The 2026 World Cup is finally here, as the biggest players, managers, and nations all head to North America this summer for the largest tournament in FIFA's history. With 48 teams and well over 1,200 players featuring in the competition, there are plenty of stars, both known and unknown, who will be looking to make an impact on the world stage and take their respective countries to the latter stages.
Every player will have the Golden Ball, the World Cup's best player award, in the back of their minds, looking to cut through the crowd of impressive stars to be remembered for their contributions at the World Cup. But who are the top stars involved in the latest edition of football's most illustrious competition? GIVEMESPORT has ranked the top 100 stars taking part in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
100 Neymar
Neymar (Brazil)Adriano Machado via Reuters
Country: Brazil
Club: Santos
Position: Forward
Age: 34
It was a huge talking point in Brazil and beyond... would Neymar get his last dance on the biggest international stage? Carlo Ancelotti emphatically answered that question by picking him over Chelsea's Joao Pedro.
There can be no arguing that the forward is one of the most skilful players in football history, and he was key in Brazil's 2014 and 2018 campaigns. He's certainly past his best due to significant injury troubles, hence his low position on this list, but it wouldn't surprise anyone if the 34-year-old popped up with a vital contribution.
99 Weston McKennie
Weston MckennieKirby Lee / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters
Country: USA
Club: Juventus
Position: Midfielder
Age: 27
The son of a USAF serviceman, Texan-raised McKennie is a gifted and adaptable footballer who was prepared to gamble in the big European leagues. He had barely emerged from the FC Dallas youth system before he was spirited to Germany by Schalke 04 as an 18-year-old in 2017 before becoming the first American to play for Juventus in 2020. Progress wasn’t smooth – there was injury and a loan to Leeds, but he is now vital to the Juve midfield.
This season, he was used in various positions but flourished in a more advanced midfield role, providing useful goals and assists. McKennie scored on his senior international debut against Portugal in 2017. He also scored a vital equaliser at the inaugural Concacaf Nations League Final against Mexico in 2020. The USMNT went on to win 3-2, and he was subsequently named Player of the Tournament. His versatility and big match experience will be vital.
98 Antonee Robinson
Antonee Robinson (USA)Kirby Lee (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
Country: USA
Club: Fulham
Position: Defender
Age: 28
The USA will be hoping for their best performance at a World Cup in several attempts, and Antonee Robinson will undoubtedly be one of the main reasons for any success they have.
Having shone for Fulham in recent years, the left-back has technical quality, has played at the highest level in the Premier League, and has the experience of going up against some of the top forwards in the world, week in, week out.
97 Daniel Munoz
Daniel Munoz and Edinson CavaniUeslei Marcelino via Reuters
Country: Colombia
Club: Crystal Palace
Position: Defender
Age: 30
Daniel Munoz will enter the first World Cup of his career as one of the most exciting right wing-backs in the world, on the back of making history with Crystal Palace in recent years.
His explosive style of play, bombing up and down the flank with determination and quality, is key at Selhurst Park, and will also be key for his nation, as they look to ruffle feathers and go one step further than they did at the 2024 Copa America.
Munoz was key in that tournament, playing every game before missing the final through suspension, and having experience of playing at the highest level will only help him to improve and shine.
96 Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)Geert Vanden Wijngaert via Reuters
Country: Belgium
Club: Napoli
Position: Midfield
Age: 34
Undoubtedly one of the most gifted footballers of his generation, Kevin De Bruyne has won everything there is to win at club level, but has never quite been able to get over the line with Belgium.
Now 34, the creative genius will have the chance to have an impact one more time on the biggest stage, and after an injury-hit campaign with Napoli, he will be hoping to be fresh to give his all and make history.
While he may not be the first name on the team sheet anymore, his undeniable quality means he can win games on his own. Indeed, he is still surrounded by quality and that could be the difference in tight games in the latter stages.
95 Son Heung-Min
Son Heung-minKim Soo-Hyeon via Reuters
Country: South Korea
Club: Los Angeles FC
Position: Forward
Age: 33
Arguably the greatest player in the history of South Korean football, Son Heung-min will have the chance to have one final blast at the highest level.
After leaving Tottenham to join Los Angeles FC last summer, the explosive forward has acclimatised to the conditions already, and with his big-game experience, lasting quality, and in-game intelligence, there are not many forwards better placed at this tournament to lead their country to glory.
He is able to play as a centre-forward or as a left-winger, and his clinical finishing means he only needs one chance to find the net. In a tournament where he will be an underdog in almost every game, that could be vital.
94 Johan Vasquez
Johan VazquezMolly Darlington via Reuters
Country: Mexico
Club: Genoa
Position: Defender
Age: 27
A captain for Genoa, Johan Vasquez is one of the leaders of the Mexico squad, taking the armband for his country on the odd occasion when other seasoned veterans are absent.
Vasquez was in the Mexico squad for the 2022 edition of the tournament, but he failed to get off the bench as Mexico crashed out at the group stage. The 27-year-old has developed into a more prominent figure since then, with his defensive nous proving crucial, so he'll be hoping to be a guaranteed starter in front of their home crowd this time round.
93 Abdukodir Khusanov
Abdukodir Khusanov in action during an Uzbekistan matchMaxim Shemetov Via Reuters
Country: Uzbekistan
Club: Manchester City
Position: Defender
Age: 22
Naming any Uzbekistan footballer would have been a thankless task at any pub quiz little more than 16 months ago. That's something that has changed for the Silk Road nation as of late, though, with Abdukodir Khusanov becoming a dependable asset to Pep Guardiola's Man City side since becoming the first-ever player from his nation to move to the Premier League in January 2025.
His arrival saw him make a dog's dinner of a debut, having been at fault for two Chelsea goals within the space of 10 minutes. But he has shown his resilience since, and he's as reliable as they come in English football.
92 Takefusa Kubo
Takefusa Kubo (Japan)Issei Kato via Reuters
Country: Japan
Club: Real Sociedad
Position: Winger
Age: 25
Japan may be heading into the World Cup as a dark horse to reach the latter stages, and star attacker Takefusa Kubo will have a major say in that if they do succeed.
The tricky winger has incredible speed, skilful feet and has played at the highest level for several years, having previously been at Real Madrid. The 24-year-old has previous experience playing at a World Cup too, but he's far better now, and will be a dangerous opponent.
Capable of playing across the forward line, his versatility will be important for manager Hajime Moriyasu as they look to be tactically flexible to find the best solutions to win.
91 Sadio Mane
Sadio Mane celebrates with SenegalSiphiwe Sibeko via Reuters
Country: Senegal
Club: Al-Nassr
Position: Forward
Age: 34
After being stripped of his AFCON title with Senegal following his teammates' decision to leave the pitch in protest against the referee during the final vs Morocco, Sadio Mane will be back with a vengeance. Well, sort of, since the former Liverpool and Bayern Munich winger doesn't seem to have a bad bone in his body.
Watching him at this summer's tournament, supporters will be quick to make note of the fact he's always wearing a smile as he still has pace to burn out on the left wing. He might not be as prolific as he once was, but his reputation for club and country will ensure he makes the headlines for good reason at some stage of the competition.