Seven players who could define the 2026 FIFA World Cup

So, this is it. In a few days, the biggest FIFA World Cup ever will start.

To this point, our attention has been on matters away from the field. But with the matches close now, this column turns to what may happen on the pitch and specifically, the seven people who could define this World Cup. 

Julian Alvarez (26), Argentina

Lionel Messi’s final hurrah on soccer’s biggest stage is going to be a big deal. We’ve been on a collision course with this moment since Messi & Co., picked up sticks and moved to Miami, turning the soccer world and sports streaming deals on their heads.

But for Argentina to repeat as World Cup champions in 2026, they can’t rely on a 38-year-old ‘maybe injured’ Messi to rediscover the electric form he displayed in Qatar. Argentina’s second-best outfield player in that tournament, however, is primed for a massive summer.

After Qatar, Julian Alvarez left Manchester City to escape Erling Haaland’s shadow for more minutes. He proceeded to shine for Atletico Madrid and is now set for a major move to Barcelona (or maybe back to the Premier League) following this tournament. Alvarez will not be able to outpace the Messi media machine, but he can help solidify a new era while paying homage to his departing idol. Alvarez’s form in the Champions League last season reminded us he loves the big stage.

Yan Diomande (19), Cote d’Ivoire

Your favourite club wants to blow the bank for Yan Diomande and listen, it makes sense.

The teenage RB Leipzig sensation is already one of the most feared dribblers in Europe and is part of a Les Elephants group that may rival the talent of the previous golden generation led by Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure.

Diomande will not encounter defensive slouches in the group stage against Ecuador and Germany, and his performance in those matches will likely determine if Cote d’Ivoire can do what Drogba and Toure’s squads could not: reach the knockout stage of a World Cup.

Rodri (29), Spain

Health, unsurprisingly, is a grim talking point as we gingerly weave our way to the opening matches.

A gruelling club season has left some favourites unsure if their best players will be fit. Spain’s Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, potent attacking threats on the wings, are expected to be good to go for the tournament opener against Cape Verde.

That’s great news for Spain, who boast arguably the most complete roster amongst the tournament favourites. Manager Luis de la Fuente can rely on a mix of veterans, players in their prime and a youth brigade led by the prodigious Yamal. But at least one major question remains.

Will Rodri be healthy enough to go the distance? The City captain made over 30 league starts per season during his club’s four-year title reign from 2020 to 2024. Since then, injuries have taken their toll and rumours regarding a possible departure from Manchester after the World Cup continue to swirl. In terms of the present, however, Rodri’s ability to stay on the field will directly impact Spain’s ceiling at this tournament.

Martin Odegaard (27), Norway

It’s highly plausible Haaland, the cyborg cosplaying as striker, pumps in 10 goals during an extended Norwegian run into the knockout rounds. Since their dominant qualifying campaign, one that left Italy in the playoff abyss, Norway has been a popular pick to surprise at this World Cup. Haaland is an obvious reason why, but coach Ståle Solbakken knows he’ll need more than Haaland at the peak of his powers if Norway is to return to the Round of 16 at a World Cup for the first time since 1998.

Martin Odegaard’s 2025-26 season was disrupted by injuries, limiting the Arsenal captain to 16 Premier League starts. When he did play, Odegaard’s creative tonic provided vital breakthroughs away at Newcastle and West Ham on the way to a title-winning campaign. Recently, Odegaard struggled in the Champions League final, getting the hook just over an hour into the match. His fitness and form are crucial to Norway’s hopes in North America. If Odegaard struggles, so will Norway.

Vitinha (26), Portugal

A few years ago, Vitinha wasn’t starting regularly for Premier League club Wolves.

Now, Wolves are in the Championship, and Vitiha has won five consecutive league titles (with FC Porto and Paris Saint-Germain) to go along with two consecutive Champions League titles. He’s arguably the best midfielder in the world and on a loaded Portugal side, he’s the straw that stirs the drink.

Thanks to a chill league campaign in which club manager Luis Enrique rotated more than aspiring DJ Alphonse Areola at an open mic, the 26-year-old arrives in North America fresher compared to some of his peers. That’s why we might see an even better Vitinha (if possible) when the stakes increase.

Désiré Doué (21), France

The best young player you already know something about but probably not enough will have the chance to build on an electric Champions League final performance in 2025 against Inter Milan.

The runners-up from Qatar boasts a wealth of talent in all areas, but it’s Doué and the forward group that is most exciting.

Didier Deschamps’ swan song as France national team manager will involve carefully managing the ego of Kylian Mbappe while allowing his extremely talented teammates — among them: Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Rayan Cherki, and Doué — an opportunity to also express themselves.

Those names listed above are ‘moments’ players. People with the ability to create magic out of ordinary situations. Doué’s path to consistent minutes may be the only thing hindering him from a monumental campaign in North America.

Takefusa Kubo (25), Japan

What happens when you leave home at a young age to join a historic, internationally renowned club that “legally” shouldn’t have been allowed to enroll you? In Takefusa Kubo’s case, you develop very thick skin.

‘The Japanese Messi’ has had to cope with the enormous pressure that nickname conjures. From his early days at Barcelona to a premature return home and then to Real Madrid’s youth setup, Kubo has taken the road less traveled for Japanese footballers.

Like Doue and Diomande, Kubo is a dynamo with the ball at his feet. He also possesses a lethal final ball. The Real Sociedad star, alongside teammate Ritsu Doan, are two of the reasons to believe Japan can make a run.