With a record 48 teams in this year’s competition, there is a range of countries competing across the US, Canada and Mexico, with many star players hoping to lead their teams to victory. Here are six to keep an eye on in this campaign, each from a different country in the world!
Erling Haaland (Norway)
The Leeds born striker has become a household name since his signing to Manchester City, and has received nearly every award available at a domestic level, as well as 49 senior caps for his country. It is surprising, then, that Norway’s all time top scorer has never made an appearance in either the World Cup or the European championships, with Norway falling short in a staggering 12 consecutive international qualifying campaigns. Until now.
With his team’s entry into the 2026 World Cup, Haaland finally has the opportunity to strike on the world stage, and we think he will have a massive impact. Haaland has scored 25 goals in the Premier League this season, as well as eight in the Champions League and 16 in Norway’s qualification run, and he is likely to push for the World Cup Golden Boot to add to his accolades.
Jamal Musiala (Germany)
Germany’s 23-year old starlet will be appearing in his second World Cup this year, after becoming the youngest German player to make 50 Champions League appearances in April. The Bayern midfielder has played a key role in their dominance this season, as the team looks on track to secure a treble in the German league, having already won the Bundesliga title.
The 40-capped international wonderkid will be looking to make a mark in the US this year, with Germany hoping to top Group E and win their fifth world cup title, which would bring them level with Brazil’s record in the competition.
Raphinha (Brazil)
Speaking of Brazil, the former Champions League top scorer will be making his second appearance in a World Cup, and will likely pass 40 caps for his country in this year’s campaign. Since signing for Barcelona in 2022, he has made a significant impact, with the team currently chasing their second consecutive La Liga title, having won the trophy in the 24/25 season.
Brazil are, as always, a contender to win the title, which would be Raphinha’s first international trophy with the team if it came to pass. It would also extend Brazil to an incredible six world cups, and Brazil will almost certainly be relying on Raphinha in their push for glory this year.
Son Heung-Min (South Korea)
Following his signing to MLS team Los Angeles FC this season, the South Korean legend will not be travelling as far as some other players this year, as he enters his 4th World Cup, being hosted partly in the USA. The former Tottenham talisman will be looking to make an impact as South Korea push for another good performance this year.
The captain and star player for South Korea, Son Heung-Min may just be a dark horse candidate for the Golden Boot or Most Assists award, with 9 goals in his 19 appearances for LAFC, as well as 54 goals in a staggering 142 appearances for his national team. In the event of a dark push for the squad, he may even surpass 150 caps, as we think they might just be able to succeed if they can perform well in group A.
Kylian Mbappe (France)
The 27 year old Real Madrid striker and France captain has had an interesting domestic season this year. With Real Madrid looking as though they will be locked out of the La Liga title, as well as a disappointing exit from the Champions League and his rumoured involvement in backstage politics within the Real Madrid dressing room.
Despite this, the French captain will still be a key asset to the squad in their campaign, and will be hoping to build upon their World Cup silver medals in 2022 and win their third world cup, as well as their second in the past decade. The 96-cap striker will be eyeing his second consecutive Golden Boot, and with 56 goals for France in his career, including eight in the previous campaign, he’s an easy favourite for the award.
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Finally, we have to acknowledge the legend that is Lionel Messi. With this competition likely to be his last international appearance, the captain of the current champions will be looking to go out with a bang, and may be in the running for a second consecutive World Cup title.
Strangely, Messi has yet to officially confirm he’ll play in the tournament, but it would be a huge shock if he decided against defending Argentina’s title. His manager Lionel Scaloni said recently: “I’ll do everything possible for him to be there.”
Messi will also be on track to surpass 200 appearances for Argentina this season, and the nation’s skipper will be hoping to lead the team to glory one last time. It will be a historic World Cup campaign for Messi, and we think he’s a player to watch as he makes his final swansong on the world stage.