The 2026 World Cup, which is being hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, is the biggest edition yet thanks to its extended format. With 48 nations and a deeper talent pool than ever before, there’s no shortage of players to keep an eye on over the coming weeks.

Here we take a look at some of the players who are likely to define the tournament, and for those tracking how the World Cup plays out, the latest World Cup betting markets will offer an up-to-date way to follow the changing expectations as the competition progresses.

The Established Superstars
Kylian Mbappe arrived at the World Cup in great form and will overtake Olivier Giroud to become France’s all-time top scorer. Giroud is on 57 goals, with Mbappe one behind on 56. The Real Madrid star won the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup, so it’s a matter of when and not if he surpasses Giroud.

Norway’s Erling Haaland will finally make his World Cup debut after firing his team to qualification for the first time in decades. He scored 16 goals in 8 qualifying games and became only the sixth player ever to score 50 international goals in under 50 caps. If Norway is to go far, it will be thanks to his goals.

Lionel Messi, Mohamed Salah, Vinicius Junior and Cristiano Ronaldo are all headliners in their own right. They’re all proven at the top level, and they all come alive in big moments.

The Midfield Generals
Spain’s Pedri is one of the best passers of a ball in the world and combines fantastic ball retention with relentless work off it. His ability to dictate the tempo from the middle of the field for Spain could be crucial if they’re to live up to their tag as favourites.

Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, the Premier League Player of the Season, has taken his game to a new level this season. He’s become an elite-level difference-maker and will supply chance after chance for Portugal’s attack.

Veterans like N’Golo Kante remain vital too. The 35-year-old, who now plays in the Turkish Süper Lig for Fenerbahçe, remains a calming presence in France’s midfield, going about his work tirelessly.

Defensive Rocks
Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois continues to operate as one of the top goalkeepers in the world. He’s a player for the big moments and can come up with saves that others can’t. Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez is also a moments player, as proven at Qatar 2022.

Another Real Madrid player made for tournaments like the World Cup is Antonio Rudiger. The German central defender can comfortably compete with the best forwards. Achraf Hakimi, now a back-to-back Champions League winner, was the driving force behind Morocco’s charge to the semi-finals at the last World Cup.

Breakout Stars
There are always young stars who find a way to announce themselves at a World Cup. In 2026, the likes of Yan Diomande, who is being chased by Europe’s top clubs, Mexico’s Gilberto Mora and Australia’s Irankunda are the ones to keep an eye on.

Conclusion
This World Cup could be described as being about the teams, as there are a record 48 competing. However, it’s always about the players. They’re the difference-makers, and there are always some who use the tournament as a defining moment to take their career to the next level.