2026 World Cup: 5 Superstars Under the Spotlight in North America

With just three weeks left before the mega-event kicks off, concerns over the fitness and form of several key players continue to dominate the headlines. Against this backdrop, the French news agency AFP has compiled a list of five marquee players who will be the most captivating to watch. Among the thousands of athletes representing 48 nations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the eyes of the footballing world will firmly be on these five stars.

Here is a closer look at the five players set to define the tournament:

1. Kylian Mbappé (France)

Mbappé stands on the precipice of history with a golden opportunity to become the all-time top scorer in World Cup history. However, this tournament arrives at a turbulent moment in his career following a stressful stint at Real Madrid. Since joining the Spanish giants, the 27-year-old forward has surprisingly endured two trophyless seasons.

Recently, questions have been raised regarding his commitment to the game, drawing sharp criticism after he was spotted vacationing while recovering from an injury. Nevertheless, the upcoming international break might be the perfect, much-needed escape for him to rediscover his rhythm.

Having burst onto the global stage as a teenager during France’s 2018 World Cup triumph and falling just short in a penalty shootout against Argentina four years ago, Mbappé is no stranger to the big stage. He currently sits just four goals away from shattering Miroslav Klose’s legendary record of 16 World Cup goals.

2. Erling Haaland (Norway)

After a painful 28-year drought, Norway has finally qualified for the World Cup, giving Erling Haaland his first-ever appearance at a major international tournament. The Manchester City striker has been in terrifying form, netting 16 goals in just 8 European qualifying matches—including two historic victories over Italy.

This blistering run has pushed his international tally to an astonishing 55 goals in 49 caps. As the poster boy of Norway’s “Golden Generation,” which also features Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard, many analysts label Norway as the dark horse of this tournament.

However, to live up to that reputation, Haaland will need the performance of his life. Norway has been handed a brutal draw in Group I alongside powerhouse France and African champions Senegal, meaning their primary objective will simply be surviving the group stage to reach the knockouts.

3. Vinícius Júnior (Brazil)

While Neymar’s return to the national setup has captured mainstream headlines, Vinícius Júnior remains the true linchpin of this Brazilian side. How manager Carlo Ancelotti balances the minutes between Neymar and Vinícius remains to be seen, but many insiders believe Ancelotti will heavily favor his trusted Real Madrid winger.

Vinícius enters the tournament on the back of a spectacular club season where he outshone everyone at Real Madrid—arguably even Mbappé. The World Cup presents him with a legacy-defining opportunity to become Brazil’s ultimate hero and secure the Ballon d’Or, an individual accolade he deeply covets.

Two years ago, when the award went to Manchester City’s Rodri instead of him, Real Madrid famously boycotted the ceremony in protest. Yet, despite his Champions League heroics, Vinícius has struggled to replicate that world-class form for his country, managing only 8 goals in 47 appearances for Seleção.

4. Harry Kane (England)

England’s captain and all-time leading goalscorer is likely entering the final major tournament of his illustrious career—making this his absolute last shot at World Cup glory. Kane has been in majestic form for Bayern Munich this season, powering them to a Bundesliga title with an incredible 58 goals in 50 matches, despite falling short in the Champions League semifinals.

England enters the tournament as heavy title favorites, a familiar pressure for a nation that hasn’t won a major trophy in 60 years since their historic 1966 triumph on home soil. The main concern surrounding Kane is physical burnout from an exhausting season. Recognizing this, Bayern Munich proactively managed his minutes toward the end of the season once the Bundesliga title was mathematically secure.

5. Lamine Yamal (Spain)

Lamine Yamal transformed into a global phenomenon during Euro 2024, terrorizing defenses to help Spain lift the trophy. However, the 18-year-old Barcelona prodigy enters this World Cup plagued by a persistent hamstring injury, having not played a competitive match since April 22.

Consequently, Spain expects him to sit out their opening two group-stage matches against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia. This shouldn’t cause panic in the Spanish camp, given the squad’s depth. Yamal enjoyed a phenomenal club season prior to the injury, scoring 24 goals to propel Barcelona to their second consecutive league title.

While Spain is expected to navigate the group stages comfortably, their true test begins in the knockout rounds. By then, a fully fit Yamal is expected to return to the starting lineup—an absolute necessity if Spain wants to go all the way and lift the trophy.

Summary Table: Key Stats of the Top 5 Players