10 players to watch at the World Cup

Two of soccer’s all-time greats will likely make their final bows on the sport’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup.Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo can finally pass the baton on to a new generation including Spain’s Lamine Yamal.Kylian Mbappé — who was only 19 when he won the World Cup with France in 2018 — is still waiting to confirm his place as the heir-apparent to Messi and Ronaldo.But there are others, too, aiming to make their mark in the United States, Canada and Mexico, from Norwegian goal machine Erling Haaland to Team USA’s Christian Pulisic.Here are 10 players to watch this year’s World Cup.

Lionel MessiThe magnificent Messi finally achieved his career ambition in Qatar four years ago by leading Argentina to World Cup glory and emulating national icon Diego Maradona.With it, Messi effectively completed soccer, winning the top titles for club, country and individually.Since Qatar, he has moved to the United States to make Inter Miami the dominant force in MLS, winning the MLS Cup last year.

8 MIN READ

6 MIN READ

1 MIN READ