The biggest World Cup in history
The 2026 World Cup brings together over 1,200 players across 48 nations, the largest player pool in tournament history. The expanded format means more squad depth, more tactical variety and more opportunity for emerging talent to share the stage with established names.
Players to watch at the 2026 World Cup
Erling Haaland heads into his first World Cup with Norway after a dominant qualifying campaign of 37 goals. Kylian Mbappé captains a France side targeting back-to-back titles, while Mohamed Salah leads Egypt at a World Cup for the first time since 2018. Kevin De Bruyne anchors Belgium's midfield in what could be his final major tournament, and Son Heung-min carries South Korea's attacking threat in Group A.
Final and farewell World Cups
The 2026 tournament is expected to be the last World Cup for several of football's defining players. Lionel Messi at 38 and Cristiano Ronaldo at 41 headline the farewell generation, with Luka Modrić, Edin Džeko and Riyad Mahrez among the experienced names likely appearing at their final tournament. Their presence shapes the tournament narrative whether they advance or not. Every group fixture becomes a potential farewell, and any knockout exit carries the weight of a final chapter.
