Who are the stars to watch at the 2026 FIFA World Cup – New York Post

The New York Post has identified 15 players poised to dominate the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including global icons and emerging talents across three host nations. The tournament, set to expand to 48 teams for the first time, will feature 11 U.S. venues, including Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium and New York’s MetLife Stadium, as part of a historic joint bid by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Among the standout names is Lionel Messi, the 36-year-old Argentine forward who will seek his third World Cup title after winning in 2022. The New York Post notes his role as a pivotal figure for Argentina, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, the 38-year-old Portuguese star aiming for a third final appearance. Kylian Mbappé, the 24-year-old French sensation, remains a focal point for France’s campaign, while Christian Pulisic, the U.S. midfielder, is highlighted as a key figure for the home team.

Legends and Legacy Contenders

Messi and Ronaldo, both nearing the twilight of their careers, face questions about their physical readiness for the expanded tournament. However, their experience and track records remain unmatched. Messi, who scored 13 World Cup goals in 2022, is expected to lead Argentina’s attack, while Ronaldo, with 14 World Cup goals across three tournaments, continues to defy age as a central figure for Portugal.

The New York Post also emphasizes the presence of 2022 World Cup finalists England and France, with Harry Kane and Antoine Griezmann joining Mbappé in high-profile roles. For the U.S. team, Pulisic’s performances at club level—particularly his 18 goals and 12 assists for Chelsea in 2025—have positioned him as a critical player ahead of the home tournament.

Breakout Stars and Emerging Talent

The list includes several younger players, such as Brazil’s Endrick, the 19-year-old forward who joined Real Madrid in a $100 million transfer, and England’s Jude Bellingham, the 21-year-old Borussia Dortmund midfielder who won the 2022 World Cup Golden Ball. The Post also highlights Gilberto Mora, the 22-year-old Mexican winger, as a potential breakout star for the host nation.

U.S. Soccer’s prospects include 20-year-old Gianluca Busio, the Kansas City midfielder who has shown promise in the Bundesliga, and 23-year-old DeAndre Yedlin, the left-back who played a key role in the U.S. qualifying campaign. The Post notes that the U.S. team’s success will hinge on integrating these young talents with veteran leaders like Pulisic and Tim Weah.

Tournament Context and Challenges

The 2026 World Cup’s expanded format introduces logistical and competitive challenges. With 48 teams, the group stage will feature eight groups of six, increasing the risk of upsets. The New York Post cites FIFA’s emphasis on “fair distribution” of matches across the three host countries, with 10 matches in the U.S. alone. This setup could benefit teams with strong domestic leagues, such as the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

For the U.S. team, the tournament’s timing—scheduled for June and July 2026—aligns with the MLS season, potentially allowing players to maintain fitness. However, the Post warns that the pressure of hosting could test the squad’s resilience, particularly against top-tier opponents like Brazil, Germany, and Spain.

Why It Matters: A New Era for Global Soccer

The 2026 World Cup represents a shift in soccer’s global reach, with the U.S. market expected to drive unprecedented television and sponsorship revenue. According to ESPN, the tournament could generate over $5 billion in revenue, surpassing previous editions. This financial boost may influence player transfers and club strategies in the years leading up to the event.

The inclusion of 48 teams also raises questions about competitive balance. While lower-ranked nations like the Netherlands and Portugal face tougher paths to the knockout stages, the expanded format could provide opportunities for emerging powers such as Ghana and Morocco. The New York Post highlights that the tournament’s outcome will shape the sport’s landscape for the next decade.

The 2026 World Cup is set to be a landmark event, blending tradition with innovation. As the 15 stars and breakout players prepare for the global stage, their performances will define the tournament’s legacy—and potentially reshape the future of international soccer.