10 superstars to watch at the 2026 World Cup

GD&TĐ - Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, or Neymar… are likely to be participating in their final World Cup of their illustrious careers.

Conversely, stars like Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, Erling Haaland, and Jude Bellingham are waiting for their chance to take over the spotlight in world football.

Let's take a look at the 10 most exciting stars to watch at the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, this coming June.

Lionel Messi

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

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). However, ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the 39-year-old superstar is causing concern for Argentina due to fitness issues.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Striker Cristiano Ronaldo is still pursuing the one major title he's missing: the World Cup. At 41, the Portuguese captain remains a symbol of ambition and a desire to conquer.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has won titles at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, and boasts five Champions League titles, a European Championship 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 name to watch out for.

Kylian Mbappe

Striker Kylian Mbappe is considered capable of taking over the position after Messi and Ronaldo. He won the 2018 World Cup with the French national team when he was just 19 years old.

However, the Real Madrid striker is still missing the Champions League and the Ballon d'Or. If he helps France win the World Cup again, Mbappe will have a great opportunity to solidify his position as the world's number one player.

Ousmane Dembele

Forward Ousmane Dembele enters the 2026 World Cup as the current Ballon d'Or winner. If PSG win this season's Champions League final, he will have his second consecutive Champions League title before the North American tournament begins.

After years of being doubted due to injuries and inconsistent form at Barcelona, ​​Dembele has experienced a strong resurgence since joining PSG, becoming a major hope for the French national team.

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 may not be a contender for the 2026 World Cup title, but with Haaland, they possess one of the most dangerous strikers in the tournament.

Lamine Yamal

Forward Lamine Yamal is a prime example of the new generation. He made a significant impact on Spain's Euro 2024 victory, playing in the final against England at just 17 years and 1 day old.

With his speed, technique, and ability to create game-changing moments, Yamal became the youngest player to score in EURO history. A breakout performance at the 2026 World Cup could help him take a big step in the transfer of power in world football.

Jude Bellingham

Midfielder Jude Bellingham is the kind of player who can decide a match with a big moment. Real Madrid signed him in 2023, and Bellingham quickly contributed to the club winning their 15th Champions League title and the La Liga title in his first season.

At the international level, he led England to the EURO 2024 final with one of the tournament's most spectacular goals. Bellingham remains a major hope if England want to win their first major title 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 disappointing spell in the Saudi Pro League.

For Neymar, the 2026 World Cup could be his last chance to turn his talent into a complete legacy in the Brazilian national team.

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. At the age of 33, he needed a breakout World Cup performance to make a big impact 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 in Germany, England, Italy, and won the Champions League with Chelsea.

Currently playing for AC Milan, Pulisic is in consistent form and is a key player for coach Mauricio Pochettino in the US national team. The 2026 World Cup on home soil is a special opportunity for him to help American soccer go further.

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/10-sieu-sao-dang-xem-nhat-world-cup-2026-post779562.html