Best Players at World Cup 2026 — The Stars to Watch
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the greatest collection of talent ever assembled at a single football tournament. With Kylian Mbappe in his prime, Erling Haaland hunting records, Jude Bellingham targeting glory with England and Lionel Messi almost certainly playing his last World Cup the summer of 2026 promises to be one for the ages. Here are the best players to watch.
| # | Player | Country | Club | Position | Why to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kylian Mbappe | France | Real Madrid | Forward | Favourite for Golden Boot and most complete attacker in the world |
| 2 | Erling Haaland | Norway | Manchester City | Forward | Record-breaking goalscorer playing his first ever World Cup |
| 3 | Jude Bellingham | England | Real Madrid | Midfielder | England's best player and one of the most complete midfielders in the world |
| 4 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | Inter Miami | Forward | Defending champion almost certainly playing his last World Cup aged 38 |
| 5 | Vinicius Jr | Brazil | Real Madrid | Forward | The most exciting winger in world football |
| 6 | Lamine Yamal | Spain | Barcelona | Forward | The teenage sensation who was the best player at Euro 2024 |
| 7 | Bukayo Saka | England | Arsenal | Forward | England's most consistent performer and one of the Premier League's best |
| 8 | Pedri | Spain | Barcelona | Midfielder | The most technically gifted central midfielder at the tournament |
| 9 | Declan Rice | England | Arsenal | Midfielder | World-class defensive midfielder |
| 10 | Alexis Mac Allister | Argentina | Liverpool | Midfielder | Key to Argentina's title defence and in the form of his life |
| 11 | Virgil van Dijk | Netherlands | Liverpool | Defender | The best defender in the world at his peak |
| 12 | Ruben Dias | Portugal | Manchester City | Defender | Portugal's rock at the back |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best player at World Cup 2026?
Kylian Mbappe is widely regarded as the best player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Real Madrid forward is favourite for the Golden Boot and in his absolute prime at 27.
Is Lionel Messi playing at World Cup 2026?
Yes. Lionel Messi is playing with Argentina defending the title they won in Qatar 2022. It is widely expected to be his final World Cup aged 38.
Is Erling Haaland at World Cup 2026?
Yes. Erling Haaland is representing Norway. Remarkably it is his first ever World Cup as Norway failed to qualify in 2022.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo play at World Cup 2026?
Cristiano Ronaldo is in Portugal's squad aged 41. If selected it would be his sixth World Cup.
Who will win the Golden Boot at World Cup 2026?
Kylian Mbappe is the favourite. Erling Haaland and Harry Kane are also strong contenders.
Who is England's best player at World Cup 2026?
Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham are England's two standout players at the 2026 World Cup.
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