June 11 — July 19 · USA · Mexico · Canada
The fastest player on the planet and arguably the best. With Real Madrid's backing and France's depth, Mbappé enters his prime World Cup as the favourite to win the Golden Boot. Will he finally win the trophy that eluded him in 2022?
The greatest of all time, now 38, enters what could be his final World Cup as reigning champion. Playing in Miami — essentially his home city — Messi will have the crowd in his pocket. Every touch could be his last on the world's biggest stage.
Born the day Spain won Euro 2008, Yamal is the most electrifying teenage talent since Pelé. His dribbling and finishing at Barcelona and Spain is at a level that defies his age. He could emerge from this tournament as the undisputed best player on Earth.
Explosive, unpredictable and devastating in one-on-one situations, Vinicius is the heartbeat of Brazil's attack. His dribbling and finishing for Real Madrid has been world-class. With Brazil desperate to end their 24-year World Cup drought, all eyes are on Vini Jr.
The most prolific scorer in Premier League history enters his first World Cup. Norway's qualification is built entirely around Haaland — if he fires, they can go deep. At 6'4" with sprint speed and a clinical finish, opposing defenders have no answer.
Playing on home soil at his absolute peak, Pulisic carries the hopes of an entire nation. Consistently brilliant for AC Milan, he'll be energised by American crowds at MetLife, AT&T Stadium and beyond. The loudest cheers of the tournament could be for him.
Technically complete, box-to-box, and with the big-game mentality of a champion. At Real Madrid Bellingham has proven he belongs at the very top. For England, he's the fulcrum around whom everything flows — and at 22 he's only getting better.
The heir to Xavi's throne. Pedri controls midfield with an intelligence and grace that makes it look effortless. For Spain's possession-heavy style, he is the metronome. With Euro 2024 gold around his neck, he arrives at 2026 as a legitimate world-class operator.
The 2022 World Cup's breakout star and now Argentina's focal point alongside Messi. Álvarez's work rate, intelligence and clinical finishing make him one of the most complete strikers in world football. He could be the player who carries Argentina past the Messi era.
England's all-time top scorer enters 2026 as one of the most lethal strikers ever to play the game. The only missing piece is a major trophy — can he finally deliver it on home soil for England? At Bayern he's been exceptional; now it's World Cup time.
Gavi is the ultimate pressing midfielder — relentless, technically brilliant and born to play in Barça's midfield. His high-energy style sets the tone for Spain's pressing game. Returning from injury and hungry to prove himself at a full World Cup.
The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner is the best defensive midfielder in world football. Rodri's reading of the game, passing range and ability to dictate tempo make Spain nearly unbeatable when he's on the pitch. His fitness going into the tournament is Spain's biggest variable.
Consistently one of the best players in the Premier League, Saka's direct running, creativity and efficiency in front of goal make him England's most dangerous outlet. After the heartbreak of Euro 2020 penalty miss, he is driven, focused and determined to write a new chapter.
The most technically gifted right back of his generation — now deployed more centrally at Real Madrid. His passing range, vision and delivery from set pieces are assets no other defender on the planet can match. A potential game-changer in any match he plays.
Widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world, Alisson's composure, distribution and shot-stopping ability give Brazil a foundation that few nations can match. With Brazil's star-studded attack, Alisson's job is to keep the sheet clean and let the forwards do the damage.
The son of USA legend Claudio Reyna, Giovanni has the technical quality and vision to unlock any defence. After injury heartbreak at Qatar 2022, he arrives in 2026 fully fit, matured and hungry. For a host nation looking to go deep, Reyna is the creative spark they need.