World Cup 2026 will be the meeting point of the old generation and the new: Messi and Ronaldo in their last World Cup, Mbappé at the peak of his career, and a new generation of young stars ready to break out. From 48 national teams and 104 matches, these are the players everyone needs to know.
At 27, Kylian Mbappé he's at the peak of his career. World champion in 2018, top scorer of World Cup 2022 (8 goals including a hat-trick in the final!), and captain of France. At Real Madrid he now plays as a central striker — a different and more dangerous threat.
France are in Group I with Senegal, Norway and a playoff winner. Mbappé is the favorite for the Golden Boot and the Ballon d'Or — and he arrives hungry.
The 39-year-old Messi is expected to play his last World Cup — and on home (or near-home) soil. At Inter Miami he's still scoring at a crazy rate: 43 goals in the 2025 season. Argentina, the defending champions, got a comfortable Group J (Austria, Algeria, Jordan). The question: will Messi finish with a second title?
The 41-year-old Ronaldo will be the oldest player at World Cup 2026 (if selected). Portugal are in Group K with Colombia and Uzbekistan. Will we see Messi against Ronaldo in the quarterfinal? Both paths allow for it — and if it happens, it will be football's historic moment.
Lamine Yamal Of Barcelona, 18 years old, already a European champion (Euro 2024) with Spain. Runner-up for the Ballon d'Or, scorer of the tournament goal at the Euros, and a brilliant creator. After recovering from an injury early in the season, his hat-trick against Villarreal proved he's back at full strength. Spain are the bookmakers' favorites — and Yamal is the main reason.
Gyökeres of Sporting CP proved yesterday (26.3) why he's considered one of the best strikers in the world: a hat-trick in the playoff against Ukraine (Sweden 3-0). In the 2024/25 season he scored 54 goals in the Portuguese league. If Sweden qualify (final against Poland on 31/3), Gyökeres will be one of the most fearsome players at the World Cup.
Estêvão The 18-year-old joined Chelsea from Palmeiras and impressed immediately. Insane talent, exceptional vision, and the ability to change matches. Brazil are in Group C with Morocco, Scotland and Haiti — and Estêvão could become the tournament's breakout star.
Endrick, still a teenager, is on loan at Lyon and rediscovering his scoring touch. Real Madrid They paid €72 million for him — and Brazil expect him to play a central role at the World Cup. Together with Vinícius Júnior and Estêvão, Brazil's attack is fearsome.
Tonali of Newcastle, who was banned for 10 months over betting, came back a different player. Yesterday he scored Italy's opening goal in the 2-0 win over Northern Ireland. If Italy qualify (final against Bosnia on 31/3), Tonali will be the beating heart of the Azzurri.
Kadıoğlu of Real Madrid scored Turkey's winning goal against Romania (1-0) in the playoff. A defender who plays like a midfielder, with an amazing left foot. Together with Arda Güler (who assisted the goal), Turkey's new generation is ready for the World Cup.
Who are the favorites for World Cup 2026?
Spain, Argentina, France and England are considered the leading favorites. Brazil and Germany are always dangerous.
Will Messi play at World Cup 2026?
Yes, he's expected to. The 39-year-old Messi is still in excellent form at Inter Miami (43 goals in 2025) and the World Cup is effectively being held "on home soil" in the USA.
Who is the young star worth following?
Lamine Yamal (18, Barcelona/Spain) — already a European champion, Ballon d'Or runner-up, and one of the most exciting players in the world.
Want to see Mbappé, Messi, Yamal and Gyökeres live? World Cup 2026 is the opportunity.
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