26 stars for '26: The top players who could define the World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in one year, and we expect to see plenty of top players at the 48-team tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer.

While there are still spots up for grabs (only 13 countries have officially qualified), big names like Argentina's Lionel Messi and Brazil's Vinícius Júnior are set to appear. Other elite playmakers like France's Kylian Mbappe and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo should join them, while youngsters like Spain's Lamine Yamal could be set for a breakout summer. 

Looking ahead to next year, these 26 players (listed in alphabetical order) could define the 2026 World Cup. FOX Sports soccer reporters Doug McIntyre and Laken Litman break down why we're excited to see those stars. Let's get into it!

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Why he makes the list: Alvarez scored 29 goals across all competitions in his first season with Atlético Madrid. He’s a difference-maker, technical on the ball and has much more potential to grow into for both club and country. We won’t have to wait until the 2026 World Cup to see him on the big stage as Alvarez will be in the spotlight this summer when he plays in the FIFA Club World Cup.

What this World Cup '26 would mean: Alvarez was one of the youngest players on Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad in 2022. Now, still only 25, he has that experience in his back pocket and can likely play an even larger role for Lionel Scaloni’s squad in 2026 to help La Albiceleste defend its title.

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Why he makes the list: In his first season in Spain’s capital during the 2023-24 campaign, Bellingham was a revelation, leading Los Blancos to both the La Liga and Champions League titles. He then took England to the final of Euro 2024, firmly establishing himself as one of