The names that will define the first 48-team World Cup — from a 38-year-old Messi at his sixth finals to an 18-year-old Yamal chasing the Golden Boot. Ranked by buzz and impact heading into kickoff on June 11, 2026. Vote your must-watch starter.
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At 18, already among the best players alive. Off a 16-goal, 11-assist LaLiga season and tipped as a Golden Boot favourite — could become the youngest winner of the award.
At 18, already among the best players alive. Off a 16-goal, 11-assist LaLiga season and tipped as a Golden Boot favourite — could become the youngest winner of the award.
France's captain and the world's most complete forward at 27. Enters one goal shy of matching Olivier Giroud's French record of 57 international goals.
France's captain and the world's most complete forward at 27. Enters one goal shy of matching Olivier Giroud's French record of 57 international goals.
2018 Golden Boot winner chasing the chance to become the first man to win it twice, fresh off a prolific run at Bayern Munich.
2018 Golden Boot winner chasing the chance to become the first man to win it twice, fresh off a prolific run at Bayern Munich.
At 41, chasing the one trophy that has eluded him in what looks like a genuine 'last dance' on the world stage.
At 41, chasing the one trophy that has eluded him in what looks like a genuine 'last dance' on the world stage.
One of the greatest icons of African football makes his second World Cup appearance at 33, carrying Egypt's hopes.
One of the greatest icons of African football makes his second World Cup appearance at 33, carrying Egypt's hopes.
Real Madrid's gifted playmaker, one of Europe's best young talents, arriving at his first major tournament with Türkiye.
Real Madrid's gifted playmaker, one of Europe's best young talents, arriving at his first major tournament with Türkiye.
The defending champion captain returns at 38 for a joint-record sixth World Cup — almost certainly his last. Every touch becomes a moment.
The defending champion captain returns at 38 for a joint-record sixth World Cup — almost certainly his last. Every touch becomes a moment.
At 22 already England's midfield engine. If he drives the Three Lions back to the summit, his star could outshine even his Real Madrid teammate Mbappé.
At 22 already England's midfield engine. If he drives the Three Lions back to the summit, his star could outshine even his Real Madrid teammate Mbappé.
Drags Norway to their first World Cup since 1998. Finished top scorer in UEFA qualifying with 16 goals and is among the fastest ever to 50 international goals.
Drags Norway to their first World Cup since 1998. Finished top scorer in UEFA qualifying with 16 goals and is among the fastest ever to 50 international goals.
Voted The Best FIFA Men's Player for 2024 and Brazil's chief threat. A World Cup is the one prize still missing from his collection.
Voted The Best FIFA Men's Player for 2024 and Brazil's chief threat. A World Cup is the one prize still missing from his collection.
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