26 Stars for '26: Players Who Could Define the World Cup
📖 Full Retelling
This summer, 48 teams will be vying for the most coveted title in all sports – the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kicking off on June 11 and spread across three countries and 16 cities, we'll see plenty of iconic players and up-and-coming stars. There will be those who'll be looking to cement their legacies and others forging their own paths. But like in any tournament, there will be players who'll have bigger spotlights than others. These will be the 26 players who will be worth to watch all summer long. Don't be surprised to see these superstars creating highlight moments, scoring goals, and potentially lifting the trophy on July 19. _____ Why he makes the list: Alvarez scored 29 goals across all competitions in his first season with Atlético Madrid. He’s a difference-maker, technical on the ball and has much more potential to grow into for both club and country. We won’t have to wait until the 2026 World Cup to see him on the big stage as Alvarez will be in the spotlight this summer when he plays in the FIFA Club World Cup. What this World Cup would mean: Alvarez was one of the youngest players in Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad in 2022. Now, still only 25, he has that experience in his back pocket and can likely play an even larger role for Lionel Scaloni’s squad in 2026 to help La Albiceleste defend its title. _____ Why he makes the list: In his first season in Spain’s capital during the 2023-24 campaign, Bellingham was a revelation, leading Los Blancos to both the La Liga and Champions League titles. He then took England to the final of Euro 2024, firmly establishing himself as one of the game’s greatest midfielders. What this World Cup would mean: After coming close to helping the Three Lions claim England’s first major trophy in almost 60 years, Bellingham surely has his sights set on the World Cup. Unfortunately for the 21-year-old, his supporting cast (beyond Harry Kane, anyway) probably isn’t up for the task. _____ Why he makes the list: In March, "Fonzie" had
📄 Original Source Content
This summer, 48 teams will be vying for the most coveted title in all sports – the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kicking off on June 11 and spread across three countries and 16 cities, we'll see plenty of iconic players and up-and-coming stars. There will be those who'll be looking to cement their legacies and others forging their own paths. But like in any tournament, there will be players who'll have bigger spotlights than others. These will be the 26 players who will be worth to watch all summer long. Don't be surprised to see these superstars creating highlight moments, scoring goals, and potentially lifting the trophy on July 19. _____ Why he makes the list: Alvarez scored 29 goals across all competitions in his first season with Atlético Madrid. He’s a difference-maker, technical on the ball and has much more potential to grow into for both club and country. We won’t have to wait until the 2026 World Cup to see him on the big stage as Alvarez will be in the spotlight this summer when he plays in the FIFA Club World Cup. What this World Cup would mean: Alvarez was one of the youngest players in Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad in 2022. Now, still only 25, he has that experience in his back pocket and can likely play an even larger role for Lionel Scaloni’s squad in 2026 to help La Albiceleste defend its title. _____ Why he makes the list: In his first season in Spain’s capital during the 2023-24 campaign, Bellingham was a revelation, leading Los Blancos to both the La Liga and Champions League titles. He then took England to the final of Euro 2024, firmly establishing himself as one of the game’s greatest midfielders. What this World Cup would mean: After coming close to helping the Three Lions claim England’s first major trophy in almost 60 years, Bellingham surely has his sights set on the World Cup. Unfortunately for the 21-year-old, his supporting cast (beyond Harry Kane, anyway) probably isn’t up for the task. _____ Why he makes the list: In March, "Fonzie" had