With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just weeks away, the spotlight is already shining on football’s biggest names as they prepare to carry the hopes of their nations into the first-ever 48-team tournament across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
From proven legends to rising sensations, here are five stars expected to define this summer’s global spectacle.
Kylian Mbappe heads into the World Cup with history firmly within reach despite enduring a frustrating spell at Real Madrid.
The France captain has yet to win a major trophy during his two seasons in Spain, even while maintaining his reputation as one of Europe’s most lethal forwards. Questions were also raised over his commitment after he took a holiday while recovering from a late-season hamstring injury.
However, the World Cup has long been Mbappe’s stage.
The 27-year-old exploded onto the scene during France’s 2018 triumph and delivered another unforgettable campaign in 2022, scoring eight goals — including a hat-trick in the final against Argentina.
Mbappe now needs just four more goals to equal Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record of 16.
After years of waiting, Erling Haaland will finally experience his first major international tournament as Norway return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
The Manchester City striker was unstoppable during qualifying, scoring 16 goals in eight matches as Norway cruised through a group that included Italy.
Haaland has now netted an astonishing 55 goals in only 49 appearances for his country and arrives at the tournament as the face of Norway’s highly talented generation led alongside Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.
Norway have been drawn into a difficult group featuring France and African champions Senegal, meaning Haaland’s goals could prove crucial if they are to make a deep run.
While Neymar’s return has captured headlines in Brazil, much of the pressure will fall on Vinicius Junior to lead the Seleção back to World Cup glory.
The Real Madrid winger has shared the spotlight with Mbappe at club level, but this tournament offers him the opportunity to become Brazil’s next global icon and strengthen his Ballon d’Or ambitions.
Vinicius famously boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony alongside his Madrid teammates after Manchester City midfielder Rodri won the award despite the Brazilian starring in a Champions League-winning campaign.
Still, his international numbers remain underwhelming. Vinicius scored only once at the previous World Cup and has managed just eight goals in 47 appearances for Brazil.
Harry Kane may be entering his final realistic opportunity to win the World Cup with England — and he arrives in exceptional form.
The England captain enjoyed a sensational season with Bayern Munich, scoring 58 goals in 50 matches as the German giants secured the Bundesliga title and pushed deep into Europe.
Kane has transformed England into consistent tournament contenders but is still chasing the major trophy that has eluded the Three Lions for nearly 60 years.
Unlike previous tournaments where fatigue affected his performances, Bayern carefully managed Kane’s workload this season after wrapping up the Bundesliga title early, potentially leaving the striker fresher than ever for England’s World Cup challenge.
Lamine Yamal enters the World Cup as one of football’s most exciting young stars, although injury concerns threaten to delay his impact.
The 18-year-old dazzled during Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and was enjoying another brilliant campaign with Barcelona before suffering a hamstring injury on April 22.
Reports suggest Yamal could miss Spain’s opening group matches against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, but La Roja remain hopeful he will return later in the tournament.
Prior to his injury, Yamal had rediscovered top form after a slow start to the season, scoring 24 goals as Barcelona stormed to a second consecutive LaLiga title.
Many already regard him as one of the best players in world football — and the World Cup could become the stage where he fully announces himself to the world.
