The star players to watch at the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup blends established icons with a new wave of talent. These are some of the players who can make the difference and fight for the tournament's Golden Ball.
The tournament's stars
| Player | National team | Why to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Kylian Mbappé | France | Already has 12 World Cup goals and is chasing the all-time records |
| Lamine Yamal | Spain | The jewel of the European champions |
| Vinícius Jr. | Brazil | Pace and goals down the wing |
| Jude Bellingham | England | The engine of England's generation |
| Harry Kane | England | A clinical finisher and target man |
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Ver App GratisSquads with depth
Beyond the individual stars, several teams arrive with luxury benches:
- Portugal: Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leão form one of the deepest squads.
- France: around Mbappé there is elite cover in every line.
- Spain: Yamal's generation combines youth with the recent European title.
Who could be the breakout star?
World Cups tend to launch a young player into stardom. The expanded 48-team format gives more minutes to players from less regular teams, so a surprise outside the big favorites would be no shock.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the most anticipated player at the 2026 World Cup? Kylian Mbappé, arriving at his peak and close to the scoring records.
Which young prospect should I watch? Lamine Yamal, Spain's emerging star.
Which team has the most stars? France, Spain, England and Portugal stand out for their depth.
Want to master football and the 2026 World Cup? Test your knowledge with Football One Quiz, the official app for iOS and Android.
