With just one year to go until the biggest World Cup in history kicks off, the countdown is officially on. For the first time, the tournament will be hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico. Estadio Azteca will host the opener, and from there, 48 teams will chase history across North America.
More teams mean more players on the world stage, and more chances for new stars to emerge. From established names ready to explode to rising talents on the verge of a breakout, these are the ten players we expect to shine brightest at the 2026 World Cup.
Jude Bellingham – England
By next summer, Jude Bellingham will have played in four major tournaments for England. Still only 22 when the World Cup begins, Bellingham has already cemented his status as a central figure for club and country.
Bellingham’s brilliance lies in his off-ball instincts. According to SkillCorner, he ranks among Europe’s best midfielders for penetrating runs into the box, with a cross receiver score of 93 out of 99. Ancelotti dubbed them “motorbike runs,” and they’ve become a signature of his Real Madrid career.
During Euro 2024, England’s buildup play felt sluggish, but Bellingham offered moments of urgency. His overhead kick against Slovakia in the round of 16, followed by the look into the camera and the words, “Who else?” said it all. England have stars, but Bellingham is the heartbeat.
Lamine Yamal – Spain
At just 17, Lamine Yamal might already be the best teenager in world football. He dazzled at Euro 2024, scoring a stunning goal against France in the semi-final and setting up Nico Williams in the final.
No player in Europe’s top five leagues made more take-ons or took more touches in the attacking third last season. Only Mbappe and Salah topped him for shots and open-play assists respectively. He is electric on the ball, full of tricks, and fearless in one-on-ones.
Yamal’s progressive carries show his unpredictability. He routinely delivered against top opponents, lighting up El Clasico and Champions League clashes alike. He’s a born entertainer and a safe bet to dazzle in North America.
Florian Wirtz – Germany
Germany’s midfield future rests in the hands of Florian Wirtz. The 22-year-old has been hailed as a Raumdeuter — a “space interpreter” — reminiscent of Thomas Muller but with greater athleticism and dynamism.
Wirtz led Europe’s top leagues in receiving the ball between defensive lines. That vision and movement become especially lethal in international tournaments where defensive structures are less rigid.
Germany’s recent tournament history has been rocky. But if they are to turn it around in 2026, Wirtz will likely be the creative force driving them forward.
Omar Marmoush – Egypt
Egypt are close to booking a spot at their fourth World Cup, and while Mohamed Salah remains their icon, Omar Marmoush is proving to be a game-changer.
Since joining Manchester City in January, Marmoush has scored eight goals, offering speed and variety to City’s attack. Only Erling Haaland made more runs in behind during the Premier League campaign.
His shot map reflects versatility and boldness, with goals ranging from set pieces to long-range screamers. With Salah nearing 34 and Marmoush in peak form, this could be the tournament where Egypt finally makes a run beyond the group stage.
Joao Neves – Portugal
Joao Neves blends the best traits of Portugal’s midfielders. He has Palhinha’s bite, Bruno Fernandes’ creativity, Vitinha’s poise and the energy of Ruben Neves.
His debut season at PSG delivered eight assists in Ligue 1, and he became the most prolific tackler in a Champions League season since 2008. Despite his small stature, his influence is immense.
Neves looks set to be a core part of Portugal’s plans alongside Vitinha. If his trajectory continues, he could be the midfield engine that leads them deep into the tournament.
Desire Doue – France
Desire Doue announced himself on the biggest stage with a brace in the Champions League final and a man-of-the-match performance for PSG. Before turning 20, he had already conquered Europe.
Doue is fast, direct and fearless. Whether deployed on the left or right, he drives toward the box, evident from his forward carries map. He’s only just broken into the French national setup, but his ceiling is sky-high.
France are spoiled for choice in attack, but Doue offers something uniquely explosive. With more caps likely before the tournament, he could be a surprise headline act.
Nico Paz – Argentina
Born in Spain but committed to Argentina, Nico Paz is the latest playmaker emerging from La Albiceleste’s ranks. A left-footed creator, Paz brings balance, timing and a sharp passing eye.
He tallied eight assists in Serie A and completed more take-ons than anyone else in the league. His style mirrors Messi’s early years, even assisting the legend himself on debut.
Argentina’s World Cup defense will rest on a mix of experience and new blood. With Scaloni’s flexible tactics, Paz looks perfectly suited to take the baton from Messi and run with it.
Andrey Santos – Brazil
Andrey Santos brings steel and stamina to Brazil’s midfield. Fierce in the tackle and unrelenting in his pressing, Santos made a mark at Strasbourg despite limited attacking touches.
He scores from deep, creates chaos with driving runs and showed his all-action style with an end-to-end assist against Nice. Carlo Ancelotti called him a “complete midfielder,” and he looks set for a key role.
Brazil will have options in midfield, but Santos offers something rare: a destroyer who also surges forward. Expect to see him play with fire in 2026.
Kenan Yildiz – Turkey
Kenan Yildiz is fighting to become the face of Turkish football. With Arda Guler capturing most of the spotlight, Yildiz has quietly grown into a formidable threat.
Wearing the No 10 shirt at Juventus and boasting 20 caps before his 21st birthday, he brings flair and ambition. His dribbling stats led the club and his versatility makes him a constant threat from the left or through the middle.
If Turkey reach the World Cup, Yildiz will be central to their hopes. His Euro 2024 experience could be the platform for a true breakout.
Johnny Cardoso – United States
As the hosts of the tournament, the U.S. will be under the microscope. While the team has shown flashes of quality, consistency remains an issue. Johnny Cardoso could be the one to anchor their midfield.
Known for his grit and energy, Cardoso ranks among Europe’s leaders in interceptions per opposition touches. But he is more than a destroyer. A former striker, he has composure and vision in possession.
His performances for Real Betis have elevated his status, helping them reach their first European final. With the U.S. looking to make a statement at home, Cardoso may be the engine that keeps them ticking.
These ten names may not all be household stars yet, but they are on the cusp. As the world tunes in for football’s grandest show, it is players like these who can write new chapters in World Cup history.
Secret Match Day offers fans the chance to experience matches from the world’s biggest tournament in person. Book your 2026 mystery football trip now and witness history in the making.
