulisic was seen as the potential biggest American football star abroad. He went on to play for some of the biggest clubs in Europe, in Germany, England and Italy, winning great honours, the biggest being the Champions League with Chelsea. Now at AC Milan, the striker has rediscovered his more consistent form and will be an important part of Mauricio Pochettino's hopes for theseleção dos EUA vá longe em uma Copa do Mundo em casa.

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