The grand spectacle of football. Until July 19, the best players on the planet will compete in the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Here are the 10 stars who will be most anticipated during this tournament.

Kylian Mbappé

Three goals and a penalty converted in the shootout, the Frenchman had impressed the whole world during his last World Cup match, in the final lost against Argentina.

After a mixed season, particularly in terms of team performance, Mbappé hopes to bounce back at the American World Cup to confirm his status and, why not, win his first Ballon d'Or.

Lionel Messi

Never one without two? After finally winning the World Cup in 2022, the Argentine star will try, in his last competition with the national team, to achieve a double. This hasn't happened since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

Lionel Messi arrives at this tournament brimming with confidence, having racked up 5 goals and 7 assists in his last 5 appearances for Inter Miami. The only question mark is his fitness, as he was forced off with an injury in his club's last match before the World Cup and rested for Argentina's friendly against Honduras.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo will also be playing in his last World Cup. But, unlike the Argentinian, the Portuguese star has yet to win the ultimate prize. Accompanied by a young and talented Portuguese team, CR7 will be eager to cement his legendary status by securing Portugal's first-ever World Cup victory.

Lamine Yamal

18 years old and already a superstar! The new prodigy of world football will play in his first World Cup and it's an open secret that he will be one of the most anticipated.

After Spain's Euro 2024 victory, to which he contributed significantly, the Barcelona player now faces a new challenge in front of fans worldwide. Having suffered an injury at the end of the season, he is doubtful for Spain's opening match against Cape Verde on June 15th.

Vinicius Jr

Losing influence at Real Madrid and with one year left on his contract, Vinicius Jr. may be at a turning point in his career. And what better place than the world's biggest competition to rediscover the brilliance of a few years ago? In a less glamorous Brazil, also searching for its past successes, the number 7 could be the leader an entire nation has been waiting for.

Sadio Mané

In Senegal, there's a before and an after Sadio Mané. The ultimate legend of Senegalese and African football, the striker will nevertheless be playing in his very last tournament with the Lions. After winning his second AFCON title, Mané wants to take his country as far as possible. Accompanied by a talented generation of players, the Al-Nassr player will be one of the tournament's main attractions.

Harry Kane

Will 2026 be England's year? Harry Kane and the new generation of English players will be looking to break the curse and finally win the title that has eluded them since 1966. Europe's most prolific striker with 64 goals in 56 matches, the Bayern Munich player is in the form of his life. In North America, he will undoubtedly be the biggest threat.

Ousmane Dembélé

Today considered one of the best players in the world, Ousmane Dembélé has yet to achieve a standout performance in major tournaments with France. A starter in the opening group match of their victorious 2018 campaign before disappearing from the scene, the most recent Ballon d'Or winner is expected to reverse this trend and solidify his new status at club level. His partnership with Kylian Mbappé in the French attack will also be a major draw.

Erling Haaland

Already one of the most recognizable faces in Europe, Erling Haaland will be playing in his first major tournament with Norway. Fast, strong, and clinical in front of goal, the Manchester City striker will be one of the most dangerous players in the competition. With a talented generation of players, Haaland and his teammates will give it their all during this World Cup.

Mohamed Salah

Like several icons of the last decade, the "Pharaoh" will almost certainly be playing in his last World Cup. After a disappointing season with Liverpool, Salah is on a mission with Egypt, a powerhouse in Africa but one that has never won a World Cup in its history. In a group with Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand, the Egyptians can even hope for much more than a victory.