The best players in the world will be on display this summer at the 2026 World Cup. So, let’s rank them.
Ahead of the world’s premier sporting event, our experts ranked the 100 best stars who will likely feature at this summer’s World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
This week we’re releasing Nos. 50-26, and there are some serious star players making their appearances. Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo — who is expected to play in his sixth World Cup — joins the list, as do Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne and Croatia’s Luka Modrić. Where do these legends land and which young stars beat them out on the countdown?
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
100.
Pervis Estupiñán | Defender | Ecuador
(Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Age: 28
National team appearances: 52
Club team: AC Milan (Italy)
Estupiñán thrived in the Premier League for three seasons with Brighton before making a move to AC Milan last summer. He is one of the impressive talents that make Ecuador a potential sleeper this summer.
99.
Alexander Isak | Forward | Sweden
(Photo by JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images)
Age: 29
National team appearances: 77
Club team: Bayern Munich (Germany)
Kim won Serie A with Napoli in 2023 before making a big move to Bayern Munich. He hasn’t established himself as a first-choice player for the German giants, but he will be a pillar in the Korean defense this summer.
“When we redo this, maybe at the end of the tournament, and we look back, we might say, ‘I can’t believe we had Kim only at 98,’ when he comes out as one of the great center backs of the tournament.” — Alexi Lalas, FOX Sports Analyst
97.
Bradley Barcola | Forward | France
(Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)
Age: 28
National team appearances: 26
Club team: Manchester United (England)
Martínez would start at center back for most teams in this tournament, but he’s likely going to start as the third option behind Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi, who started during Argentina’s winning run in 2022. He can fill in at left back, as well, and will play a role somehow for the reigning champions.
95.
Phil Foden | Forward | England
(Photo by Michael Regan – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Age: 28
National team appearances: 31
Club team: Brighton (England)
Mitoma is an exciting winger who broke out two years ago for Brighton. He scored the winning goal for Japan back on March 31 in a friendly against England and will be the key player in attack for his country this summer.
Editor’s note: Mitoma will miss the World Cup due to a hamstring injury on May 9.
93.
Marcus Thuram | Forward | France
(Photo by Antonio Borga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Age: 29
National team appearances: 52
Club team: Real Sociedad (Spain)
A winger by trade for Real Sociedad, Oyarzabal has stepped up as a striker for the national team in the past. The best example was in the Euro 2024 final, when he scored the winning goal for Spain against England.
“Just an absolute baller. I think he should be so much higher than 92. He’s so underrated. He’s 29 years old, and he’s played in six finals in his career. Do you know in how many of those finals he has scored? All six. He’s scored in every final that he has played in.” — Stu Holden, FOX Sports analyst
91.
Gonçalo Ramos | Forward | Portugal
(Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
Age: 34
National team appearances: 125
Club team: Fulham (England)
Jiménez is a fixture in the Fulham starting lineup and will be the main man for Mexico this summer. With 44 goals for El Tri, he’s two goals behind former striker Jared Borgetti for second most all time.
“The pressure that’s going to be on his shoulders will be incredibly heavy.” — Maurice Edu, FOX Sports analyst
89.
Kenan Yıldız | Forward | Türkiye
(Photo by Hakan Akgun/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Age: 27
National team appearances: 16
Club team: Arsenal (England)
Eze made a huge move to Arsenal last summer and immediately became a big part of Mikel Arteta’s squad. He normally plays an attacking role, but he could push for the spot in England’s midfield that is usually occupied by Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham.
87.
Mikel Merino | Midfielder | Spain
(Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)
Age: 34
National team appearances: 84
Club team: Manchester United (England)
Casemiro is a four-time Champions League winner at Real Madrid, but he hasn’t maintained his high level of quality since moving to Manchester United in 2022. His former Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti, is now in charge of Brazil and brought the midfielder back to the national team last year.
“Have you watched Casemiro this season? He’s having a renaissance. He’s been flying. Brazil is going to need him with some of the injuries they’re picking up now.” — Stu Holden, FOX Sports analyst
85.
Fabián Ruiz | Midfielder | Spain
(Photo by Fran Santiago – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Age: 25
National team appearances: 27
Club team: Manchester City (England)
Guéhi was the captain for Crystal Palace last summer when the South London club won the FA Cup. He moved to Manchester City earlier this year and has immediately become a fixture in the reigning Premier League champion’s defense.
83.
Jeremie Frimpong | Defender | Netherlands
(Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Age: 26
National team appearances: 22
Club team: Chelsea (England)
James will be an important player for England this summer with versatility to play either right back or midfield. Staying healthy has been James’ problem at Chelsea, although he has played in more than two dozen games in the Premier League this season.
81.
Son Heung-min | Forward | South Korea
(Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Age: 27
National team appearances: 46
Club team: Barcelona (Spain)
Koundé will likely start at right back for the French, who are among the favorites this summer. He has made at least 40 appearances in each of the last four seasons for Barcelona.
79.
Christian Pulisic | Forward | United States
(Photo by Robin Alam/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Age: 21
National team appearances: 28
Club team: Real Madrid (Spain)
Güler is finishing up his third season at Real Madrid and has emerged as a key player in the squad. He will be the main man for Türkiye for years to come, starting with this summer’s World Cup.
“[Güler] and Kenan Yıldız are going to play a big part for Türkiye in this World Cup. Playing at Real Madrid, there’s a certain level of not just quality that you need to have, but personality — being able to handle the weight of that shirt. And now, when you put on that Türkiye jersey as well, we’ve seen him deliver. At such a young age, we have seen him take that responsibility.” — Maurice Edu, FOX Sports analyst
77.
Viktor Gyökeres | Forward | Sweden
(Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
Age: 27
National team appearances: 48
Club team: Barcelona (Spain)
Olmo emerged as a key player for Spain at Euro 2024. He scored three goals — finishing in a six-way tie for the Golden Boot — including one in the quarterfinal and semifinal against Germany and France, respectively.
75.
João Cancelo | Defender | Portugal
(Photo by Agustin Cuevas/Getty Images)
Age: 24
National team appearances: 22
Club team: Arsenal (England)
Martinelli will be a key player for Brazil this summer. He has struggled to establish a starting spot on the left wing because of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, but his pace means he will be a key contributor this summer. He only has one Premier League goal for Arsenal this season, so he isn’t in the best form right now.
73.
Weston McKennie | Midfielder | United States
(Photo by Shaun Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Age: 27
National team appearances: 44
Club team: Liverpool (England)
Mac Allister will be a key presence in the Argentina midfield this summer, as he was in 2022 en route to World Cup glory. Since then, he moved to Liverpool and won the Premier League last season. Mac Allister is capable of popping up and scoring a huge goal while also dictating the game on the ball. He’s one of the best center midfielders in the world.
“If it’s one game in a World Cup to win, I want that guy on my team. He’s a World Cup winner, a Premier League winner. He’s a gamer. He can flick the light switch and be a baller.” — Stu Holden, FOX Sports analyst
71.
Rafael Leão | Forward | Portugal
(Getty Images)
Age: 28
National team appearances: 82
Club team: Crystal Palace (England)
Sarr played all 38 games in the Premier League for Crystal Palace last season, during which the South London club also won the FA Cup. Sarr has made 83 appearances for Senegal and will be one of the go-to guys for his country this summer, alongside teammate Sadio Mané.
69.
Mike Maignan | Goalkeeper | France
Photo by Andrew Katsampes/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Age: 24
National team appearances: 8
Club team: Chelsea (England)
Brazil has been looking for a definitive No. 9 in its lineup for years, and Pedro might be the answer. After two impressive seasons at Brighton, he has 14 Premier League goals for Chelsea this season. He’ll likely be the focal point of Brazil’s attack this summer, which puts a lot on his shoulders for the perennial contender.
“He’s a guy that’s very dynamic on the ball. He can run in behind, he likes to drop underneath and hold the ball up. You have someone that needs to say, ‘I’m going to be that guy that scores goals for Brazil,’ and I think João Pedro has the ability to do that.” — Stu Holden, FOX Sports analyst
67.
William Saliba | Defender | France
(Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)
Age: 31
National team appearances: 104
Club team: Paris Saint-Germain (France)
At 31 years old, Marquinhos has already played 104 times for his country. He has been widely considered one of the best defenders in the world for the past decade, having played more than 500 games for PSG since arriving in 2013. The 31-year-old is still playing at a high level and will be wearing the captain’s armband for Brazil this summer.
“Marquinhos is going to have to be big with the injury to Militão.” — Alexi Lalas, FOX Sports analyst
65.
Pau Cubarsí | Defender | Spain
(Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)
Age: 33
National team appearances: 76
Club team: Liverpool (England)
Part of what makes Alisson one of the best goalkeepers in the world is his ability with his feet. He may be the best passer at his position in world soccer. His problem in past years has been staying on the pitch, as he’s missed at least 10 Premier League games in each of the last three seasons. When he’s between the posts, though, he’s still one of the world’s best for both club and country.
63.
Ibrahima Konaté | Defender | France
(Photo by Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Age: 24
National team appearances: 46
Club team: Manchester City (England)
Gvardiol is the most expensive defender in soccer history, having cost Manchester City $105 million back in 2023. He has been injured for much of this season, but he’s one of the best passing defenders in the world. While Luka Modrić runs the Croatian midfield, Gvardiol will command the defense.
61.
Cody Gakpo | Forward | Netherlands
(Photo by Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Age: 22
National team appearances: 7
Club team: Barcelona (Spain)
López is the perfect example of the impressive depth that Spain has in midfield. He has made more than 120 appearances for Barcelona over the past three seasons, but he might not come close to cracking the starting lineup. López is more than capable of scoring and creating goals and will be a key player for Spain this summer, regardless of whether he starts games.
59.
Mohamed Salah | Forward | Egypt
(Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP) (Photo by ABDEL MAJID BZIOUAT/AFP via Getty Images)
Age: 23
National team appearances: 25
Club team: Liverpool (England)
Gravenberch moved to Liverpool in 2023 after an uneventful season at Bayern Munich, and he has established himself as an elite defensive midfielder. He was a key player last season when Liverpool won the Premier League and has remained a fixture in the Reds’ midfield.
57.
Scott McTominay | Midfielder | Scotland
(Photo by Alan Harvey/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Age: 24
National team appearances: 34
Club team: Paris Saint-Germain (France)
Pacho broke out last season for PSG, cementing his spot in the middle of the French champions’ defense. From there, he starred en route to Champions League glory. He’ll partner Arsenal’s Piero Hincapíe in the middle of Ecuador’s back four, which on paper might be one of the stronger units in the field.
“Ecuador is my dark horse, and they’re going to make a run in this tournament built off being strong defensively. William Pacho being at center back plays a massive role in that equation.” — Maurice Edu, FOX Sports analyst
55.
Martin Ødegaard | Midfielder | Norway
(Photo by Adam Escada/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Age: 25
National team appearances: 40
Club team: Chelsea (England)
Fernández broke out during Argentina’s run to World Cup glory in 2022 and made a move to Chelsea one month after lifting the trophy. He’s an all-action midfielder who can cover every blade of grass and is capable of popping up with a big goal when necessary. He’ll be the key man in Argentina’s midfield this summer.
53.
Nico Williams | Forward | Spain
(Photo by Ahmad Mora – UEFA via Getty Images)
Age: 27
National team appearances: 25
Club team: Arsenal (England)
When Rodri got hurt in the first half of the Euro 2024 final against England, Zubimendi stepped in at halftime and helped lead Spain to victory. If healthy, Rodri is likely to start over Zubimendi, but the Arsenal midfielder provides plenty of stability off the bench when necessary.
“When I see him for Spain, I see a freer version of Zubimendi, and I think that’s where he is a little bit better because he can get around the field a little bit more. He can read the spaces, and there are different types of combinations and a little bit more free-flowing attacking play. I think we see a better version of him with Spain than we do at Arsenal.” — Stu Holden, FOX Sports analyst
“This summer, based on the health, the fitness and the form of Rodri, he will have a significant role to play for Spain. I still look at Zubimendi — he’s a top player. Quality on the ball, quality in the way that he sees the game. He’s just got to get back to being at his very best.” — Maurice Edu, FOX Sports analyst
51.
Sadio Mané | Forward | Senegal
(Photo by PATRICK MEINHARDT/AFP via Getty Images)
Age: 27
National team appearances: 23
Club team: Chelsea (England)
While players have come and gone at Chelsea over the past few years, Cucurella has been one constant presence. He’ll enter the World Cup having played more than 100 games over the past two seasons for the Blues, all since starting for Spain en route to the Euro 2024 crown two years ago.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every match streaming live and on-demand within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports app. A record 40 matches, more than one-third of the tournament, will air in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19).
The opening match on June 11 between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will stream for free on Tubi, as well as the USA’s opening match against Paraguay on June 12 (9 p.m. ET).
Watch FIFA World Cup 2026: All 104 games on FOX One. Start your free trial today.
