The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost over. National teams have finalized their squads, football fans are debating favorites, and some of the biggest names in the sport are preparing for what could be the defining tournament of their careers.
From legendary veterans chasing one last dream to young superstars ready to take center stage, here are seven of the biggest stars to watch at the World Cup — along with some fascinating facts about each of them.
Cristiano Ronaldo
At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of football's most recognizable figures. The Portuguese icon made his international debut back in 2003 and has since won three major trophies with Portugal: UEFA Euro 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
The 2026 World Cup will be Ronaldo's sixth appearance at the tournament, a remarkable achievement that places him among football's all-time greats. Portugal's best World Cup finish during his career came in 2006, when they reached the semi-finals before losing to Germany in the third-place match.
Across his previous World Cup appearances, Ronaldo has scored eight goals. Many experts consider Portugal one of the strongest contenders for the 2026 title, and if Ronaldo finally reaches the World Cup final, he will have covered an incredible distance throughout the tournament.
In fact, a player who participates in every match on the road to the final can run close to 100 kilometers during the competition — more than two marathon races combined.
Kylian Mbappé
Few players have dominated the World Cup stage as quickly as Kylian Mbappé.
The French superstar made his senior international debut in 2017 and, at just 27 years old, is already one of the greatest World Cup goalscorers in history. In only 14 World Cup appearances, Mbappé has scored 12 goals, including four in the 2018 and 2022 finals.
That puts him within striking distance of Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record.
Mbappé enters the tournament after another outstanding season with Real Madrid, where he scored 42 goals in all competitions and established himself as one of the most dangerous attackers in world football.
With his pace, finishing ability, and experience on football's biggest stage, few players are expected to have a greater impact on the tournament.
Lionel Messi
Like Ronaldo, Lionel Messi will be appearing at his sixth World Cup.
The Argentine legend already holds the record for most World Cup appearances, having played 26 matches in the competition. Since making his international debut in 2005, Messi has become Argentina's all-time leading scorer with 116 goals.
His crowning achievement came in 2022 when he led Argentina to World Cup glory and was named the tournament's best player.
Since joining Inter Miami CF in 2023, Messi has continued to add trophies to his collection and remains one of football's biggest attractions.
He also has a chance to climb further up the World Cup scoring charts. Messi currently sits on 13 World Cup goals.
A remarkable perspective on his longevity: when Messi scored his first World Cup goal in 2006, Kylian Mbappé was only seven years old.
Erling Haaland
For Erling Haaland, the 2026 World Cup represents something entirely new.
The Norwegian striker will make his World Cup debut after helping Norway qualify for the tournament for the first time since 1998. It will be only the third World Cup appearance in the nation's history.
Haaland was the most prolific goalscorer during the qualification campaign across all confederations, scoring an astonishing 16 goals in just eight matches. One of those performances included a five-goal haul against Moldova in an 11-1 victory.
Norway are not considered among the favorites to lift the trophy, but Haaland's individual quality means he could still emerge as one of the tournament's leading scorers.
Whenever he steps onto the pitch, goals are almost guaranteed.
Neymar
In 2023, Neymar surpassed the legendary Pelé to become Brazil's all-time leading scorer.
Interestingly, he has not added to that tally since, arriving at the 2026 World Cup with 79 international goals.
Neymar's career has taken several unexpected turns in recent years. Between 2023 and 2025, he played for Al Hilal, making only a handful of appearances due to injuries before returning to his boyhood club Santos FC in 2025.
The Brazilian star was visibly emotional when the national team's World Cup squad was announced, but his participation remains uncertain after suffering an injury in May.
Even if Neymar misses the opening matches, Brazil are widely expected to advance to the knockout rounds. Should that happen, football fans around the world will be hoping to see him return when the stakes are highest.
Lamine Yamal
At just 18 years old, Lamine Yamal is preparing for his first World Cup.
The Spanish sensation has already achieved milestones that most players can only dream of. In 2024, he became the youngest player ever to appear in a UEFA European Championship final and later lifted the trophy with Spain.
A recent injury has raised concerns about his availability for the opening stages of the tournament, but Spain remain optimistic that their young star will play a major role.
Yamal will not be able to break the World Cup record for youngest champion. That honor still belongs to Pelé, who won the tournament with Brazil at the age of 17 in 1958.
However, few players arrive at a World Cup with as much excitement surrounding them as Yamal.
Ousmane Dembélé
Few footballers have enjoyed a more successful recent period than Ousmane Dembélé.
The French winger became only the tenth player in football history to complete a remarkable collection of achievements that includes winning the World Cup, the UEFA Champions League, and the Ballon d'Or.
Dembélé was named Ligue 1 Player of the Season in 2026 after another exceptional campaign with Paris Saint-Germain. He also scored in the Champions League final against Arsenal as PSG secured another major European triumph.
Yet there is one surprising statistic attached to his international career.
Despite participating in two previous World Cups, Dembélé has never scored a goal at the tournament.
For a player enjoying the best form of his career, the 2026 World Cup could be the perfect opportunity to change that.
Published by Patrick Jane
03.06.2026