10 of the most exciting stars to watch at the 2026 World Cup.

(NLĐO) - Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Lamine Yamal, Erling Haaland… are among the top 10 players to watch at the 2026 World Cup.

The tournament, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico this coming June, is not only the biggest soccer event on the planet but could also mark a significant generational shift.

Superstars like Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar are likely to be participating in their final World Cup of their careers.

Meanwhile, stars like Mbappe, Yamal, Haaland, and Jude Bellingham are waiting for their chance to take over the spotlight.

Here are the 10 most noteworthy stars at the 2026 World Cup, as selected by AP.

Lionel Messi

The superstar born in 1987 will arrive at the 2026 World Cup as the reigning champion. Four years ago in Qatar, Messi fulfilled his biggest dream when he and the Argentine national team won the title.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner then moved to the US to play for Inter Miami and helped Beckham's team become a major force in Major League Soccer.

However, on the eve of the biggest football tournament on the planet, the 39-year-old superstar caused concern for Argentina when he suffered an injury.

Cristiano Ronaldo

The superstar born in 1985 wants to conquer the World Cup, to complete the only title missing from his illustrious career.

The 41-year-old captain of the Portuguese national team arrived at the tournament, hosted by the USA, Canada, and Manchester City, after helping Al Nassr win the Saudi Pro League.

Previously, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner had won numerous titles at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. Statistics show that he possesses five Champions League titles, a European Championship title with Portugal, and two UEFA Nations League titles.

With 143 goals for the national team and 41 goals in World Cup qualifiers, Ronaldo remains a symbol of the ambition to conquer every peak.

Kylian Mbappe

Striker Kylian Mbappe has long been considered capable of taking over the position of the world's best player after Messi and Ronaldo.

The striker, born in 1998, won the 2018 World Cup with the French national team when he was just 19 years old.

However, the career of the striker currently playing for Real Madrid is still missing the Champions League and the Ballon d'Or.

If he helps France win the World Cup again, Mbappe will have a strong chance to solidify his position as the world's number one player.

Ousmane Dembele

Forward Ousmane Dembele enters the 2026 World Cup as the reigning Ballon d'Or winner and could become a Champions League champion for the second consecutive time before the tournament begins.

After years of being doubted due to injuries and inconsistent form at Barcelona, ​​striker Dembele has experienced a strong resurgence since joining PSG. He contributed to the French team winning their first Champions League title last season and reaching the final this season.

From a $173 million contract that was once considered to have fallen short of expectations, star player Dembele has now become a major hope for the French national team at the 2026 World Cup.

Erling Haaland

Striker Erling Haaland will be participating in his first major international tournament. At club level, the Manchester City forward has broken numerous goalscoring records in the Champions League and the Premier League.

Norway is not considered a favorite to win the 2026 World Cup. However, having Haaland means they have one of the most dangerous strikers in the tournament.

Haaland's clinical goal-scoring instinct could turn Norway into a formidable opponent for any team.

Lamine Yamal

Forward Lamine Yamal is a prime example of the new generation. This prodigy made a significant impact on Spain's EURO 2024 victory, despite being only 17 years and 1 day old when they entered the final against England.

With his speed, technique, and rare ability to create game-changing moments, Yamal became the youngest player to score in the history of the men's EURO. This teenage star is often compared to Messi, especially after a photo of him with the Argentinian legend when he was a child surfaced.

A breakout World Cup could help Yamal take a big step forward in the "transfer of power" in world football.

Jude Bellingham

Midfielder Jude Bellingham is the kind of player who can decide a match with big moments. Real Madrid beat out a host of top clubs to sign him in 2023.

Bellingham immediately proved his worth by helping Los Blancos win their 15th Champions League title and the La Liga title in his very first season.

Bellingham led England to the EURO 2024 final with one of the most beautiful goals of the tournament.

Despite a less-than-spectacular season at Madrid, midfielder Bellingham remains a major hope if England aim to win their first major trophy since 1966.

Āta

Neymar is the greatest goalscorer in the history of the Brazilian national team, but he has yet to lead the Selecao to their sixth World Cup title.

At the age of 34, he was called up by coach Carlo Ancelotti for his fourth World Cup, after a period of numerous injuries and a less-than-ideal time at Saudi Arabia.

Neymar has won many major titles at club level, but for Brazilians, the ultimate measure of success remains the World Cup.

The North American tournament could be his last chance to turn his talent into a complete legacy in the national team's colors.

Mohamed Salah

Forward Mohamed Salah enters the 2026 World Cup after a disappointing season and is preparing to leave Liverpool, but he remains the number one icon of Egyptian football.

Wearing the Liverpool shirt, Salah scored 257 goals in 442 matches and won all the major titles, including the Champions League and two Premier League titles.

With the Egyptian national team, he finished second twice at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), but still lacked a major impact at the World Cup.

At 33, Salah needs a breakout season to solidify his position on the global stage.

Christian Pulisic

Striker Christian Pulisic has long been expected to become the biggest star of American soccer overseas. He has played for several major clubs in Germany, England, and Italy, and won the Champions League with Chelsea.

Currently playing for AC Milan, Pulisic has shown consistent form and is considered a key player for coach Mauricio Pochettino in the US national team.

The 2026 World Cup, held on home soil, presents a unique opportunity for Pulisic to take American soccer to the next level.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/10-ngoi-sao-dang-xem-nhat-world-cup-2026-196260528115203483.htm