10 Players Who Are Expected To Leave Their Mark At The World Cup

1. Kylian Mbappe, France

A generational player, Mbappe made his World Cup debut at the age of 19 in 2018, helping the French to the world championship and earning young player of the tournament honors. He followed that up as the Golden Boot winner as the leading goal scorer, including a hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final (which the French lost to Argentina in penalty kicks). His pace, dribbling and finishing ability are off the charts. At 27, the 5-foot-10 striker is in his prime. Mbappe also has been lethal for his club, recording 25 goals and five assists in 31 La Liga appearances for Real Madrid this past season. Here is an imposing stat: Mbappe has scored at least 25 league goals for his respective teams in six consecutive seasons. If the team captain, lives up to his expectations, the French could go a long way, all the way to the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. on July 19. Mbappe is No. 19 on the Forbes highest-paid athletes list at $95 million.

2. Lamine Yamal, Spain

He will turn 19 during the tournament, but Lamine Yamal’s skills and soccer IQ are sublime and go well beyond his age. Yamal has been playing professionally for Barcelona since he was 15 and has become a major attacking force with his educated left foot for club and country. As a 16-year-old in 2024, he became the youngest player to score in the European Championship, connecting in Spain’s 2-1 semifinal victory over France. Big things are expected of Yamal now and in the future.

ForbesWhy Ream Is The Perfect World Cup Captain For USMNT Coach PochettinoBy Michael Lewis

3. Bruno Fernandes, Portugal

Bruno Fernandes, 31, is the mastermind of what many observers claim is the best midfield of all 48 World Cup teams. His experience, creativity and ability to score make him a dangerous player. He was a vital contributor to Portugal’s 2025 UEFA Nations League championship side, also converting a penalty kick in the shootout in the final. Fernandes captains Manchester United and his national team. He is coming off a monster season for his Premier League team, in which he recorded nine goals and 22 assists (21 in the PL) in 37 appearances across all competitions.

4. Vinicius Junior, Brazil

The Brazilians are known for producing some of the most talented attacking players in world. Vinicius Junior, 25, is the latest star from the country that has secured a record five World Cup titles. His speed and skill has made him one of the most formidable players around. Earlier this year, he became the 23rd player to break the 100-goal barrier for Real Madrid. Vinicius has played a vital role in Real winning three La Liga crowns and two Champions League title, while being named the 2024 Best FIFA Men’s Player and the Ballon d’Or runner-up. Vinicius, who is at No. 4 among athletes 25 or under at $60 million, according to Forbes.

ForbesLeaving Luna Out Of USMNT’s World Cup Squad Is A Head ScratcherBy Michael Lewis

5. Erling Haaland, Norway

Finally, we will get an opportunity to watch one of the great goal scorers on the grand stage of the World Cup. The 25-year-old Haaland has made life miserable for opposing defenders and goalkeepers, starring for Manchester City. If you have never seen the 6-foot-5, Haaland, just imagine an out-of-control locomotive racing toward you at a great speed. He can be quite intimidating. After becoming the fastest player to reach 100 goals in the Premier League in England this past season, Haaland is averaging 28 a season (112 in 132 contests) the past four campaigns. Haaland, who earned an estimated $80 million over the past 12 months, is the highest ranked paid athlete under 25, and 19th overall, according to Forbes.

6. Lionel Messi, Argentina

Considered the greatest of all time by many —although the fans of Pele and Diego Maradona might have an argument —Messi finally won his World Cup in Qatar in 2022. Playing with Inter Miami CF since 2023, Messi has been the most dangerous player in Major League Soccer thanks to his scoring prowess and amazing passing ability. Competing in the World Cup, however, is a big step up. Much like Ronaldo’s situation, it will be up to his coach, Lionel Scaloni, to figure out how much and when he uses Messi, who will turn 39 during the competition, is at 793 goals and counting. Messi is third on the Forbes’ highest paid athletes list.

7. Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal

If you look in a dictionary, you might see the picture of Ronaldo next to the word ageless. At the age of 41, he is still scoring goals. Ronaldo was blessed with so much talent, a nose for the goal and a ragged determination to keep himself fit. Ronaldo has struck for a world-record 973 goals in 1,320 matches, including a record 143 international goals. For the past three years, he has played for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, which is known near the quality of La Liga or Serie A. It will be interesting to see how head coach Roberto Martinez will use Ronaldo, given the World Cup will be played in the heat. If he is benched for a game, or used as a super-substitute, what will Ronaldo’s reaction be and how will it affect the team? Ronaldo, incidentally, tops the Forbes highest paid athlete list.

Forbes4 U.S. Soccer Documentaries To Watch Before The 2026 World CupBy Michael Lewis

8. Desire Doue, France

Several French internationals that can make the list. Doue, however, stands out, though he is only 21. He is an influential player for club and country. Doue became the third teenager to score in a UEFA Champions League final, striking twice in Paris Saint-Germain’s 5-0 triumph over Inter Milan in 2025. He also was a member of this year’s championship side and won a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His natural position is attacking midfielder, but Doue also can play multiple positions, thanks to his speed, passing and finishing touch. As a member of the losing side to Chelsea (3-0) at the 2025 Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, Doue no doubt would love to return there to redeem himself with his national team on July 19.

9. Son Heung-Min, Korea Republic

In many quarters, Son Heung-Min is considered the greatest Asian soccer player as he prepares to compete in his fourth World Cup. Son, 33, established a reputation as a playmaker and goal scorer who can use both feet equally well. During a decade-long career with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, Son ripped the nets 127 times in 333 matches. He joined Los Angeles FC (MLS) last year and has continued his assault on opposing goalkeepers with nine goals and 12 assists in 23 games. Son, who has tallied 56 goals in 144 international appearances, is two scores behind Cha Bum-Kun as Korea’s all-time leading scorer.

10. Christian Pulisic, United States

Many readers might question why a U.S. player is on this list. Pulisic is the most important player on one of the host teams. For the U.S. Men’s National team to do well, it needs the 27-year-old forward must have an outstanding World Cup. Pulisic has pace and good soccer sense as a goal scorer and playmaker. In the Americans’ 3-2 win over Senegal on May 31, Pulisic set up the first goal and tallied the second one. That goal snapped an incredible five-month scoring drought dating back to Dec. 28, 2025. That’s light years for a forward. If Pulisic stands out in this tournament, his well-documented slump will be forgotten very quickly because the World Cup is the ultimate report card.

ForbesWhere Every Player On Team USA World Cup Roster PlaysBy Ian Nicholas QuillenForbesWhy Ream Is The Perfect World Cup Captain For USMNT Coach PochettinoBy Michael Lewis

9. Florian Wirtz, Germany

Florian Wirtz’s vision, ability to dribble in tight spaces make him a difficult player to stop. The 23-year-old midfielder has established a reputation of giving his teammates killer through balls to break open opposing defenses. If the Liverpool standout plays up to his potential, Germany could wind up being a difficult side to beat.

8. Desire Doue, France

Several French internationals that can make the list. Doue, however, stands out, though he is only 21. He is an influential player for club and country. Doue became the third teenager to score in a UEFA Champions League final, striking twice in Paris Saint-Germain’s 5-0 triumph over Inter Milan in 2025. He also was a member of this year’s championship side and won a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His natural position is attacking midfielder, but Doue also can play multiple positions, thanks to his speed, passing and finishing touch. As a member of the losing side to Chelsea (3-0) at the 2025 Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, Doue no doubt would love to return there to redeem himself with his national team on July 19.

7. Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal

If you look in a dictionary, you might see the picture of Ronaldo next to the word ageless. At the age of 41, he is still scoring goals. Ronaldo was blessed with so much talent, a nose for the goal and a ragged determination to keep himself fit. Ronaldo has struck for a world-record 973 goals in 1,320 matches, including a record 143 international goals. For the past three years, he has played for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, which is known near the quality of La Liga or Serie A. It will be interesting to see how head coach Roberto Martinez will use Ronaldo, given the World Cup will be played in the heat. If he is benched for a game, or used as a super-substitute, what will Ronaldo’s reaction be and how will it affect the team? Ronaldo, incidentally, tops the Forbes highest paid athlete list.

ForbesLeaving Luna Out Of USMNT’s World Cup Squad Is A Head ScratcherBy Michael Lewis

6. Lionel Messi, Argentina

Considered the greatest of all time by many —although the fans of Pele and Diego Maradona might have an argument —Messi finally won his World Cup in Qatar in 2022. Playing with Inter Miami CF since 2023, Messi has been the most dangerous player in Major League Soccer thanks to his scoring prowess and amazing passing ability. Competing in the World Cup, however, is a big step up. Much like Ronaldo’s situation, it will be up to his coach, Lionel Scaloni, to figure out how much and when he uses Messi, who will turn 39 during the competition, is at 793 goals and counting. Messi is third on the Forbes’ highest paid athletes list.

5. Erling Haaland, Norway

Finally, we will get an opportunity to watch one of the great goal scorers on the grand stage of the World Cup. The 25-year-old Haaland has made life miserable for opposing defenders and goalkeepers, starring for Manchester City. If you have never seen the 6-foot-5, Haaland, just imagine an out-of-control locomotive racing toward you at a great speed. He can be quite intimidating. After becoming the fastest player to reach 100 goals in the Premier League in England this past season, Haaland is averaging 28 a season (112 in 132 contests) the past four campaigns. Haaland, who earned an estimated $80 million over the past 12 months, is the highest ranked paid athlete under 25, and 19th overall, according to Forbes.

4. Vinicius Junior, Brazil

The Brazilians are known for producing some of the most talented attacking players in world. Vinicius Junior, 25, is the latest star from the country that has secured a record five World Cup titles. His speed and skill has made him one of the most formidable players around. Earlier this year, he became the 23rd player to break the 100-goal barrier for Real Madrid. Vinicius has played a vital role in Real winning three La Liga crowns and two Champions League title, while being named the 2024 Best FIFA Men’s Player and the Ballon d’Or runner-up. Vinicius, who is at No. 4 among athletes 25 or under at $60 million, according to Forbes.

Forbes4 U.S. Soccer Documentaries To Watch Before The 2026 World CupBy Michael Lewis

3. Bruno Fernandes, Portugal

Bruno Fernandes, 31, is the mastermind of what many observers claim is the best midfield of all 48 World Cup teams. His experience, creativity and ability to score make him a dangerous player. He was a vital contributor to Portugal’s 2025 UEFA Nations League championship side, also converting a penalty kick in the shootout in the final. Fernandes captains Manchester United and his national team. He is coming off a monster season for his Premier League team, in which he recorded nine goals and 22 assists (21 in the PL) in 37 appearances across all competitions.

2. Lamine Yamal, Spain

He will turn 19 during the tournament, but Lamine Yamal’s skills and soccer IQ are sublime and go well beyond his age. Yamal has been playing professionally for Barcelona since he was 15 and has become a major attacking force with his educated left foot for club and country. As a 16-year-old in 2024, he became the youngest player to score in the European Championship, connecting in Spain’s 2-1 semifinal victory over France. Big things are expected of Yamal now and in the future.

ForbesU.S. Hotels Say World Cup Is ‘Non-Event’ So FarBy Suzanne Rowan Kelleher

1. Kylian Mbappe, France

A generational player, Mbappe made his World Cup debut in 2018, helping the French to the world championship and earning young player of the tournament honors. He followed that up as the Golden Boot winner as the leading goal scorer, including a hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final (which the French lost to Argentina in penalty kicks). His pace, dribbling and finishing ability are off the charts. At 27, the 5-foot-10 striker is in his prime. Mbappe also has been lethal for his club, recording 25 goals and five assists in 31 La Liga appearances for Real Madrid this past season. Here is an imposing stat: Mbappe has scored at least 25 league goals for his respective teams in six consecutive seasons. If the team captain, lives up to his expectations, the French could go a long way, all the way to the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. on July 19. Mbappe is No. 19 on the Forbes highest-paid athletes list at $95 million.

Michael Lewis, the sixth recipient of the Clay Berling Media Career of Excellence Award in 2025, can be followed on X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky at @Soccerwriter. His 10th soccer book, Around the World Cup in 40 Years: An American sportswriter’s perspective, has been published.