2026 World Cup players to watch: 48 stars who could define the tournament

• Players to watch in Group A - Czechia, Mexico, South Africa, South Korea

• Players to watch in Group B - Bosnia & Herzegovina, Canada, Qatar, Switzerland

• Players to watch in Group C - Brazil, Haiti, Morocco, Scotland

• Players to watch in Group D - Australia, Paraguay, Turkey, USA

• Players to watch in Group E - Curacao, Ecuador, Germany, Ivory Coast

• Players to watch in Group F - Japan, Netherlands, Sweden, Tunisia

• Players to watch in Group G - Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand

• Players to watch in Group H - Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Uruguay

• Players to watch in Group I - France, Iraq, Norway, Senegal

• Players to watch in Group J - Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Jordan

• Players to watch in Group K - Colombia, DR Congo, Portugal, Uzbekistan

• Players to watch in Group L - Croatia, England, Ghana, Panama

We've structured this article group-by-group, so you can use these links to jump straight to any section you want to see!

Group A players to watch at the 2026 World Cup

This group feels wide open, with Mexico, South Korea, Czechia and South Africa all believing they can reach the knockout stages. The likes of Heung-Min Son and Gilberto Mora will be a joy to watch, but here are four stars who could make all the difference in Group A:

Patrik Schick (Czechia)

Patrik Schick needs just one goal to climb to third in the list of Czechia's record goalscorers, and with more than 50 goals across his last two seasons, the Bayer Leverkusen striker has every finish in the book - so keep an eye out as he strives to help his side challenge for progression to the round of 32.

Gilberto Mora (Mexico)

Gilberto Mora won't be a familiar name to many, with the Tijuana midfielder getting the World Cup call-up at just 17 years old, but we think he could have something of a breakthrough tournament if given the chance. The teenager already has seven Mexico caps to his name, so we expect him to feature, and his goalscoring threat has been proven in Liga MX - so he's a seriously exciting prospect.

Lyle Foster (South Africa)

Lyle Foster will break into South Africa's top ten goalscorers of all time with a goal at the 2026 World Cup, and while he's a way off Benni McCarthy at the top, the Burnley man certainly carries the hopes of his nation on his back. With 50 Premier League games under his belt, he knows how to cope at the highest level, so the 25-year-old could surprise a few with his impact this summer.

Heung-Min Son (South Korea)

The performances of Heung-Min Son will be one of the most intriguing subplots of this World Cup, with the former Spurs man still captaining his country at the age of 33. He recently became South Korea's record goalscorer, and in a pretty balanced group, he could easily fire them to the round of 32 and beyond.

You can check out our in-depth Group A preview here, with odds, predictions, and a full fixture schedule.

Group B players to watch at the 2026 World Cup

With co-hosts Canada joined by Switzerland, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Qatar, Group B should provide plenty of drama from the very start. Edin Dzeko and Tajon Buchanan are among the headline acts, but here are four stars who could stand out in Group B:

Edin Dzeko (Bosnia & Herzegovina)

With 40-year-old Edin Dzeko nearing the end of his career, it would be a huge surprise if this wasn't to be his final World Cup - but it won't be a shock to see him do well this summer, with the former Man City striker still scoring goals for Schalke. This will be the last dance for Bosnia's record-breaking captain, so he will be desperate to have an impact in Group B.

Tajon Buchanan (Canada)

Villarreal wide-man Tajon Buchanan has been a mainstay in the Canadian team since breaking into the setup in 2021, and having assisted his nation's first-ever World Cup goal in 2022, he's already proven he can deliver on the big stage. With Champions League experience, Buchanan is seen as an important player for Jesse Marsch's co-hosts, so keep an eye on him this summer.

Almoez Ali (Qatar)

Over 125 international caps and 60 goals has cemented Almoez Ali's place in the Qatar record books, but a big impact at the 2026 World Cup will only elevate his legacy further - and he arrives with real confidence. The 29-year-old is a consistent goalscorer, and while his nation are definitely underdogs in Group B, Ali will be dreaming of helping Qatar to upset the odds.

Johan Manzambi (Switzerland)

Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi emerged on the European stage this season as he helped his club reached the Europa League final, and we wouldn't be surprised to see the 20-year-old light up the World Cup. A goal threat with a real eye for a pass, Manzambi provides the perfect balance alongside Granit Xhaka, so while his international career is still young, he is certainly a player to watch this summer.

You can check out our in-depth Group B preview here, with odds, predictions, and a full fixture schedule.

Group C players to watch at the 2026 World Cup

This group promises to be one of the most intriguing at the 2026 World Cup, with the likes of Neymar and John McGinn going head-to-head on the biggest stage. We could've chosen any number of players to highlight, but here are four stars we think could define the tournament in Group C:

Neymar (Brazil) - our #6 player to watch at the 2026 World Cup

Neymar's return to the Brazil squad is one of the talking points of the summer, and while the 34-year-old isn't the player of years gone by, he can certainly still have an impact for Carlo Ancelotti's Selecao. He's a Brazilian icon, and for good reason, so the former Barcelona man is absolutely one of the players to watch at the World Cup - even if his gametime is limited.

Wilson Isidor (Haiti)

Wilson Isidor isn't the only player in Haiti's squad with Premier League experience, but the 25-year-old has very quickly become an important player for his country, and we're excited to see how he performs in Group C. He didn't play much for Sunderland towards the end of the season, so arrives in North America with fresh legs, which could spell real trouble for his opponents.

Brahim Diaz (Morocco)

Morocco enter the World Cup with a strong, talented squad, but we're tipping Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz to stand out for Mohamed Ouahbi's side, likely adding to his 13 international goals. Having actually made an appearance for Spain back in 2021, Diaz joins a rare club of players to represent two nations, and with such technical quality, we can't wait to see what he can deliver in North America.

John McGinn (Scotland)

Despite not being known for his goalscoring ability, John McGinn sits inside the top five in Scotland's list of all-time top goalscorers, and having just captained Aston Villa to Europa League glory, the 31-year-old's stock has never been higher. His unique playstyle can be impossible to defend at times, and if Scotland are to get out of Group C, McGinn will surely have played a huge part.

You can check out our in-depth Group C preview here, with odds, predictions, and a full fixture schedule.

Group D players to watch at the 2026 World Cup

With the USA playing on home soil and Turkey hoping to continue their recent rise, there is no shortage of storylines in Group D. Arda Guler and Folarin Balogun are among the players generating the most excitement, but here are four stars we can't wait to see in Group D:

Nestory Irankunda (Australia)

Currently plying his trade for Watford in the Championship, Nestory Irankunda has enjoyed an impressive first season in England, and arrives at the World Cup in confident mood. The 20-year-old has already played 13 games for his country, and with five goals to his name, we're expecting big things from Australia's most exciting talent.

Diego Gomez (Paraguay)

Having enjoyed a couple of seasons at Inter Miami before moving to Brighton in 2024, Diego Gomez returns to familiar surroundings this summer, and will be hoping to showcase his undeniable talent on the world stage. The 23-year-old has become a big player for Brighton in the Premier League, and with such a strong reputation, the attacking midfielder will be a key man for Paraguay as they look to escape Group D.

Arda Guler (Turkey) - our #4 player to watch at the 2026 World Cup

At just 21-years-old, Arda Guler is already an established name on the global stage, putting in memorable performances for both Real Madrid and Turkey in the past few years - but we think he can exceed even the highest of expectations this summer. The midfielder will be desperate to impress on his World Cup debut, and with Turkey tipped to progress to the knockouts, Guler could well be one of the standout players across the entire group stage.

Folarin Balogun (USA)

Co-hosts USA have a lot of pressure on their shoulders in front of a home crowd this summer, but we're backing Folarin Balogun to take it in his stride, leading the line for Mauricio Pochettino's side and showing what he's all about. It didn't work out for the 24-year-old at Arsenal, but he's been a revelation since moving to Ligue 1, so keep an eye out for his pace, skill, and deadly finishing ability.

You can check out our in-depth Group D preview here, with odds, predictions, and a full fixture schedule.

Group E players to watch at the 2026 World Cup

Germany enter Group E as favourites, although Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao will all fancy their chances of causing problems. Players such as Willian Pacho and Amad Diallo could have a huge say in how the group unfolds, starring alongside these names in Group E:

Juninho Bacuna (Curacao)

Formerly a Premier League player with Huddersfield Town, Juninho Bacuna has been an important player for Curacao for a number of years now, and is a key reason why they were able to qualify for their first-ever World Cup - with three goals in an unbeaten qualifying campaign. Now 28 years old, Bacuna has crucial experience, and we're expecting him to put in some strong performances in a difficult Group E.

Willian Pacho (Ecuador)

Having just won back-to-back Champions Leagues with PSG - playing every game in both campaigns - Willian Pacho is quickly becoming one of the most renowned central defenders in world football, and we're backing him to impress in an Ecuador side full of talent. It hasn't taken long for Pacho to become a key player for his country, and we wouldn't be surprised to see him in 'Team of the Group Stage' conversations come July.

Lennart Karl (Germany)

Bayern Munich attacker Lennart Karl has burst onto the scene this season, playing 49 times for the German champions at the age of just 18, and having been fast-tracked into the Germany squad, the stage is set for a breakout tournament here. Electric pace and untouchable confidence couple up to make Karl a huge threat for Germany, and despite their incredible squad depth, we think he'll feature heavily - and shine.

Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast) - our #10 player to watch at the 2026 World Cup

Another strong season for Manchester United has set Amad Diallo up to take the World Cup by storm, with the 23-year-old looking to play a key role for the Ivory Coast. As an attacking threat, Diallo is more than capable of causing problems for even the strongest defences at the tournament, and he could easily spearhead a surprise Ivory Coast charge for Group E supremacy.

You can check out our in-depth Group E preview here, with odds, predictions, and a full fixture schedule.

Group F players to watch at the 2026 World Cup

Japan, the Netherlands and Sweden all arrive with genuine hopes of making a deep run into the competition, making Group F one of the most interesting groups to follow. Keito Nakamura and Donyell Malen are among the players expected to light up the group stage, but they're not alone in Group F:

Keito Nakamura (Japan)

Ten goals in just 25 appearances for Japan says everything you need to know about the attacking ability of Keito Nakamura, who is coming into the 2026 World Cup off the back of a blistering season for Reims in Ligue 2. Japan are many people's pick as this summer's dark horses, and having got the match-winning assist in his side's triumph over England in March, Nakamura is more than ready to take Group F by storm.

Donyell Malen (Netherlands)

Arriving in North America following a prolific season for both Aston Villa and Roma, Donyell Malen has probably earnt the right to start up top for the Netherlands, and he's got all the attributes necessary to torment defences this summer. Unstoppable pace and clinical finishing is a great combo, so we're tipping the 27-year-old to enjoy an excellent group stage, adding to his 13 international goals.

Yasin Ayari (Sweden)

Despite only being 22 years of age, Yasin Ayari has accumulated 20 international caps already, scoring three goals for Sweden in that time, and we're tipping him to make a real impact in Group F. The Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder has gone from strength to strength this season, and as a pivotal player for Graham Potter, Ayari is undoubtedly one of our players to watch.

Elias Achouri (Tunisia)

Elias Achouri will break through the 30-cap barrier at the 2026 World Cup, and will be a crucial player for Sabri Lamouchi as he looks to spring a surprise with Tunisia in Group F. With Champions League experience, Achouri will be tasked with driving his nation forward in what is a massively challenging group, but when he gets the ball, we're backing him to catch the eye.

You can check out our in-depth Group F preview here, with odds, predictions, and a full fixture schedule.

Group G players to watch at the 2026 World Cup

Few groups can boast a player of Mohamed Salah's stature, while Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana continues to grow in importance for club and country. Here are the four players we're backing to leave their mark on Group G:

Amadou Onana (Belgium)

Alongside his Aston Villa teammate and international captain Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana will be tasked with marshalling the midfield for Belgium - and he will do it supremely well. His huge frame and excellent positional sense will suffocate opponents in the middle of the park, and we wouldn't be surprised to see him crop up with a goal or two either, with the 24-year-old often unleashing strikes of real quality from distance.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt) - our #7 player to watch at the 2026 World Cup

After an underwhelming Premier League campaign for Liverpool, Mohamed Salah has a point to prove at the 2026 World Cup, and we're tipping him to prove it in style. The 33-year-old may well be past his ridiculous best, but Egypt's greatest-ever player will still carry the hopes of his nation on his back in North America - and we're expecting him to score the goals to take the Pharaohs through to the knockouts.

Mehdi Taremi (Iran)

A consistent finisher who has really proven his worth at the top level in recent years, Mehdi Taremi will be adding to his 104 international caps this summer - and will probably surpass 60 goals for Iran, too. The former Porto hitman has scored two World Cup goals across two tournaments already, but with Iran seriously eyeing up a place in the last 32, we're backing the acclaimed striker to light up Group G.

Tim Payne (New Zealand)

A rather strange story has emerged with Tim Payne, whose global following has boomed after random intervention from an Argentinian influencer, but all eyes will now be on the 32-year-old. The New Zealand right-back is suddenly a fan-favourite, so it will be intriguing to see how he deals with the newfound pressure of being something of a star.

You can check out our in-depth Group G preview here, with odds, predictions, and a full fixture schedule.

Group H players to watch at the 2026 World Cup

European champions Spain headline this group, though Uruguay and Saudi Arabia both possess players capable of stealing the spotlight. Lamine Yamal is probably the tournament's standout star, but here are other names worth keeping an eye on in Group H:

Jovane Cabral (Cape Verde)

Playing for Estrela da Amadora in Liga Portugal, Jovane Cabral brings genuine top-level experience to a vastly unknown Cape Verde squad, and could play a huge part in one of the shocks of the summer. Should World Cup debutants Cape Verde upset the odds and reach the knockouts, the 27-year-old is sure to have played his part, so when you're watching the minnows, keep an eye out for the former Sporting and Lazio winger.

Salem Al-Dawsari (Saudi Arabia)

Ignoring a single loan appearance at Villarreal in 2018, Salem Al-Dawsari has spent his entire club career at Al Hilal, and has benefitted hugely from the arrival of teammates like Karim Benzema and Ruben Neves over the years, winning multiple league titles. Al-Dawsari has scored well over 100 goals for the club, and also scored Saudi Arabia's famous winner against Argentina in 2022 - so let's see if he can deliver on the world stage again this time around.

Lamine Yamal (Spain) - our #1 player to watch at the 2026 World Cup

Entering the 2026 World Cup as joint-favourite for the Golden Ball, Lamine Yamal is already one of the world's biggest stars - but this is where he stakes his claim for the Ballon d'Or. With a Euro 2024 triumph and multiple club trophies already under his belt, Yamal will play with supreme confidence in Group H, and could easily win the Golden Ball if he's anywhere near his best for Spain.

Rodrigo Zalazar (Uruguay)

Rodrigo Zalazar has an interesting role to play for Uruguay this summer, with the Braga midfielder still far from an established international, but an exceptional season for his club left Marcelo Bielsa with no choice but to call him up - and his form could see him have a huge impact. We're tipping the versatile 26-year-old to play a major part for his country, even if it is off the bench, so we're excited to see how he gets on at his first World Cup.

You can check out our in-depth Group H preview here, with odds, predictions, and a full fixture schedule.

Group I players to watch at the 2026 World Cup

France, Norway and Senegal have all been handed tricky assignments in what looks one of the toughest groups to predict. Desire Doue and Antonio Nusa are just two of the stars hoping to make a major impact in Group I:

Desire Doue (France) - our #2 player to watch at the 2026 World Cup

Having recently scored his first goals for France, Desire Doue is ready to become a key part of the world's most fearsome frontline, and we're tipping the PSG star to show his class at the 2026 World Cup. The 21-year-old scored a brace in last season's Champions League final, and having just won a second UCL in two years, is more than accustomed to stepping up on the big occasion - so whether it's from the start or off the bench, expect Doue to get you off your seat.

Ahmed Qasem (Iraq)

Currently plying his trade for Nashville SC in the MLS, Ahmed Qasem hasn't had to venture very far to join up with his Iraq teammates, and we're tipping the 22-year-old to make an instant impact on the international stage. He only has one cap for Iraq having represented Sweden at youth level, but the exciting midfielder has all the ingredients needed to catch the eye this summer.

Antonio Nusa (Norway) - our #3 player to watch at the 2026 World Cup

While it's so hard to be the standout player in a Norway team these days, Antoni Nusa's eight goals in 23 caps suggests he can take the pressure off Erling Haaland - with his searing pace causing defenders a host of problems. The RB Leipzig winger is getting stronger every season, and at just 21-years-old, the youngster will boast the fearlessness needed to light up the World Cup - and potentially topple France at the top of Group I.

Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal) - our #5 player to watch at the 2026 World Cup

Everton's Iliman Ndiaye has quickly become one of the Premier League's most exciting players to watch, with so much raw ability and tenacity making him a defender's nightmare. The 26-year-old will shoulder a lot of responsibility for Senegal in Group I, but we're expecting him to leave the tournament with a number of elite suitors.

You can check out our in-depth Group I preview here, with odds, predictions, and a full fixture schedule.

Group J players to watch at the 2026 World Cup

The defending champions are expected to dominate the headlines in this group, though there is plenty of talent spread across all four nations. Nico Paz will hope to take some burden off Lionel Messi, as one of the biggest stars in Group J:

Fares Chaibi (Algeria)

Fares Chaibi has built a reputation as a consistent assist machine in the last couple of years, setting up 22 goals in three seasons at Frankfurt, and we're tipping him to bring his creative output into the World Cup for Algeria. The likes of Riyad Mahrez and Rayan Ait-Nouri might steal the headlines as more familiar names, but keep your eyes peeled for Chaibi pulling the strings in midfield.

Nico Paz (Argentina)

It's always hard to ignore Lionel Messi, but in Nico Paz, Argentina have a real gem. The 21-year-old has enjoyed a stunning season for Como in Serie A, helping his side qualify for the Champions League with a hatful of goals and assists, and as one of the fresher faces in Lionel Scaloni's squad, he'll be desperate to impress. Not many people are doubting his potential, but this summer presents the perfect opportunity to show the world what he's capable of.

Carney Chukwuemeka (Austria)

Formerly of Aston Villa and Chelsea, Carney Chukwuemeka's career might not have taken off quite how many would've expected, but with the 22-year-old finally getting some consistent gametime at Borussia Dortmund, he's ready to take Group J by storm. His tall frame, powerful dribbling ability, and eye for goal make him a real presence in midfield, so he's an easy pick as our player to watch for Austria.

Mousa Al Tamari (Jordan)

Mousa Al Tamari is closing in on 100 caps for his country, and while he won't hit the milestone at this tournament, his numbers prove how crucial he is to Jordan - and we think that'll be evident this summer. A handful of solid seasons in Ligue 1 have shown he can step up when needed, so if Jordan are to pull a rabbit out of the hat in Group J, expect Al Tamari to be at the heart of it.

You can check out our in-depth Group J preview here, with odds, predictions, and a full fixture schedule.

Group K players to watch at the 2026 World Cup

With Portugal, Colombia and DR Congo all harbouring ambitions of reaching the knockout stages, this group should produce plenty of memorable moments. Bruno Fernandes and Luis Diaz are among the biggest names involved (alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, of course) though they're certainly not the only players worth watching in Group K:

Luis Diaz (Colombia) - our #9 player to watch at the 2026 World Cup

Perhaps the most underappreciated part of Bayern Munich's world-beating front three, Luis Diaz has blossomed since swapping the Premier League for the Bundesliga, and we're backing him to take his blistering form into the World Cup. The electric winger has climbed up to third in Colombia's all-time goalscoring charts, and with so much confidence, the 29-year-old is bound to deliver in Group K.

Noah Sadiki (DR Congo)

An outstanding debut season for Sunderland has seen Noah Sadiki gain a lot of plaudits over the last 12 months, and on football's biggest stage, we think the 21-year-old will star in the heart of that DR Congo midfield. His energy will be invaluable in the heat of North America, and in a challenging group, winning those midfield battles could prove key to any potential success - so he'll be right in the thick of the action.

Bruno Fernandes (Portugal) - our #8 player to watch at the 2026 World Cup

Having just broken the Premier League record with 21 assists in a single season, Bruno Fernandes arrives at the 2026 World Cup in peak form, and we're tipping him to continue his world-class contributions this summer. It's hard to stand out in such a talented Portugal squad, but with so many strings to his bow, seeing how Bruno Fernandes performs this summer will be an exciting subplot to the World Cup story.

Abdukodir Khusanov (Uzbekistan)

Abdukodir Khusanov's Man City career famously got off to a shaky start, but he is quickly emerging as one of football's brightest talents, and he has a huge part to play for Uzbekistan if they hope to upset the odds in Group K. With so much pace, strength, and composure on the ball, Khusanov has everything he needs to become one of the world's very best, and a strong group-stage showing will give his country every chance of reaching the knockouts.

You can check out our in-depth Group K preview here, with odds, predictions, and a full fixture schedule.

Group L players to watch at the 2026 World Cup

England may be favourites to top the group, but Croatia, Ghana and Panama all possess players capable of making life difficult. The likes of Elliot Anderson and Antoine Semenyo arrive in excellent form, adding another layer of intrigue to Group L:

Igor Matanovic (Croatia)

Having helped fire Freiburg to the Europa League final, Igor Matanovic arrives in North America in much more confident mood than many might've expected, and the 23-year-old now has every chance of making an impact for Croatia in Group L. Two goals in eight appearances is a good start to his international career, and at his maiden World Cup, the stage is set for Matanovic to make a real name for himself on the global stage.

Elliot Anderson (England)

In a ridiculously talented England squad, Elliot Anderson perhaps doesn't grab the headlines, but the level of performance that he has continuously hit over the past couple of seasons has been something to behold - and we're expecting him to help England dominate Group L. Anderson has made that central midfield spot his own for Thomas Tuchel's side, and if he can replicate his recent form at the World Cup, then a lot of fans around the world are going to take note very quickly.

Antoine Semenyo (Ghana)

A storming Premier League season in which Antoine Semenyo earned a move to Manchester City and lifted two trophies is behind him, but as a genuine star now, he's the man Ghana will look to - and we're backing him to deliver. His numbers have improved drastically in the last two seasons, and while Ghana aren't necessarily fancied to go far, Semenyo is sure to catch the eye.

Adalberto Carrasquilla (Panama)

The 48th and final player to watch is Adalberto Carrasquilla, whose playmaking abilities will give Panama genuine hope of upsetting the odds throughout the group stage. Having previously played in the MLS, the Pumas midfielder will be ready to showcase his talent in front of the world, and we're predicting that of all Panama players, he's the one who stands out.

You can check out our in-depth Group L preview here, with odds, predictions, and a full fixture schedule.

So that wraps up our look at the 48 players to watch from the 2026 World Cup, with a blend of fresh-faced youngsters and legends ready to show their class. For more World Cup content, check out our dedicated content hub, which houses a range of articles from a detailed betting guide and in-depth tournament overview, to our expert World Cup predictions and every single 26-man squad.

Check out the latest betting promotions from Ladbrokes to enhance your betting experience.

All odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.

View the latest World Cup 2026 odds.