The World Cup figureheads: Stepping up on the biggest stage
KANE WELL ABLE: England's Harry Kane ahead of the international friendly match at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Pic: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire.
While he hardly caught the eye for West Ham, Edson Alvarez is Mexico’s key man. El Tri’s captain marshals the side in the middle of the park and provides the effective shield for the backline. The forward-thinking 28-year-old will also be the one to instigate attacks through the middle.-.
It wasn’t a great domestic season for Burnley striker Lyle Foster. The 25-year-old netted just three goals for the relegated Clarets. However, Foster proved his worth on the international stage at AFCON, where he scored two and laid on a further two assists across four appearances.
South Korea have a number of household names, but they’ll look to captain Son Heung-Min to provide inspiration on the frontline in North America. The LAFC star is yet to score in MLS this season, but does lead the way for assists with eight to his name.
Leading the charge for Czechia this summer is Bayer Leverkusen hitman Patrik Schick. The 30-year-old comes off a solid domestic season, where he struck 16 times in the Bundesliga, and if he can remain injury free, he’ll be Czechia’s best chance of progression to the knockout stages.
Alphonso Davies is arguably Canada’s star man. However, his fitness concerns mean there is more pressure than ever on Jonathan David to lead the Canucks charge. The 26-year-old endured a disappointing Serie A season, but is still his nation’s top scorer with 39 goals to his name.
Age is but a number of Edin Dzeko. The 40-year-old is expected to spearhead the Bosnia and Herzegovina attack this summer. He proved he’s still got it with six goals in 11 2.Bundesliga appearances following his January transfer, helping Schalke back to Germany’s top tier in the process.
Following failed spells in Belgium and Spain, Akram Afif returned to Al Sadd back in 2020 and, for all intents and purposes, has been lighting up the Qatari Stars League. Indeed, Afif has scored 80 goals in 100 appearances for The Boss, currently managed by Roberto Mancini.
With no Yann Sommer to call upon, the batten is passed to Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. The 28-year-old is hardly a downgrade on the legendary Swiss shotstopper, and makes for a fine safe pair of hands between the sticks. Switzerland will need him at his best across the pond.
Provided he’s fit, Neymar could prove to be Carlo Ancelotti’s ace up his sleeve. The Selecao’s record scorer was a surprise inclusion, but one that has sat well with players and fans alike. Time will tell whether Ancelotti made a mistake bringing the 34-year-old along for the ride.
Mohamed Ouahbi made a big call by overlooking Youssef En-Nesyri for the World Cup. It only adds to the pressure on Brahim Diaz to shine for the Atlas Lions. Diaz won the AFCON Golden Boot having struck five times for the tournament hosts, though he did fluff his lines from 12 yards in the final.
Only committed to Haiti back in March, and marked the occasion with a goal on his second appearance, that coming in a 1-1 draw with Iceland. The 25-year-old bagged six goals for the high-flying Black Cats in the Premier League last season. The top-flight experience will be key.
Napoli’s MVP from their title winning season, Scott McTominay proved his debut campaign in Naples wasn’t a flash in the pan. The midfielder netted 10 times in Serie A last season. It wasn’t enough to land the Scudetto, but further proof McTominay’s able to bag the goals when it matters.
The pressure on Captain America this summer is huge. Christian Pulisic, though, is one who thrives with the burden. A hometown World Cup means the potential for a slip up rises exponentially. Conversely, Pulisic proved for AC Milan he can shoulder the responsibility when needs must.
While he was unable to set Ligue 1 alight for Strasbourg, Julio Enciso is still recognised as Paraguay’s primary gamechanger. The 22-year-old is capable of turning games on their head in the blink of eye, be it through his impressive vision or his explosive pace.
One of the elder statesmen in this Australia squad, the Socceroos will look to Jackson Irvine’s experience across the pond this summer. The St. Pauli midfielder is a relentless presser who’ll be key to disrupting opposition play in North America. His performances could determine whether Australia sink or swim.
Turkey boss Vincenzo Montella has a number of effective young attackers to call upon. Kenan Yildiz may well be the pick of the bunch. The Juventus man has his elite level suitors across Europe, and he’ll seek to showcase why this summer, so much so that perennial tournament dark horses Turkey could live up to the tag.
Nick Woltemade was previously first-choice frontman for Germany. However, a fully-fit Kai Havertz is expected start for Die Mannschaft. Havertz gave a timely reminder of his goalscoring quality in the Champions League final, and is now set to lead Germany in North America.
Only switched his national allegiance to Curacao last August yet has already made an impression for the Caribbean nation. Indeed, Chong has scored three goals in just five appearances, including a brace in a huge 3-2 win over Bermuda in World Cup qualification in September.
Ivory Coast have a raft of attacking stars to utilise. They need an effective ball-winner to ensure they can thrive in North America. This is where Ibrahim Sangare comes into his own. The Nottingham Forest midfield star offers that safety net that means the Elephants can wreak havoc in the final third.
The best defence is a good defence as far as Ecuador are concerned. They conceded just five goals across 18 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying matches. Their watertight backline will again be key this summer, with Arsenal’s defender Piero Hincapie the stand out for La Tri.
Cody Gakpo may have endured a sub-par domestic campaign, yet he’s been the Netherlands’ top scorer at their last two tournaments. The Liverpool man is backed to make it three from three for the Oranje. He does, after all, come alive for the national team when it matters most.
Born in the US to a Ghanaian father and a Japanese mother, Zion Suzuki and his family later settled in Japan. It’s just as well, too, with the 23-year-old first choice between the sticks for the Samurai Blue. The Parma shotstopper have a glimpse of his talent during Japan’s win over England in March.
Victor Lindelof’s free move to Aston Villa flew under the radar. However, he came up trumps when required, filling in for Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana in their successful Europa League campaign. He’ll take confidence from a solid 2025-26 showing as Sweden look to make an impact. Arsenal's Victor Gyokeres usually shines in yellow too.
The only Tunisia player with Champions League experience, Ellyes Skhiri is the one that the African nation will look to for inspiration this summer. In a crunch position, Skhiri’s European know-how should prove vital as Tunisia seek to spring an upset in Group F.
Belgium aren’t of the same level as the 2018 Golden Generation, but they still have the personnel to hurt opponents on their day. Kevin De Bruyne is still knocking about, yet it’s Aston Villa star and Red Devils skipper Youri Tielemans that will set the tempo for Rudi Garcia’s men across the pond.
After AFCON heartbreak, Mohamed Salah will hope to bow out from international football on a high at the World Cup. It’s time for the Egyptian King to step aside and allow the nation’s prince - Omar Marmoush - the chance to shoulder the expectations of the Pharaohs.
Won’t match Ali Daei’s goalscoring exploits, but a return of 60 goals in 104 Iran appearances isn’t to be scoffed at. Taremi is the leading light for Team Melli, and the striker is the one that this squad will turn to as they seek to progress from a relatively open group.
In a squad devoid of top-tier talent, Chris Wood is the stand out for New Zealand. The top scorer in the nation’s history, New Zealand need the Nottingham Forest striker to be fit and firing if they are to, in all likelihood, join Belgium in the round-of-32.
Having shone for Spain at Euro 2024, the stage is set for Lamine Yamal to really announce himself to the world. The teenager is carrying a knock heading into the summer showpiece but should be fine to shine for La Roja. He’s part of a talented Spain that may just go the distance.
Cape Verde’s most-capped player and captain is set to spearhead the Blue Sharks at their first ever World Cup. Ryan Mendes, who is also their top scorer, is likely to feature at his first, and probably last, World Cup of his career, and he’ll want to end his career on a high.
Salem Al-Dawsari is Saudi Arabia’s undisputed star, but Saud Abdulhamid is the one who brings European experience to the squad. The 26-year-old played a bit-part role in Lens’ flying domestic campaign, starting 14 times, and a willingness to drive up the right means he’ll pose a threat to any opponent.
The key player of this Uruguay side. Federico Valverde is vital to the way La Celeste play, and the vice-captain’s influence under Marcelo Bielsa will be crucial this summer. Both defensively and offensively, Valverde’s form in North America will determine how far Uruguay progress.
Didier Deschamps has a raft of attacking talent to utilise, but perhaps the most important is Michael Olise. The Bayern star was exceptional for the German giants last season, scoring 15 and laying on an additional 19 assists in the Bundesliga. If he’s on form, then France have a great chance at lifting the World Cup for the third time.
: Sadio Mane is Senegal’s star attraction, and the focus on the former Liverpool man could well benefit Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr. The 28-year-old enjoyed another commendable campaign for the Eagles, scoring seven times on their way to UEFA Conference League success.
Al-Karma frontman Aymen Hussein is set to carry the hopes of the nation for the 2026 World Cup. In arguably the toughest group at the World Cup, Iraq will look to the 30-year-old to upset the odds in Group I. Hussein has 33 international goals to his name, so one to keep an eye on.
The Premier League’s Golden Boot winner, Erling Haaland is a player set to shine on the grand stage. The 26-year-old struck 16 times in World Cup qualifying, including a five-goal haul against Moldova. The Manchester City hitman ended the season with a five-goal league run.
Having inspired Argentina to World Cup success in Qatar in 2022, there will be plenty of eyes on Lionel Messi again this time around. This is likely to be Messi’s swansong on the international stage, and he’ll want to call time as a defending world champion.
One Zidane will make the trip stateside this summer, but for Algeria rather than France. Luca Zidane, son of the legendary Zinedine, is first choice between the sticks for the Fennecs, and he’ll seek to make an impact on the grand stage. He’d love nothing more than to emulate Algerian legend Raïs M'Bolhi.
A wildcard pick for Austria, Borussia Dormund attacker Carney Chukwuemeka switched allegiance in March this year, and has already gone some way to consolidating a starting spot for the Eagles. Still just 22 years or age, he’s a player of immense promise. Now’s the time to show it.
In a Jordan squad with a lack of star-power, Rennes forward Mousa Al-Tamari is arguably the pick of bunch. The 28-year-old scored six times and provided an additional six assists in Ligue 1 last season. Able to play a number of roles, Al-Tamari can be expected to start from the right this summer.
Forget Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes will be the man to make Portugal tick this summer. The Manchester United midfielder ranked top for a number of creative metrics in the Premier League last season, including setting the assist record (21) in a single campaign.
DR Congo is a nation brimming with attacking talent. As such, they need a player to provide an effective defensive shield. Noah Sadiki ticks that box and then some. The 21-year-old enjoyed a stunning debut season at Sunderland, so much so that a high-profile summer transfer is rumoured.
Injuries to Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias saw Abdukodir Khusanov thrown in at the deep end for Manchester City last season. The Uzbek tank swam rather than sunk, however. A key player for the Cityzens, Khusanov’s defensive qualities will be put to the test in Uzbekistan’s debut World Cup.
Enjoyed a stunning debut season with Bayern Munich, scoring 15 times and providing an additional 14 assists. Colombia are hoping he can transfer his flying club form to country. After all, the 29-year-old is the South American side’s most influential attacker.
After another stunning season in Germany, England’s chances of a first success since 1966 rest upon the shoulders of captain Harry Kane. He’s a striker who thrives with the pressure, however. Kane netted 36 league goals last season and the Three Lions’ record scorer is out to fire England to international glory.
The man defying father time. Luka Modric is continuing to prove that age is but a number. Even at 40 years of age, Modric is dictating play with the same elegance as a midfielder 10 years his junior. The Croatia captain is again set for another starring role.
In the absence of Mohammed Kudus, Ghana are pinning their hopes of progression on Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo. He’s the poster boy for the Black Stars and having enjoyed another impressive domestic season, Ghana will expect a similar level of consistency at the World Cup.
Many view Panama as the Group L whipping boys, and it’ll be up to the likes of Adalberto Carrasquilla to prove otherwise. The 27-year-old’s line-breaking passes should pry apart unsuspecting defences. And with Panama expected to see little of the ball, Carrasquilla’s energy is also vital.
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