World Cup 2026: Who Will Be the Tournament’s Biggest Star?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins on Thursday, June 11 and runs until Sunday, July 19, with attention already turning to the player most likely to emerge as the tournament’s breakout star. For France, much of the recent buzz centers on Bayern Munich winger and attacking midfielder Michael Olise, who is set to play in his first World Cup after a standout club season in which he produced 22 goals and 26 assists in all competitions. At 24, Olise enters the tournament in strong form and could become one of the key figures in a French squad filled with attacking talent.

France will also rely on several other high-profile players who could capture global attention, including captain Kylian Mbappé, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, and younger talents such as Désiré Doué and Rayan Cherki. Their presence adds to the expectation that Les Bleus will be among the most entertaining teams to follow in the tournament.

Norway, which shares France’s group, will also feature one of the biggest names in world football: Erling Haaland. The Manchester City striker will be making his World Cup debut, and his teammate Antonio Nusa is also viewed as a player capable of making an impact. Spain’s Lamine Yamal is another major storyline heading into the competition, although his participation in all group-stage matches is uncertain after he ended the club season carrying an injury.

Several other elite players are expected to shape the tournament. England will look to Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane for leadership and goals, while Germany will count on Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala to drive its attack. Brazil, meanwhile, will pin hopes on Vinicius Junior, who aims to deliver a defining performance on the world stage.

The tournament will also provide a global spotlight for two of football’s greatest legends. Cristiano Ronaldo, representing Portugal, and Lionel Messi, captain of reigning world champions Argentina, are both set to play in what would be their sixth World Cup appearances. Messi may also be joined by compatriot Nico Paz, who could emerge as a surprise contributor for Argentina.

Beyond the traditional powers, several lesser-known names could make headlines. Turkey’s Kenan Yildiz and Algeria’s Ibrahim Maza are among the players being watched closely as potential revelations of the 2026 World Cup. As the competition approaches, the race to become the tournament’s standout star appears wide open, with established icons, rising talents, and first-time World Cup players all set to compete for the spotlight.