The biggest stars heading into the 2026 World Cup, ranked by consensus across major outlets. From Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal to a 38-year-old Lionel Messi defending his crown, these are the players expected to define the first 48-team World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The full ranking
The biggest stars heading into the 2026 World Cup, ranked by consensus across major outlets. From Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal to a 38-year-old Lionel Messi defending his crown, these are the players expected to define the first 48-team World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Kylian Mbappé
The most dangerous attacker in the world, fresh off a La Liga-leading 25 goals and a Champions League-high 15 in his debut season at Real Madrid. The 2022 Golden Boot winner is the favorite to top the scoring charts again as France chase a third title.
Lamine Yamal
At 18, the Barcelona winger is the most gifted player of his generation, a Euro 2024 champion whose dribbling and vision belie his age. A nagging hamstring issue is the only thing keeping him off the very top of most rankings.
Harry Kane
No one in Europe had a better club season, as Kane stormed the Bundesliga with 36 goals for Bayern Munich. England's all-time leading scorer and the 2018 Golden Boot winner arrives in the form of his life.
Lionel Messi
The reigning world champion captain returns at 38 for a record-equaling sixth World Cup. Still averaging well over a goal contribution per game in MLS, he remains the heartbeat of Argentina's title defense.
Erling Haaland
One of the deadliest strikers alive, Haaland makes his World Cup debut after dragging Norway back to the finals with 16 goals in qualifying. Norway will go as far as their goal machine carries them.
Ousmane Dembélé
The 2025 Ballon d'Or winner arrives off a Champions League triumph with PSG and an 18-goal, 11-assist campaign. France's embarrassment of attacking riches starts with him.
Vinícius Júnior
Five straight 20-goal seasons for Real Madrid have made the winger one of the biggest stars in the game. With several teammates injured, Vinícius shoulders Brazil's attack under former club coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Cristiano Ronaldo
At 41, Ronaldo is set for a record sixth World Cup, still scoring freely with 28 goals for Al-Nassr this past season. Portugal's talisman chases the one major trophy that has eluded him.
Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United's engine broke the Premier League single-season assist record this year. Portugal's attack runs through his passing and set-piece delivery.
Michael Olise
Bundesliga Player of the Year after a 15-goal, 19-assist season for Bayern Munich, Olise has rocketed into France's loaded attack. He is one of the breakout stars of the tournament.
Ranked across 3 sources: NBC Sports / ProSoccerTalk · Ranking the Top 25 Players at the 2026 World Cup; FanSided · Power Ranking the Top 50 Players in the 2026 FIFA World Cup; Al Jazeera · Top 10 Star Players to Watch at World Cup 2026. Full scoring is on the Methodology tab above.
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