Every World Cup launches new stars, and 2026 will be no exception. Alongside the farewells of Messi and Ronaldo, the tournament in North America will be the showcase for a generation of young talent that is already changing football. Lamine Yamal, Estevao, Endrick and many others arrive at the World Cup with the ambition of becoming the stars of the next decade. Here are the players to watch, match after match, from the legends saying goodbye to the youngsters ready to take over.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the last dance

Messi and Ronaldo are both playing their sixth World Cup, a record no player had ever reached before them. Messi, 39, returns as defending champion with Argentina, chasing the feat of back-to-back titles. Ronaldo, 41, has said clearly that 2026 will be his last World Cup: it is his final chance to win the one trophy missing from his career. Both will captain their countries, and every match they play will be watched by hundreds of millions of people. The 2026 World Cup is the end of an era, and nobody knows whether we will ever see two players like them again.

Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, the duel for the future

If Messi and Ronaldo are the past, Mbappé and Haaland are the present and the future. Mbappé, world champion at 19 in 2018 and runner-up in 2022, leads France as the most complete forward of his generation: pace, finishing and experience of the biggest nights. Haaland, at his first major tournament with Norway, arrives with 16 goals in qualifying and a reputation as the most lethal striker in world football. Their head-to-head in Group I, France against Norway, is one of the most awaited matches of the tournament.

Lamine Yamal, the teenage phenomenon

Lamine Yamal is the most awaited young player at World Cup 2026. At just 18, the Barcelona winger was already decisive at Euro 2024, where he won the tournament with Spain and became the youngest goalscorer in the competition's history. Dribbling, vision and a maturity far beyond his age: Yamal is the symbol of the new Spain, among the favourites for the title. At 18, he is already the player opponents study most when they prepare to face Spain. If Spain win the World Cup, it will be his World Cup too.

The next wave: Musiala, Wirtz, Bellingham and Estevao

They are no longer teenagers, but Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz and Jude Bellingham arrive at World Cup 2026 at the best moment of their careers. Musiala and Wirtz lead Germany's rebirth, with a technical quality few in the world possess. Bellingham, the future captain of England, is a complete midfielder who scores, defends and drags his team forward. Brazil, meanwhile, bring Estevao and Endrick, two young forwards who make their fans dream. For all of them, this is the tournament of final consecration.

The surprises: young stars from the outsiders

World Cups are also the stage for surprises. Norway bring youngsters like Antonio Nusa, a fast and unpredictable winger, alongside Haaland. Argentina have Julian Alvarez, already decisive, and youngsters like Valentin Carboni ready to explode. Morocco, after fourth place in 2022, have a new generation of talent developed in Europe. And Japan bring a young, organised squad full of players from the best leagues. In a 48-team tournament with tight schedules, the freshness of young legs can make the difference in the final rounds.

How to watch the stars

To follow the stars of World Cup 2026, look beyond the goals: watch the movement off the ball, the ability to handle pressure and the personality in difficult moments. Stars are recognised not only by their goals, but by how they change matches. Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappé, Haaland and Yamal will play their matches in front of the whole world: the stage is set, and it is up to them to take it.