This list features some of the top footballers expected to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting their roles and achievements. These players are anticipated to be key figures representing their nations in the expanded tournament.
1.Lamine Yamal1521 votes
Lamine Yamal is a young Spanish forward heralded as one of the brightest talents from Spain's youth system. His potential makes him a promising player for Spain's squad at the World Cup.
💡 Youngest player to appear for FC Barcelona first team
2.Kylian Mbappé1022 votes
Kylian Mbappé is a French professional footballer known for his speed, skill, and scoring ability. He is considered one of the top players to watch in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
💡 He became the youngest French goalscorer in World Cup history at age 19.
3.Erling Haaland1020 votes
Erling Haaland is a Norwegian professional footballer known for his prolific goal-scoring ability as a striker. He is considered one of the top players to watch in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
4.Harry Kane987 votes
Harry Kane is an English professional footballer known for his goal-scoring prowess. He is a key player for both Tottenham Hotspur and the England national team, expected to be a top contender in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
5.Michael Olise936 votes
Michael Olise is a talented French footballer known for his creativity and playmaking skills. He plays as an attacking midfielder and has been recognized for his performances in Ligue 1 and the Premier League.
6.Lionel Andrés Messi932 votes
Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. He has won multiple Ballon d'Or awards and is known for his exceptional dribbling and playmaking skills.
💡 Messi is the all-time top scorer for Argentina and led his national team to victory in the Copa América 2021.
7.Christian Pulisic910 votes
"Christian Pulisic is an American attacking midfielder/winger recognized for his technical skills and playmaking abilities. He is a key figure in the U.S. Men's National Team as they co-host the tournament."
💡 First American to win UEFA Champions League; captain of USMNT
8.Achraf Hakimi765 votes
Achraf Hakimi is a Moroccan professional footballer known for his exceptional speed and versatility as a right-back. He has been a key player for both his club and national team, competing at the highest levels of international football.
9.Ousmane Dembélé676 votes
Ousmane Dembélé is a professional French footballer known for his dribbling skills and pace. He is a key winger for the France national team and FC Barcelona.
10.Vinícius Júnior607 votes
Vinícius Júnior is a Brazilian winger known for his agility, skillful dribbling, and creativity on the field. He plays a vital role in Brazil's attacking setup as they pursue World Cup glory.
💡 "Real Madrid standout; emerging star of Brazil's national team"
11.Mohamed Salah598 votes
Mohamed Salah is an Egyptian forward celebrated for his speed, dribbling, and scoring prowess with both club and country. He has been influential in Egypt's recent international campaigns.
💡 Premier League Golden Boot winner; key player for Liverpool FC
12.Jude Bellingham567 votes
Jude Bellingham is an English professional footballer known for his versatility and exceptional midfield skills. He plays for Real Madrid and is considered one of the top young talents in international football.
13.João Neves567 votes
João Neves is a talented Portuguese midfielder known for his technical skills and vision on the field. He has gained recognition as a promising young player for Sporting CP and the Portuguese national team.
14.Riyad Mahrez238 votes
Riyad Mahrez is an Algerian winger known for his finesse, passing accuracy, and goal-scoring capability. He has played pivotal roles at club level with Manchester City and internationally.
💡 2016 African Footballer of the Year; Premier League champion multiple times
15.Nuno Mendes165 votes
Nuno Mendes is a Portuguese professional footballer known for his pace, dribbling, and defensive skills as a left-back. He has been a key player for both Paris Saint-Germain and the Portugal national team.