Wikimedia Commons
Mbappe, Bellingham, Yamal and Vinicius Junior headline the World Cup 2026 players to watch. Meet the stars set to define football's biggest stage.
A World Cup is where legends are made, and the 2026 finals across the USA, Canada and Mexico will hand a new generation of superstars the grandest stage of all. As the first 48-team tournament, it offers more matches, more drama and more chances for the world's best to shine. Here is our guide to the standout World Cup 2026 players to watch, the talents expected to light up the competition and chase football immortality before the final at MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026.
Kylian Mbappe: France's Talisman
No player carries greater expectation than France's Kylian Mbappe. Already a world champion in 2018 and the scorer of a stunning hat-trick in the 2022 final, Mbappe has the blistering pace, finishing and big-game temperament to dominate any tournament. He is the man most likely to climb the all-time scoring charts in the years ahead.
As the leader of a deep France squad, Mbappe will be central to their bid for a third title. Every time he receives the ball in space, defences panic. Relive his finest strikes on our goal page and watch him chase more in 2026.
Jude Bellingham: England's Midfield General
England's Jude Bellingham has rapidly become one of the most complete midfielders on the planet. Combining power, vision, goalscoring and remarkable composure for his age, he drives his team forward from the centre of the pitch and delivers in the biggest moments.
For the Three Lions, Bellingham represents the heartbeat of a golden generation hunting a first World Cup since 1966. His ability to score crucial goals from midfield makes him a constant threat. Follow England's squad and rivals on our teams page.
Lamine Yamal: Spain's Teenage Sensation
Spain's Lamine Yamal has announced himself as one of the most exciting young talents football has seen in years. A fearless, creative winger with dazzling dribbling and maturity well beyond his age, he embodies the next wave of Spanish brilliance.
If Yamal continues his rapid rise, 2026 could be the tournament where he becomes a global household name. Spain's possession game gives him the platform to create magic, and neutrals everywhere will be tuning in to watch him. Catch his moments as they happen on our live page.
Vinicius Junior and the Brazilian Flair
Brazil's hopes of a sixth star rest heavily on Vinicius Junior, a dynamic, direct winger capable of deciding matches single-handedly. His electric dribbling, end product and confidence make him one of the most dangerous attackers in the world.
Alongside Brazil's other gifted forwards, Vinicius offers the kind of unpredictability that wins knockout ties. If he produces his club form on the international stage, the Selecao will be a frightening prospect. Their progress can be tracked on our standings page throughout the tournament.
Erling Haaland: The Goal Machine
Among the most prolific strikers of his generation, Erling Haaland is a relentless scoring force. While his nation's qualification fortunes are always closely watched, his sheer goalscoring output makes him essential viewing whenever he features. Few defenders have found any answer to his blend of size, speed and clinical finishing.
A World Cup stage would give Haaland the global showcase his talent deserves, and any team facing him will need a plan to keep him quiet.
The Next Generation and Veterans
Beyond the headline names, the tournament will feature a wealth of talent. Established stars such as Argentina's attacking core, Portugal's creative players and the Netherlands' technicians bring experience and quality. Meanwhile, emerging talents from across Africa, Asia and the Americas will use the expanded format to introduce themselves to the world.
Watch too for the dynamic forwards of host nations and the breakout stars who always seem to emerge from nowhere at a World Cup. Part of the joy is discovering the next icon in real time. See who lines up where on our fixtures page.
Conclusion
From Mbappe's pace to Bellingham's drive, Yamal's flair and Vinicius Junior's brilliance, the 2026 World Cup will be a celebration of football's finest talents. The expanded tournament guarantees more chances to witness greatness and perhaps the birth of new legends. Stay across every standout performance and enjoy the stars who will define the summer of 2026.
