With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just weeks away, attention is turning to the biggest names expected to lead their countries at the tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Several global stars arrive carrying enormous expectations, while injuries, form concerns and pressure at club level continue to dominate headlines ahead of football’s biggest competition.
Kylian Mbappe faces pressure to deliver for France
Kylian Mbappé heads into the World Cup under intense scrutiny after a difficult period with Real Madrid.
Despite maintaining strong scoring numbers, the France captain has yet to win a major trophy since joining Madrid, and questions have been raised about his fitness after ending the season with a hamstring issue.
The 27-year-old remains one of the favourites to dominate the tournament after starring in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph and scoring a hat trick in the 2022 final against Argentina.
Mbappe now sits just four goals away from matching Miroslav Klose’s all time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals.
Erling Haaland ready for first major international tournament
Erling Haaland will finally play at his first major international tournament after helping Norway national football team qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.
The Manchester City striker scored 16 goals during qualification and already has 55 international goals in only 49 appearances.
Norway have been labelled potential dark horses, especially with stars like Martin Ødegaard also leading the squad.
However, Haaland faces a difficult challenge in a group containing France and African champions Senegal.
Vinicius Junior aiming to become Brazil’s main man
Vinícius Júnior enters the World Cup with growing expectations as Carlo Ancelotti looks to guide Brazil national football team to a sixth world title.
Although Neymar has returned to the Brazil squad, many believe Vinicius will be the key player if Brazil are to challenge for the trophy.
The winger has enjoyed major success at club level but still has something to prove internationally, scoring only eight goals in 47 appearances for Brazil.
A strong World Cup could also strengthen his hopes of eventually winning the Ballon d’Or.
Harry Kane chasing England’s dream
Harry Kane arrives at the World Cup after arguably the best season of his career with Bayern Munich.
The England captain scored 58 goals in 50 matches as Bayern dominated the Bundesliga title race.
Kane has already established himself as England’s all time leading scorer, but the striker is still searching for his first major international trophy as the country continues to chase a first major title since 1966.
Fitness could be crucial for the 32-year-old, who has often entered international tournaments physically exhausted after long club campaigns.
Lamine Yamal racing against time for Spain
Lamine Yamal is one of the biggest young stars expected to shine at the World Cup, but injury concerns remain ahead of the tournament.
The Barcelona winger has not played since suffering a hamstring injury in April and could miss Spain’s opening group matches.
Still only 18, Yamal was one of the standout players during Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and has continued his rapid rise with FC Barcelona.
Before the injury setback, he had scored 24 goals across all competitions as Barcelona retained the LaLiga title.
Spain hope the teenager can recover in time to play a decisive role during the knockout rounds of the World Cup.
