Sports
Top 100 Players at the FIFA World Cup 2026
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
Gary Neville and Roy Keane have joined fellow ITV pundit Ian Wright in condemning the decision not to allow referee Omar Artan into the USA for the 2026 World Cup.
Artan, known as the ‘best referee in Africa’, was interrogated upon his arrival in the States before being turned away. The White House claimed they believed the official had ties to a terrorist group, which is why they didn’t allow him to enter the country.
However, the US and FIFA have received strong backlash for the decision, including from Wright on social media. Football’s governing body released a statement, confirming they would not get involved with the issue, and Artan would indeed be absent from the competition.
Gary Neville Slams ‘Ridiculous’ Visa Debacle
Speaking on ITV’s coverage of the opening game between Mexico and South Africa, Neville was asked about the ongoing controversy that had preceded the tournament’s kick-off. Not only with Artan, but also the situation involving Iran.
“We have seen it in Russia, we have seen it in Qatar and now we are seeing it in America, which has got the visa issues, obviously, for the referee,” the retired England footballer said.
Neville then continued, saying that ‘common sense has prevailed’ regarding Iran being allowed to play their matches in the US, even if they must train in Mexico, but was baffled FIFA didn’t insist on their referees all being allowed in the country. He ranted:
“Fans are obviously having issues getting into the country, the Iranian team it looks like common sense has mainly prevailed with them and they are now able to travel – even though they are not in this country but they are in Mexico.
“We have to get referees in that are obviously FIFA officials, I don’t know why FIFA haven’t been stronger on that issue.”
“To me it is ridiculous the fact the referee is not able to come into this country. He is a FIFA referee, he is basically someone who has been lauded as being one of the very best.”
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The ex-Manchester United defender believes the host nations should allow their countries to be ‘given over’ to visitors for the World Cup. He added:
“You have got that statue over your shoulder, the Statue of Liberty. I don’t think he’ll be feeling that right now. He is being celebrated like a hero in his own country and rightly so.
“When you host a World Cup, you are effectively giving over your land to the world of football for four to five to six weeks. We need tolerance and people who can accept that everybody comes from a different part of the world and that’s not happened here.”
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Roy Keane Agrees With Colleagues on World Cup Issues
Following Neville’s full comments on the issue, Wright once again reiterated that he’s firmly against what has been happening off the pitch. Keane was the last one to give his view, but he agreed with his colleagues.
The Irishman said: “We shouldn’t shy away from the problems that are facing officials, supporters and teams. Once the game gets underway today and the ceremony starts, hopefully it will all be positive from there onwards.”
Keane is hoping for attention to now turn to matters on the pitch, just as many watching from home or the stands will be too.
Liverpool are set to battle it out with their rivals Manchester United for the signature of an impressive midfielder this summer, according to reports from TuttoJuve.
The Reds could be set for some changes in the middle of the park, with Curtis Jones expected to leave as he enters the final year of his deal, while Alexis Mac Allister is also linked with an exit.
Attention then turns towards incoming players and possible replacements, as Adam Wharton and Alex Scott have been linked with a potential move to Anfield.
However, there is a fresh option on the cards for Liverpool, with a French international now on the club’s radar for the summer.
Liverpool Want Khephren Thuram
Reports from Italian outlet TuttoJuve claim that Liverpool are eyeing a move for Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram this summer, who could be on the market.
The Merseyside outfit could be set to battle it out with their rivals Manchester United, though, as they are also listed as a team with interest in the 25-year-old.
Thuram has been a regular for Juventus ever since he made the move from OGC Nice in 2024, making just shy of 100 appearances for the Bianconeri in that time.
His availability on the market for a bargain, relative to others being touted with a move to the Premier League, could make the midfielder an attractive option.
Juventus are yet to set a price tag for a possible exit, but discussions in the €45-50 million (£38.8-43.1 million) range could tempt a move for the star.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool could jump at that offer, which may make Thuram the second French international on the radar this summer, while the Reds continue to pursue a move for Bradley Barcola.
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Thuram Would Add Quality
If Liverpool were to make a move for Thuram, then it would add some serious quality into the midfield that may be needed heading into next season.
It’s clear that the Reds need extra energy in the middle, and with the potential exits of Jones and Mac Allister, both quality and depth will be required.
Thuram has been described as “spectacular” since joining Juventus, largely playing in a deep-lying role in the midfield ranks for the Serie A club.
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At six-foot-four-inches tall, he has the build of someone ready to compete in the Premier League, along with the age profile that would see him spend his peak years in the division.
Throw a reasonable transfer fee into the mix, and it appears to be a deal that would clearly suit Liverpool in the current market conditions.
Manchester United still have plenty of alternatives to pivot to in their search for a new defensive midfielder this summer. Michael Carrick is hoping to build on the success he managed at Old Trafford during his interim spell now that he is the permanent boss, but he knows the level of his squad needs to improve.
While the Red Devils wound up cruising to a third-place finish, fresh talent is going to have to be added if they have any hope of catching Arsenal and Manchester City, who look to be in a league of their own as far as the Premier League goes.
One area United have little choice but to add to this summer is the defensive midfield, with Casemiro having packed his bags and departed Old Trafford. But it is an extremely costly area to invest in, and deals are not easy to reach. Fortunately for United, it looks as though they have options.
Man Utd might struggle to land Anderson
United have been heavily linked with Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson this summer, with the midfielder clearly on track for a big move following a superb campaign. But a number of clubs are said to be interested, and according to GIVEMESPORT’s senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs, that could see the Red Devils go elsewhere, with West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, a more offensive Alex Scott and Brighton’s holding midfielder Carlos Baleba also being considered.
Jacobs posted on X: “Manchester United view Elliot Anderson as a dream target, but they won’t get sucked into a bidding war, especially without player buy-in first. Cost of deal, plus a feeling Anderson favours #MCFC mean Manchester United are advancing on other targets as of now. Mateus Fernandes remains one to watch with talks underway on player side. Bournemouth will speak to Alex Scott further on his future soon and value him at around £80m. Carlos Baleba on Manchester United’s list as well.”
Baleba remains an option for Manchester United
Baleba, likely to cost at least £70million this summer, is just the latest smart Brighton signing to have gone from strength-to-strength at the Amex Stadium. The Cameroon international has proven a worthy successor to Moises Caicedo, and he played a pivotal role in helping the Seagulls to European qualification, playing in 31 of the 38 Premier League games.
The midfielder, described as a ‘monster’, is still only 22 years of age, and he has already been described as a ‘great player’ by Brighton boss Fabian Hurzuler, who said back in 2024: “I think he’s a great player, he’s developing and improving fast and he’s adapting to the ideas very quickly. He understands it and as I have always said he has so much potential. When we go into detail there’s so many things where you can improve, and our job is to help him and to give him this environment.”
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England World Cup Quiz
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A combative midfielder with plenty of potential is what United are after this summer, and they would clearly prefer a player with Premier League experience – a style of recruitment that has led them well in the last year.
But Brighton are notoriously difficult to do business with, and their qualification for Europe will not help. A reported asking price of between £80million and £100million has been floated, although there are going to be very few viable options for less than £80million this summer.
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